BILLAO

Fox Knives' reinterpretation of the famous Billao knife is a tribute to the traditional knife of the official equipment of the Police of Italian Africa (PAI). Fox Knives wanted to maintain the historical consistency and authentic aesthetics of the original knife while making improvements to impart sturdiness through new manufacturing technology.

The PAI (Police of Italian Africa) was established in 1936 as the Colonial Police Corps. It was responsible for security and public order in the territory of Libya, the Italian governorate in Ethiopia and the colonies of AOI (Italian East Africa). It was the first armed force in Italy to be dependent on a civilian ministry, initially the Ministry of Colonies and later the Ministry of Italian Africa.
The PAI corps was composed of Italian officers, non-commissioned officers and agents, as well as locally recruited police áscari. It was organized into seven battalions, each named after one of the great Italian explorers of Africa: "Cecchi," "Duca degli Abruzzi," "Giulietti," "Ruspoli," "Casati," "Bottego," and "Gessi." The organization included two General Inspectorates, one in Tripoli and one in Addis Ababa. On the African territory, the PAI had questuras in major cities such as Tripoli, Benghazi, Asmara, Addis Ababa, Mogadishu and Gondar, as well as numerous commissariats and stations.
The uniform of Italian PAI personnel varied according to the seasons: khaki for winter and white for summer. On the lapel of the jacket were fascetti littori and on the beret or colonial helmet was the Corps' frieze, depicting an eagle with spread wings, Savoy shield on the chest and Savoy knot between the talons. Police áscars had a distinctive uniform with tachia sash and bow and Savoy blue tarbush. Gold Savoy knots were embroidered on the collar of the áscari uniform instead of the Italian personnel's lictor bands. Badges of rank and specialty badges (such as Viceregal Squadron, Police Bands, Port Police, Traffic Police, Musical Corps) were marked with Savoy blue triangles.
PAI commanders included General Riccardo Maraffa (1937-1943), General Quirino Armellini (1943) and Major General Umberto Presti (1943-1944).
The "Blue Lancers" of the Viceroyal Squadron had a distinctive uniform, with a blue Savoy tarbush and a black feather, wrapped in a blue silk turban. The cuffs and farmula were also blue.
The PAI played a significant role during the Italian colonial period in Africa, both in maintaining law and order and in handling administrative and judicial matters.

The traditional Billao knife, like that of Fox Knives, has a leaf-shaped blade and a three-pronged handle pommel, with the center point formed by the protrusion of the blade tang. The handle is made of buffalo horn, a traditional material that adds authenticity to the design. The sheath is made of leather and has loops and strings that allow it to be attached to the hips. It is specially designed to accommodate both the handle and the hilt, maintaining the practicality and originality of the Billao knife.

In addition to care in aesthetics, Fox Knives has worked to ensure solidity for the reinterpreted knife: the satin-finished N690Co blade and handle are of high quality and resistant to everyday stresses. This combination of historical authenticity and modern durability makes the Billao by Fox Knives an item appreciated by knife enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

A tribute to the past of the Italian Weaponry to preserve tradition and legacy.