Spanish large folding knife with a long blade. Spaniard's folding knife
In addition to the fact that existing knives may differ in their functional purpose, they may also have a different history. Many types of knives belong to a specific culture and country. That is, each type of knife has its own history of origin, which originates in a certain place. Spain also has its own type of knives, which is the heritage of this country and its symbol. Spaniard's folding knife called Navaja, this type of knife was invented in Spain and it is with this country that it is associated. These knives have a very interesting history of origin.
Spanish knives were created a long time ago, during a period when people of non-aristocratic origin were prohibited from carrying edged weapons. That is why folding knives were created, which are simple Hispanic could carry it with him without fear of punishment. Thanks to this type of knives, ordinary Spaniards could protect themselves from robbers; accordingly, the crime rate in the country decreased significantly, which is why the Spanish people are very kind to the Navajos. Despite the similar design, all Spanish knives may differ in various respects, in particular:
- length of blade and handle;
- overall size;
- shape;
- manufacturer;
- material of manufacture.
Design features of folding Spanish knives
Because the spanish folding knives were invented quite a long time ago; initially they had a very simple design. Moreover, the handle of the first knives was often made from a single piece of horn; the Navaja blade had a leaf-like shape. Now the technology for manufacturing such knives has changed significantly, but they are still subject to a number of specific requirements that manufacturers must adhere to. The classic version of such a knife is considered to be a model with a leaf-shaped blade and a handle that has a curved shape and tapers towards the end. In addition to the classic shape of the knife, there are quite a few options for making the navaja and they differ primarily in the places where the models are created. That is, each region of Spain is characterized by a certain knife shape.
It is worth noting that exactly large Spanish folding knife may be called navaja, since this type of knife is characterized by the maximum dimensions that can be found in folding knives. When opened, the length of this type of knife often exceeds 45 centimeters; moreover, there are Navaja models that reached a length of 185 centimeters. Thanks to these sizes, folding Spanish knives can be used for various purposes, in particular for self-defense, household tasks, hunting, and so on.
Just like any other knives, Navajas are made from heavy-duty and durable materials. The blade of such knives is made of stainless and hardened steel; as for the handle, it can be made of any material. To make the handle of this type of knife, heavy-duty plastic, metal, wood, ivory, and so on are most often used. Navajos can also differ in the type of lock; moreover, every year new options for fixing the blade in Spanish knives appear.
The shape of Spanish folding knives can be absolutely any; there are several main types of blade of such knives:
- leaf-shaped;
- leaf-shaped elongated;
- oxtongue;
- albacete;
- bandolero.
That is, the blades of knives most often have exactly this shape, but the handle can be absolutely any and most often its design is influenced by the type of lock and the features of the knife itself.
Spanish Navaja knife (navaja) is a famous Andalusian folding knife with a blade hidden in a handle that tapers and curves towards the end. The handle of the Navaja was originally made with overlays from the horns of artiodactyls, which is why it has such a characteristic curved shape.
The production of classic Navaja has always been exclusively handmade; now Navaja folding knives are made in small manufactories. The quality of assembly and fit of the Navaja is good, but due to the fact that all the fasteners - handle, axial rod, etc. - are rivets, the Navaja, unlike knives assembled with screws, cannot be repaired.
The Spanish Navaja unfolds and folds with two hands. This is a feature of the castle, which remains unchanged throughout the centuries. The locking mechanism is simple, reliable and is a kind of progenitor of the back-locka. The blade is held by the tooth by a powerful external spring in the form of a rocker arm. Pulling the arm of this rocker to open/close the knife is carried out either by an attached ring, or by a more complex lever mechanism. A real Spanish Navaja will not leave anyone indifferent!
It’s easy to buy the legendary Navaja knives Martinez Albainox, Exposito, Joker, JJ on the site. Martinez, Celaya and other famous manufactories.
You can buy an original Navajo knife in Moscow in our store website. Sale of Spanish navajas wholesale and retail! Only our store presents original Spanish knives. Beware of fakes of dubious quality.
Navaja is a famous Spanish knife. In its appearance and purpose, it is a large folding knife that was used in combat or served for everyday needs. Large folding knives appeared in Spain after the authorities banned ordinary people from carrying long knives, equating them to edged weapons. After this ban, people, always ready for ingenious inventions, came up with the idea of creating folding knives.
