Neapolitan Sfarziglia or sfarsiglia knife of Camorra

Allow me to present the sfarziglia (also spelled sfarsiglia) — the legendary knife of the Neapolitan Camorra in the 19th century. These knives were specifically designed for ritual duels between members of the Camorra. Such duels served to resolve internal conflicts as well as to determine hierarchical status and career advancement. For example, a camorrista aspiring to the position of capo-società had to participate in 12 duels and wound at least three opponents.

Sfarziglia knives were carried in specially sewn trouser pockets running along the leg. To allow for comfortable concealed carry, they were made extremely flat, without handle scales. The blade length sometimes reached up to 50 cm.

This particular knife could have belonged to a high-ranking and influential member of the Camorra — as indicated by two traditional Camorra symbols engraved on the blade. The first is the asso di bastoni, also known as asso di mazzo (or asso e mazze) — derived from tarot cards, it symbolizes power, authority, and dominance in both the Neapolitan Camorra and the Sicilian Mafia. The second is a hallmark Camorra emblem: a snake piercing a heart with its fang. These are traditional historical engravings found on authentic 19th-century Camorra knives.

Full length (opened): 420mm

Blade dimensions: 178 x 19 x 3,7mm. Hardened to 60-61mm.

Spring: German 1.4034 st. steel. A long, complex spring in the French style. The French weapon-making tradition had a significant influence on the knives of Naples and Sicily, especially in the design of springs. Many of the Camorra’s in-house gunsmiths were former armorers of the Bourbon army. Selective hardening.

Liners: To minimize the weight of the knife, I reduced the thickness of the liners to 1.5 mm. In order not to weaken the knife’s critical structural points (such as the pivot), and to protect the thin liners from deformation, I hardened them to 40–42 HRC. For additional reinforcement, I increased the blade pivot thickness from the standard 3 mm to 5 mm.

The knife’s shape is copied from an original 19th-century Camorra sfarziglia.

Deep engravings.

Very light for its length - just 177 gr.