Spanish Navaja

[tallpine]

Just finished this one, don't know if this fits into the scope of the forum but the timeline is correct, they date to the late 16th century when folding knives became fashionable as laws changed to restrict the use of swords outside of Spanish nobility. Some of these folders were known to be up to 24 inches long. They originated in Spain but French cutlers of the time produced many Navajas for export, so I guess it is not out of the realm of possibility that the very formidable Navaja found its way to early America.

I have several in my collection but no large ones so I wanted to try building one, This is my interpretation of the Spanish navaja fighting knife. OAL 19 inches, blade 9 inches with the traditional ratchet lock. Thanks for letting me share, Dan

 

[ZUG]

Very interesting folder - never saw one before. Thanks for showing it. -- P.S. -- nice done by the way

 

[Dale Lilly]

Beautiful work .. new knife style to me. Polecat

 

[mistaken]

How do I get one

 

[user 48679]

How do I get one

Why, from Tallpine, of course...

 

[Loja man]

Very well executed Dan!!! What’s your handle material between the brass?
I have thought of trying a Barlow style folder but decided to wait!;-) You posted an antler friction folder a while back that got me thinking. May have to try one of those!!

 

[Loja man]

Always enjoy seeing your work! How long have you been forging?

 

[Hermit Tim]

Never heard of such. Thanks for sharing. Very nicely done.

 

[tallpine]

The handle scales are persimmon, first time I had worked with it. Super hard and looks like smooth aged bone when finished, nice stuff to work with. Been beating on hot iron for around thirty years

Very well executed Dan!!! What’s your handle material between the brass?
I have thought of trying a Barlow style folder but decided to wait!;-) You posted an antler friction folder a while back that got me thinking. May have to try one of those!!

 

[BillinOregon]

It's just exquisite in every way!

 

[French Colonial]

First picture a couple of Navaja's
Second picture which I find very interesting is from Nuemann's illustrated collectors guide to American Revolution.

 

[Loja man]

The handle scales are persimmon, first time I had worked with it. Super hard and looks like smooth aged bone when finished, nice stuff to work with. Been beating on hot iron for around thirty years

The only reference I have to persimmon is a quote from a Louis LaMoure book about persimmon beer!! LOL!! Very cool! When I saw it I knew it wasn’t bone, something was just a little off, but had no idea as to what it was.
You’re 30 years in the trade show!! I am always inspired to go work in the forge after seeing one of your knifes!!
Aaron