A characteristic element of such knives is a bend at the end, which sometimes takes on a rather bizarre and pointed shape. Navaja knives were very popular in the old days and are still popular today. Such weapons are often purchased as souvenirs or gifts, as well as by collectors of bladed weapons. It is worth noting that anyone can buy navaja in an online store in order to decorate their home or make an unusual gift.
Currently, Navaja knives with characteristic shapes are divided into three types. There are traditional Navajas, which are made according to the patterns of the past. There are also knives that have an old-fashioned folding mechanism that looks like a ring at the fold. There are also ordinary folding knives, with navaja stylization, that is, with the characteristic features of the blade, as well as with a curved and pointed tip of the handle.
In ancient times, the Spanish Navaja was considered a combat knife. It is from the Navaja that all the folding knives that subsequently appeared and became popular in the world trace their ancestry. The Spaniards not only invented the system and mechanism for folding the handle and blade, but also came up with a system of knife fighting and all the basic techniques using a knife, which form the basis of knife fighting in modern combat systems. Spanish Navajos in Moscow today look exactly the same as in ancient times, and can become an excellent collector's item for you or your friends. The sizes of the navaja differed depending on the purpose. The usual length of the blade of such a weapon is 45 cm, but there were also navajas that, when opened, reached a meter in length. Navajos are also known who reached 185 centimeters! The huge knives were called navajons and were created specifically so that Spanish fighters could resist an enemy armed with long-bladed weapons.
In knifemaking, as in any other, there are a number of knives that, by their existence, laid the foundation for new trends, hitherto unknown, which have since taken root in modern times. One such example is navaja knife. Its essence and manner of use are easy to imagine, you just need to mention that it is . What is Spain? - This is the hot temper of the local residents, seasoned and enhanced by wine and abundant sunshine, authentic, incomparable dances. It seems that the Spaniards do everything while dancing: they walk down the street playing castanets, fight bulls in bullfights, and even die falling in a fencing fight with navaha in hand. It was this knife that became most popular in different strata of Spanish medieval society, and its modernized versions are still alive.
Spanish Navaja: features and excursion into history
This specimen became the prototype and progenitor of all modern folding tactical knives. What was it like back in the 15th century? It was long (standard size was 45 cm when opened) knife, the blade of which had a lock, and the shape pleased the eye with its smooth and graceful shapes. Such a device was a real innovation for those times, of great practical importance. After all, if desired, it could be folded and carried unnoticed under clothes. It is worth saying that wearing was really a priority, because the handle of the knife had a curved shape, like a horn, and such an item fits well to the body and does not stick out much from under clothing.
At the same time this spanish folding knife was held in high esteem not only by men, but also by women. His slightly smaller copy was called “salvavirgo”, which translated means “guardian of honor”. When using it, women were little different from their men, and the ample skirts made it even easier for them to carry.
When opened navaha the person received an effective and very sharp weapon for delivering a fatal blow. It would be appropriate to compare the sharpness of its blade with a razor, because translated from Latin it is called “novacula”, that is, “razor”. At the same time, the blade withstood any load and, thanks to a special mechanism, did not close at the most crucial moment, which is why it became popular with a wide circle of the population.
Externally, navaja represented folding knife, the length of the blade was slightly shorter than the handle. Despite the standard size, there were different variations of this knife, including navaja big, the length of which reached a meter mark.
The sharpest cut was provided by a blade whose shape was the highest possible slopes (directly from the butts) in combination with thin approaches. In action it was a true razor, cutting the skin with just a thin touch.
The handle of these folding knives were sometimes a real work of art. However, for those options that were simpler, the frame was made of materials such as:
- brass (the most popular and reliable material);
- steel;
- aluminum alloy (the lightest).
On top of this was an overlay made of wood or horn (deer or bull).
Similar spanish knives began to be made for commoners due to the fact that the lower class was prohibited from wearing swords. That is why, Navajos considered the weapon of commoners. It should be noted that at first these knives served not only and not so much to carry out murderous tasks, but helped in absolutely peaceful economic affairs. So, Navaja knives They helped cut fish, butcher large game, having previously caught it with his help. This is what allows us to identify them as hunting knives However, this did not prevent, if necessary, from launching this spanish long folding knife for the purpose of self-defense, for which it is rightfully included in the category of knives.
