Spain folding knife. Navaja - maho's trusty blade

The feature film "Amphibian Man" is familiar and loved not only by the inhabitants of Russia, but also by all those who grew up in the USSR.
In several episodes of the film, a large folding knife can be seen in the hands of Balthazar (Gutieri's father). When asked what kind of knife it is, Balthazar replies: “... with such knives we ripped open the stomachs of our offenders,” which he did at the end of the film, sending the main villain Zurita (artist M. Kazakov) to the forefathers.

In the hands of Balthazar was the famous Spanish Navaja knife - the ancestor of all folding combat and tactical knives.

Navaja appeared in Spain as a common household folding knife. Its transformation into a combat knife and its popularity are associated with the publication, starting from the 13th century, of a number of royal decrees restricting the carrying of edged weapons by commoners. And by the 16th century, they were generally forbidden to have and carry bladed weapons. But these decrees did not apply to folding knives.

The prototype of the Navajo was primitive European knives, the design of which was used almost unchanged in straight razors. From Latin name razors are novacula and the name Navajo came about.

The design of the Navaja finally took shape by the 16th century. Its characteristic features were a long curved handle (originally animal horns were used for its manufacture) and a narrow leaf-shaped blade. Despite the fact that each region of Spain used its own varieties of this knife, the following main types of Navaja can be distinguished:

• classic type (long curved handle, narrow leaf-shaped blade);
• albacete (Navaja with a wide blade);
• bandolero (knife with a beveled butt).

Many experts believe that it was the bandolero blade that the American James Bowie took as the basis for creating his famous knife.

A - classic Navaja; B - albacete; in - bandolero; G - navajon

Spaniards, sensitive to their reputation, wore a small navaja on the chest (behind the bra) or under the elastic of the stocking. The women's navaja "salva virgo" (guardian of honor), compared to men's knives, was distinguished by its small size and elegant finish.

In the Navajas, the blade was fixed in the open position by a powerful spring in the form of a rocker, attached to the handle. In the open position, the “tooth” on the blade shank entered the spring hole, preventing it from folding. In order to fold the blade, it was necessary to lift the spring by a special ring.

A - a classic retainer with a ring; B - carrack; B - Basque castle

An interesting variety is the "Navaja carrack". In it, the shank of the knife had several teeth, and the opening of the knife was accompanied by a specific sound “krakk”, from which the name “karrak” came from.

Over time, along with the ring on the latch, a more convenient device in the form of a special lever (Basque lock) began to be used.

The full length of the knife in the open state ranged from 30 to 45 cm. However, there were also Navajos with a length of about 1 m. The length of such knives ( navajo) allowed to fight even with an enemy armed with long-bladed weapons. At the same time, the difference in the length of the weapon was compensated active actions left hand, in which they held a thick cloak or hat.

One of the features of knife fighting with the Navajo was the use of the long, curved end of the handle to grab or strike the opponent.

In different areas of Spain, their own combat characteristics and a set of favorite techniques and feints were used. Nevertheless, experts distinguish three main styles of knife fighting with the Navajo - baratero, hitano (or gitano) and sevillano.

baratero, or as it is also called "rustic style" is distinguished by simple sweeping and powerful movements. Style hitano(style of Andalusian gypsies) was distinguished by the use of a variety of deceptive movements. Sevillano combined elements of both baratero and hinato, as well as some techniques and elements of classical fencing.

Unfortunately, the result of many years of the totalitarian rule of General Franco led to the fact that in Spain itself, the tradition of knife fighting using Navajos was practically not preserved. If such masters remain, they pass on their art only to close or well-known people.

However, the technique of Spanish knife fighting found fertile ground and was further developed in the former colonies of Spain in the New World.

According to many experts, it was the Spaniards - members of the Comintern, repressed under the Stalinist regime, who contributed to the creation of a knife fight for criminals in our country.

Currently, the federation is doing a lot of work to recreate the European schools of knife fighting, including Spanish. TEMAF (Traditional European Martial Arts Federation - Federation of Traditional Martial Arts of Europe). Taking into account the recommendations of the members of this federation, the Czech company FK Servis released a modern version of the Spanish Navaja.

In modern Spain, where the annual number of tourists exceeds the country's population, the Navaja has become an original national souvenir, along with castanets, Toledo jewelry, and bullfight-themed souvenirs. The center of production of these national knives is the Spanish Solingen - the city of Albacete. It is here that such well-known Spanish knife companies as "Expocito", "Joker", "Martinez", "Muela", "Nieto" and others work.

spanish navaja knife (navaja) is the famous Andalusian folding knife with a blade hidden in the handle, tapering and bent towards the end. The handle of the Navaja was originally made with overlays from the horns of artiodactyls - therefore it has such a characteristic curved shape.

The making of the classic Navaja has always been exclusively handmade, now Navaja folding knives are made in small manufactories. The build quality and fit of the Navaja is good, but due to the fact that all fasteners - the handle, the axial rod, etc. - are rivets, the Navajo, unlike knives assembled on screws, cannot be repaired.

The Spanish navaja is unfolded and folded with two hands. This is a feature of the castle, which remains unchanged throughout the ages. The mechanism for fixing the lock is simple, reliable and is a kind of progenitor of the back-locka. The blade is held by a tooth by a powerful external spring in the form of a rocker arm. Pulling the shoulder of this rocker to open / close the knife is carried out either by the attached ring, or by a more complex leverage mechanism. A real Spanish Navaja will not leave anyone indifferent!

