Who was the inventor of the switch blade?

The invention of the switchblade is often attributed to various makers in the early 20th century, but one of the earliest patents for a spring-loaded knife was filed in 1910 by an Italian named Giovanni Civille. However, the concept of automatic knives has roots that date back much earlier, with various cultures creating similar mechanisms. The switchblade gained popularity in the United States in the mid-20th century, particularly among youth and in popular culture.