Just by looking at photo of this weapon, one can easily imagine its deadly effect when applied in a certain way. In those days, with the help of such knives they even left their signature on the person, and then only by the nature of the wound inflicted, a conclusion was made about who inflicted it. Wherein spanish navaja knife did not have to become a murder weapon. As you know, for a Spaniard, shame is worse than death. Therefore, applying the shameful mark of two cross wounds on the face was a more convincing victory than the lifeless body of the enemy.
The technique of conducting close combat, using navaja folding knife. The Spaniards made a whole show out of this, using a wide-brimmed hat and cloak to avert eyes, as well as for greater effect and protection. With my right hand I held navaja, left - cloak.
It is worth noting that in order to open the knife you had to use both hands, but it closed easily with one. After using it, you only had to press out the retaining spring using a special tongue, which is located in the central part of the axis. When opening, this spanish knife could make a characteristic sound similar to a rattle (carrack), or could remain completely silent.
Spanish Navaja folding knife in modern times
Today, the tradition of using this famous knife, originally from Spain has not faded away at all. Of course, they have slightly different forms, but in general they correspond to the original idea. You can purchase an original knife in an online store, which will not only deliver the product itself, but also give an expert opinion that it is not a bladed weapon. This happens because the models sold have smaller sizes of both the blade and the handle, and also do not have a stop. Therefore, they are now more regarded as spanish hunting knives.
There is an enviable variety of offered samples of this product, which, as a rule, do not exceed 20 cm in total length. The production of new models is carried out by such Spanish a city like Albacete. Manufacturers are represented there:
- "Expocito"
- "Joker"
- "Martinez"
- "Muela"
- "Nieto".
A complete picture of what it is now folding navaja can be obtained after a more detailed consideration of several possible options.
The first model is the Navaja knife NR00, manufactured by Joker. The length of the product is about 250 mm, of which the blade accounts for 111 mm. The shape of the blade is traditional; the material chosen is 440 steel, which was hardened to 56-57 HRC. The handle is slightly larger from the blade, as it should be in such knives. From below, the shape of the handle smoothly turns into a horn-like ending, which allows us to judge whether it is a navaja or not. The material for the frame is brass, framed with wood. The knife has a standard type of latch - Backlock, which is not equipped with a ratchet.
It is difficult to confuse such a knife with authentic medieval examples, since in appearance it bears little resemblance to those models. But it is precisely this correspondence with modern trends that gives such knives a second wind. Who would purchase meter samples for personal use? Yes, few people, with the exception of some collectors who want to have these Spanish knives. Their adaptation to economic needs makes them more realistic and in demand for the population, not only as a memorable trophy, but also as a thing suitable for use.
Another model is slightly different from the first blade width - Navaja Martinez Albainox Capaora 1 Stamina. The blade of this knife has a large curve and thickness (sometimes called “ox tongue”), while the thickness of the butt is 2.3 mm. The total length of the product is about 220 mm, of which the blade is 89 mm. The handle has a lightweight design due to the use of aluminum, which is covered with rosewood on top. This Navaja folding knife It has a classic pistol grip for this type of product. Such a definition means that such knives fits perfectly in the hand like a pistol, and is also conveniently removed from the narrow end of the handle. In addition, you can take it and comfortably use it with other types of grip, whether holding it in a fist or with the back of your hand. There is a convex groove for the bend of the palm, which will allow the knife to feel like a glove in your hand.
The opening mechanism is the same as in the previous model, since it is typical for absolutely all types of such knives, produced Spain. There is also no ratchet, and the opening of the blade is carried out according to the principle of a death grip, which is also indispensable for all types of navajas. This means that if the blade has been released, it will close only by pressing a special master key. Unauthorized closing in this case is completely impossible, well, unless the tongue itself breaks down, which is extremely unlikely.
If the previous two models can solve a number of your household problems: cutting bread, cooking food outdoors, then there are models that, due to their characteristics, are real knives, but due to their size they are forced to gather dust in special deliveries. This definition includes the following folding Navaja, like Jerezana from Martinez.
