A Custom Italian Stiletto Is Ellie’s ‘The Last of Us’ EDC Knife of Choice. Here Are 4 Just Like It

It took two years, but The Last of Us — based on the Naughty Dog video game series of the same name — is finally back on TV. The big hit prop from the new season is undoubtedly the same jacket Pedro Pascal donned in the first season.

However, another significant prop has also returned, albeit with a much larger role (one that’s likely to grow as the series progresses). In the Season 2 premiere, Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey) goes nowhere without her signature knife, proving that EDC is still a valuable concept, even in an apocalypse.

But there’s great news: You need not wait for an apocalypse to get your own similar blade.

Warner Bros. Discovery

A knife like no other

Let’s start with the bad news: The knife that appears in The Last of Us does not appear to be an actual production model. With its wood handle and white inlays, its a replica of the knife that appears in the video game series the show is based upon.

That said, it bears the hallmarks of a knife style that has existed for decades: the Italian stiletto. Based on fixed-blade knives that date back to the 15th century, Italian-style stiletto switchblades were first popularized in the post-WWII era.

Traditionally, these knives have dagger-style blades, slender handles, bolsters complete with (often s-shaped) crossguards and automatic deployment mechanisms. Ellie’s knife is no exception, even if it doesn’t actually exist.

Luckily, its similarity to existing knives mean it’s not too difficult to find similarly appointed and styled knives from reputable knifemakers.

Naughty Dog

Italian Stilettos similar to Ellie’s

As mentioned, the knife in The Last of Us is a replica of the one from the game, and it’s not a production model. However, there are several similar production knives currently available for purchase. Here are the best ones you can buy across several price points right now.

Böker

Böker Magnum Italian Classic Small

Measuring 7.625 inches in total, this Böker is on the smaller side for Italian-style stiletto knives. However, that makes it a much more viable knife for EDC, as does its spring-assisted flipper opening (which also makes it more legal in more places). Its 440A stainless steel is affordable yet serviceable, and it has beautiful rosewood handle scales.

• $30 at Blade HQ
• $31 at Böker

Knifeshop

SKM Picklock

Due to its pick lock mechanism (a manual locking tab), this knife is the most mechanically similar to Ellie’s knife in The Last of Us. Unfortunately, a wood-handled version is unavailable, so this one has a buffalo horn handle. It’s also a bit shorter at 7 inches. However, it still has a dagger-style 440A blade and an S-shaped ricasso bolster. It’s also made in Italy, lending it some additional authenticity.

• $68 at Knifeshop

Knifeshop

AKC X-treme Shadow

At 11.0 inches in length, this AKC X-treme stiletto is the most similar to the size and silhouette of Ellie’s The Last of Us knife. It’s made with a mirrored 440C steel dagger blade measuring 4.53 inches long. It’s mated to a gorgeous snakewood handle. Most interestingly, the deployment mechanism of this knife is hidden in the bolster, giving it a more streamlined appearance. An upward slide of the bolster releases and deploys the blade swiftly.

• $78 at Knifeshop
  $129 (40% off)

PVK

Frank B Italian Stiletto

By far the most premium option on our list, this stiletto comes from Frank Beltrame Knives, one of the most respected makers of this knife style. This automatic knife has a 4.75-inch 440C dagger blade, a red heart wood handle, and a pick lock mechanism. It’s also one of the larger options, measuring 10.75 inches in total.

• $222 at PVK

Warner Bros. Discovery

A note on replicas and legality

The Last of Us is a highly popular property, and it has been since the first game came out in 2013. As such, prop replicas made to look like Ellie’s knife are available online (including on retailers like Etsy). It’s important to note that prop replicas are not necessarily functional knives.

Some are made only from 3D-printed plastic, while others are perhaps a bit more convincing, but they’re decidedly non-functional as actual EDC knives. Unless these knives are made by reputable knifemakers, trying to utilize them as a part of your EDC could be downright dangerous.

Furthermore, even well-made knives come with their own risks and restrictions. Switchblades are among the most regulated knife categories in the world, and they’re completely forbidden in some places.

Before you ever buy an automatic knife, let alone a switchblade, ensure you are well-read on the laws in your place of residence. Never assume you can skirt the law and get away with carrying a restricted knife; you could be subject to fines, arrest and even imprisonment, depending on the circumstances.

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