Such Navaja knife photo in the hand of even an adult, respectable person it looks very cumbersome. Its length reaches 35 cm, and although this is not much compared to traditional samples, in the modern world it will be extremely difficult for its owner to come up with an area of real application. For a picnic it’s a bit difficult and impractical, chasing an animal is at least strange, and participating in street fights is prohibited by the criminal code. This is how it turns out that such a wonderful specimen, which is so reminiscent of a classic navaja in size and characteristic crack when opening, is forced to gather dust in the corner, not hoping to wait for its finest hour.
However, this circumstance of things does not upset the happy owners of such models in the least, because having Navaja knives Spain impressive size gives not only honor, but also prestige among admirers of this folk and deadly weapon, the past of which has become part of peaceful modernity.
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The Spanish Navaja is the most famous of the folding combat knives. It is from the Navaja that all modern tactical folding knives trace their ancestry, and the Spanish system of knife fighting was the basis on which almost all combat systems with short bladed weapons were built.
Nowhere in Europe was the art of fencing as developed as in the Mediterranean countries, and none of these countries had such a rich fencing culture as Spain. It was in Spain in 1474 that the first printed work on the art of fencing was published by professional fencing teachers Pedro de Torres and Panso de Perpignan. The Spanish school had a significant influence on the formation of the European fencing system as a whole.
Weapons production in Spain also has a long history. Spanish blades and armor enjoyed well-deserved fame throughout Europe. Along with long bladed weapons, weapons with short blades were also widespread in Spain - knives, daggers, stilettos.
The Spanish cuchillo knife is a regular knife with a single-sided sharpening. Since this name refers to all knives with a fixed blade (hunting, kitchen, shoemaking, etc.), its shape and size could be very different.
Unlike kuchiyo, daga was intended for combat and self-defense. It was a heavy dagger with a blade up to 40 cm and a developed guard. Externally, the daga resembles a small sword. In the Spanish style of fencing, "espada y daga" (sword and dagger), traditionally the sword was held in one hand and the dagger in the other.
Another type of Spanish combat knife is the punal, designed for stabbing and throwing.
But the most colorful and best known of the Spanish knives is the Navaja, which was actually the progenitor of all European locking folding knives.
The first folding knives in Spain were no different from primitive European ones. When open, the knife was held by a long lever, which was an extension of the knife's shank. Subsequently, this design became a classic for straight razors, which are still produced by individual manufacturers, although they have been replaced by safer designs everywhere. Such razors were used not only by barbers, but also by doctors for surgical operations.
The name “Navaja” comes from the Latin name for the razor – “novacula”.
Subsequently, the awkward long lever on the tang was replaced by a flat spring on the top side of the knife handle. This design has significantly increased the ease of use of the knife for performing a wide variety of household work.
The design of the classical Navaja was finally formed by the 16th century. The main centers where the production of these knives was concentrated were Albacete, Bonilla, Valencia, Granada, Guarda, Mora, Santa Cruz de Mudela, Ciudad Real, Seville, Toledo and Jaén.
There were many varieties of navaja, depending on the place where it was made. Since the name “navaja” was the collective name for a folding knife with a fixed blade, its varieties in various regions of Spain were known under a variety of names: “moyosa” (thorn), “corte” (blade), “pincho” (point), “abanico” (fan), “herramenienta” (horn, tooth), etc.
In the classic version, it was a knife with a narrow leaf-shaped blade and a curved handle that tapered towards the end. In addition to the classical form, two blade forms were most often used. Navajas with a wide, powerful blade are called “albacete” in the place of their original production.
The second most commonly used type of blade was the bandolera.
In some varieties of Navaja, the folded blade was retracted into the handle only half its length. Outwardly, such a knife did not differ from an ordinary knife with a small blade that could be used for small household work. But as soon as the blade was opened, its length almost doubled. In the 18th century, this design was further developed in the "destai knives/daggers" developed by the French admiral Charles D'Estaing.
The Navaja is the largest of the folding knives - the usual length of the knife when open was 45 cm. The curved handle of the Navaja allowed the fighter to use a pistol grip, which, combined with the long length of the handle, further increased the distance from which it was possible to hit the enemy. Moreover, some specimens of Navaja in the open position reached a meter in length (even specimens with a length of 185 cm are known). Such knives are called navajón. The size of the Navajon made it possible to successfully resist an enemy armed with a long-bladed weapon. The somewhat shorter length of the blade compared to the sword was compensated by the active use of a cloak or hat in the fighter’s left hand.
The Navaja has transformed from a folding household knife into a formidable knife fighting weapon thanks to the secure fastening of the blade when open. The blade retainer (lock) was a metal strip - a spring in the form of a rocker arm, which was attached to the handle from the butt side.
When open, the protrusion on the blade's shank fit into the hole in the spring and prevented involuntary folding of the blade. The quality of workmanship and reliability of the knife blade were checked by simple tests. The most common way to check the quality of a knife was as follows. Two copper coins were placed on the table, one on top of the other. If, after being hit with a knife, the coins turned out to be pierced and the blade remained unharmed and did not fold, then it was considered that the knife had passed the test and its quality was not satisfactory. ania. Sometimes the quality of the navaja was assessed using a wooden block 5 cm thick. A well-made knife had to pierce through it with one blow
Disadvantage of the ring design
was the great effort required to use it to lift the rigid spring of the stopper when folding the knife. Later, a more convenient system was developed, in which a special small lever (basque lock) was used instead of a ring.
The design of the Navaja lock was the prototype of one of the most reliable and popular types of lock for modern folding knives - the “blade spine lock”.
One of the interesting and mysterious varieties of Navaja are ratchet knives, which appeared in the mid-17th century, presumably in Seville. In these knives, the blade shank has several teeth, and sometimes it was even made in the shape of a gear wheel. Opening the blade of such a knife was accompanied by a characteristic sound “krrrakk”, from which, in fact, the name of this type of Navaja came. The functional purpose of this design of the shank is unknown. Some experts believe that this sound served as a warning to the enemy - a kind of “I’m coming at you!” Others believe that this design allows you to fix the blade in a half-opened state. However, in all navajas - carracks - that have survived from that time, reliable fixation of the blade is ensured only when it is completely open.
Sometimes navajas were found not only with an unconventional blade shape, but also with a rather intricate lock, ensuring convenient removal of the navaja from the lock. A similar system has already been used today by the French company WidSteer when developing a new model of the original folding tactical knife “WX”. It differed from its Spanish prototype by an additional safety device that prevented accidental folding of the knife.
Navaja handles were originally made from a whole piece of horn. This is what determines the curved shape of the handle of the classic navaja. Subsequently, the design of the handle became more complex. Package handles with metal inserts appeared, to which linings made of bone and durable wood were attached. The tapering handle ended in a conical metal pommel with a ball (or several balls) at the end. In addition to handles with a smooth bend, handles with a pronounced “kink” closer to the end of the handle with a specific pommel—a “scorpion tail”—have become widespread. Small knives could also have straight handles.
Depending on the condition of the owner, the navaja could have an ascetic appearance, the only decoration of which could be a simple ornament applied to the blade and handle. Frequently, frightening inscriptions were applied to the blade such as “As soon as my knife touches you, no doctor will save you”, “Seville will remember me and my master for a long time”, “Widow maker”.
Wealthier Spaniards could afford to purchase more expensive knives, some of which were wonderful examples of weaponry. Ivory, silver and even gold were used to make them.
The reliability of Navaja and its widespread distribution throughout Spain contributed to the fact that in the 17th century they began to be produced outside Spain - not only in Europe, but also in America. In a number of cases, they served as the basis for the creation of other national knives. An example is the French “lagiole” knives, created in 1829 in the city of Thiers by the French gunsmith Pierre-Jean Calmel and which are very popular not only in France, but also in other countries of the world. And at first glance at the national Corsican knife “Vendetta” its Spanish roots are visible. Simple and reliable okapi knives are widely used in South Africa. These knives were created in 1902 in Germany, where they were produced until 1987, after which their production was transferred to the African continent.
Many experts believe that it was the Navaja bandolera blade that inspired the American James Bowie to create his famous knife, which has become a classic of combat knives with a fixed blade.
Knife fighting using the Navaja - Navajero has become a truly folk form of fencing throughout Spain and is widely reflected in literature (novels and stories by Leon Feuchtwanger, Prospero Merime, Jorge Luis Borges, Emilio Salgari and Ernest Hemingway) and fine arts (paintings by Francisco José de Goya , Romero de Torriza
The Mahos, residents of large cities who traded in smuggling, gambling, trade, blacksmithing, and ran taverns, were especially famous for their Navajo fighting skills.
A feature of knife fighting using Navaja was the active use of the end of the handle and items such as a cloak or wide-brimmed hat.
The considerable length of the handle and its curved shape with a metal ball at the end made it possible to use it for striking with the end of the handle, retracting and hooking the enemy’s armed hand.
The cloak, made of leather or thick fabric, was either wrapped around the hand, which made it possible to block the blows of the enemy’s blade without fear of damaging the hand, or it was held by the middle, hanging freely from the hand. In the latter case, they could perform a variety of manipulations - deliver sharp blows to the head or armed hand of the enemy; throw it on the head to blind the enemy; knock down an opponent if he carelessly steps on the cloak during a fight; expose the cloak to the blow of the knife, and then wrap it around the opponent’s hand.
In the absence of a raincoat, it was often replaced by a wide-brimmed felt hat.
There were no special rules in the fight - everything was aimed at winning at any cost. If fighters of different levels of training and experience came together in a fight, the battle ended quite quickly. An experienced fighter could mock and humiliate his opponent by inflicting a quick horizontal cut on his forehead (a "walker" blow) or a cut on his lip or nose (a "Spanish kiss"). If the level of skill was approximately the same, then the fight did not end so quickly. The opponents began to circle in a circle, delivering lightning strikes or parrying them, either speeding up or slowing down the pace of the battle. From the outside, the fight was somewhat reminiscent of a Spanish dance. The battle ended either with the death of one of the opponents or with his serious injury.
There were no knife fighting schools as such in their modern sense in Spain. This, in particular, explains the absence of any serious written sources, in contrast to fencing with long-bladed weapons. Different areas of Spain practiced their own Navajero manner and style. Nevertheless, by the 19th century, three main fighting styles had emerged - baratero, chitan (or gitano) and sevillano.
Baratero, or rustic style, was characterized by straightforwardness and powerful sweeping movements. The main attention in this style was paid to quick and strong blows, leaving the enemy’s line of attack by leaning the body, and changing hands holding the knife. Baratero fighters could resist an armed enemy with their bare hands. In this case, the fighter actively worked with two hands - he used one hand to block and grab the enemy’s armed hand, and the second struck his opponent’s head.
Hitano (Andalusian gypsy style) was characterized by dynamic, fast, short cutting strokes. A variety of deceptive movements, feints and tricks were actively used in battle. It was considered not shameful to throw a handful of earth, sand or a mixture of tobacco and pepper into the enemy’s face, or even spit at him. Because of this, the hitano style is sometimes called the "dirty style". Nevertheless, in hitano the ultimate goal of the fight was often not to destroy the enemy, but to incapacitate him by inflicting serious but non-fatal wounds with a knife (cutting the biceps, calf muscle, tendons on the leg, damaging the shoulder joint, etc.), striking in the groin and shin.
Sevillano was considered the most technical and advanced style. It combined the technical elements of baratero and hitano combined with the striking, blocking and movement techniques of classical fencing. Leaving the line of attack was carried out simultaneously with a counterattack with a piercing blow. The battle was conducted with active maneuvering to select the moment for an instant attack, and at the slightest opportunity a chopping blow to the enemy’s armed hand followed.
Unfortunately, in modern Spain the traditional art of knife fighting has practically disappeared. This was greatly facilitated by the years of General Franco's rule. Like any totalitarian state, the Franco regime was not interested in the development of martial arts among the civilian population of the country. If there are a few carriers of the traditions of Spanish knife fighting left, they do not advertise their knowledge and pass it on only to relatives or close friends.
However, the Navajero traditions received a second life and development in the former colonies of Spain in America and Southeast Asia.
The Spanish style of fencing was extremely popular in the southern United States in New Orleans. At the beginning of the 19th century, there were more than 50 fencing schools in the city. Here, on the famous Oak Alley, two dozen knife duels took place every week. It was in New Orleans that the legendary knife fighting master Jose, nicknamed Pepe, lived. He was an excellent swordsman and duelist who won thirty duels. Another equally famous figure was James Bowie, the inventor of the famous American knife.
In Mexico, the combination of traditional Spanish techniques with the fighting style of the Aboriginal Indians gave rise to many original schools of knife fighting.
In European countries in the mid-1990s and early 2000s. Much work to recreate and popularize Spanish knife fighting was carried out by the “Association of Knife Fighting and Defense” created in the Czech Republic - ABNO. The origins of the association were knife fighting enthusiasts Martin Cibulka and Ivo Schovanec. ABNO united schools of traditional martial arts from Europe and the Mediterranean, as well as the countries of the East. After some time, the association opened its representative office in Russia and the Baltic countries (headed by Denis Cherevichkin). At the end of the 1990s. The founders of ABNO published two books - “Knife fighting in Europe in the past and present” and “Knife fighting, part 2. Reverse grip in history and today. The magic of the knife." Members of the association regularly conducted seminars and master classes on the art of blade combat, including for such well-known knife companies as MOD (Masters of Defense) and Katz. In the early 2000s. At the request of the Czech company FK-Servis, members of the association took an active part in the development of a tactical knife stylized as Navaja. Interestingly, the shape of this knife follows the rather rare shape of the Navaja “ox tongue” blade, which provides increased cutting and chopping capabilities.
Knife designed for FK-Servis
Some experts believe that thanks to the repressed Spaniards - members of the Comintern, elements of the Spanish school of knife fighting served as the basis for criminal knife fighting in the USSR.
As already noted, written sources that sufficiently fully describe the systems of Spanish knife fighting are absent or have not reached our time. The most famous manual on knife fighting with the Navaja, published in Madrid in 1849, is “Manual of Baratero: the Gypsy Art of Using the Navaja, Knife and Scissors” (Manual del Baratero, o Arte de Manejr la Navaja, el Cuchillo, y la Tijera de los Jitano ). Behind the initials “M.
The manual by Mariano de Rementeria, written in the style of “master knife fighting in 30 lessons,” covers 54 pages of basic stances, movements, attacking blows, methods of defense and deceptive and distracting movements, the use of a cloak in a fight, movements and stances. The book has been reprinted several times. In later editions of this brochure you can see several illustrations by the famous artist Gustave Doré, who, together with his friend Baron Charles D'Aviller, traveled around Spain for several years. The result of this journey was the voluminous (over 500 pages) richly illustrated work “Viaje por Espana”, published in Madrid in 1862. Not a single publication about famous Spanish knives is complete without these illustrations.
Books on knife fighting with Navajo
Already today, the Spanish manual has been translated into English by James Loriego. The preface to this edition was written by Ramòn Martinez, keeper of the traditions of one of the oldest schools of Spanish fencing, “La Verdadera Destreza”. In the late 1990s, James Lauriego published the book “Seville Steel. Traditional martial art of knife wielding in Spain" (Sevillian Steel Traditional Knife - Figting Arts of Spain). In the preface to this book, James writes that it was written on the basis of his studies under the direction of Don Santiago Rivero, the keeper of the traditions of the Seville school of blade fighting (Escuela Sevilliana de Armas Blancas), which was located in the back room of Rivero's shop in the center of Seville, near the square Spain. However, experts doubt the reliability of this information, since after the publication of this publication many enthusiasts made special trips to Spain, but they were unable to find traces of the mythical maestro Rivera. Moreover, Loriego himself, according to D. Cherevichkin (head of the ABNO branch in Russia and the Baltic countries), under any pretext, refused to conduct master classes or seminars under any conditions.
Most likely, Lauriego simply reworked the manual of Mariano de Rementeria and added techniques from the arsenal of oriental martial arts. Before the publication of this book, Lauriego himself had experience as an instructor in martial arts, including ninjutsu.
"Heirs" of the Navajo
Unlike the traditions of knife fighting, Navaja itself has not become a thing of the past. Navaja has become the same symbol of Spain as bullfights, Spanish wine, castanets, and Spanish flamenco dance. And one of the classic Spanish souvenirs brought from this sunny country by tourists from all over the world is the famous Navaja. Although these national knives are produced throughout Spain, the center of their mass production is concentrated in the city of Albacete. This is where the companies whose products are known to knife lovers all over the world are located - Celaya, Crossnar, Cudeman, Esparcia, Expocito, Joker, Martinez, Muela, Nieto and Pastor "
Modern Navajos are generally much smaller in size than their martial predecessors. Their classic shape is combined with modern materials. The blades of modern knives and the internal frame are made of stainless steel; in addition to traditional bone and wood, various types of plastic are widely used as handles.
On the market you can find knives of a very different price range - from cheap mass-produced models with an ascetic design, to expensive, elegant hand-made knives with inlaid handles and an engraved blade.