It is easy to buy the legendary Navajo knives Martinez Albainox, Exposito, Joker, JJ on the site. Martinez, Celaya and other well-known manufactories.

Buy original knife navajo in Moscow you can in our store website. Sale of Spanish Navah wholesale and retail! Only our store represents original Spanish knives. Beware of dubious fakes.

The Spanish Navaja is one of the most famous and oldest fighting folding knives. It can be said with a fairly high degree of certainty that it is from the Navajos that all modern folding knives (and not only combat knives) trace their ancestry, and the knife fighting system created in Spain formed the basis of most modern schools and directions of combat with short bladed weapons.

History of the Spanish Navaja

The first folding Spanish knives differed little from a large number rather primitive knives that were known in Europe at that time: a blade with a long shank and a handle that was longer than the blade. When open, the blade was held in the handle (or pressed against the handle) by the tang. This is what a straight razor looks like.

Experts say that it was from the Latin novacula (razor) that the name of the knife, “Navaja”, went to the people.

Then the knife was improved - the uncomfortable long “lever” was removed, and the blade began to be fixed with a flat long spring, which was located on the upper side of the Navaja handle.

This spring design made the knife more convenient for use in everyday life. Yes, the knife was originally used for household needs. And since in those days knives were not yet divided into combat and household ones, and the times were not at all simple, then soon the knife had another “job”.

At this point, I want to draw your attention to the "signature" shape of the Navaja handle. There is no special chic or secret idea of ​​the master. The thing is that initially Navah handles were made from a single piece of horn. The blade was 2-3 fingers wide and palm-length, leaf-shaped. This is what the legendary Spanish knife looked like, approximately, in the thirteenth century.

Around the same time, the utility knife began to turn into military weapon. The king decided to restrict the lower classes in the right to carry knives and for this purpose, several decrees were issued that forbade the lower classes to have personal knives. And in the sixteenth century, all artisans, peasants, etc. it was forbidden to carry any weapon with a fixed blade. Those. even a simple knife was banned. Unless he has a fixed blade.

And as a result, very soon, the demand for folding knives grew in the country and real craft centers appeared that offered such knives. I will not list the areas of Spain that were famous for their Navajos. The bottom line is that the emergence of handicraft cents has created competition, and competition means expanding the range.

"Navaja" is a common (one might say collective) name for Spanish folding knives. Therefore, in each region of Spain, the Navajo had its own name: corte, herramenenta, pincho, moyosa, abanico and others.

A small female Navaja also appeared, which was called "salva virgo" (guardian of honor). It differed from the “male” Navaja in its modest size (no more than 20 cm in the open state) and, as without it, in the elegance of decoration.

Such folding knives were worn on the chest under a dress or under a skirt, on the leg. That's why it was dangerous to lift the Spanish skirts - you never know where the deadly length of this toilet begins.

It must be said that at that time a huge number of the most diverse samples of this edged weapon appeared: the shape of the blade and the shape of the handle, the methods of fixation, the length of the knife - for any most bizarre taste.

In general, the “standard” Navaja had a length of 45 centimeters, but specimens with a length of up to 185 centimeters are known. Such giant knives were called Navajos. This is clearly not a household version of a folding knife, but serious weapon, which allowed to engage in a fight with an enemy armed with a sword or saber.

In addition, knife fighting experts actively used a cloak or hat: in the right hand of a Navajo, on the left hand a heavy leather or cloth cloak, or maybe a felt hat.

In the knife business, as in any other, there are a number of knives that, with their existence, laid the foundation for new trends, hitherto unknown, after which they took root in modern times. One such example is Navajo knife. Its essence and manner of use is easy to imagine, it is worth mentioning that it is -. What is Spain? - It's a hot temper local residents, flavored and multiplied by wine and abundant sun, authentic, incomparable dances. One gets the impression that the Spaniards do everything while dancing: they walk down the street playing castanets, fight bulls as part of a bullfight, and even die falling in a fencing fight with Navaha in hand. It was this knife that became most popular in different layers of Spanish medieval society, and its modernized versions are still alive.

Spanish Navaja: features and excursion into history

This copy became the prototype and progenitor of all modern folding tactical knives. What did he represent in the distant XV century? It was long (the standard value was 45 cm when open) knife, the blade of which had a latch, and the shape was pleasing to the eye with its smooth and graceful forms. Such a device was a real innovation for those times, having a huge practical value. After all, if desired, it could be folded and discreetly carried under clothing. 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 object fits well to the body, does not stick out very much from under the clothes.

At the same time, this spanish folding knife was respected not only by men, but also by women. Its slightly reduced copy was called "salvavirgo", which means "guardian of honor". When using it, women differed little from their men, and voluminous skirts made it even easier for them to carry.

When opening Navaha a person received an effective and very sharp tool for applying death blow. It would be appropriate to compare the sharpness of its blade with a razor, because in 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, for which the wide circles of the population fell in love with it.

Externally, Navajo represented folding knife, the length of the blade of which was somewhat less than the handle. Despite the standard value, there were different variations this knife, including big navaja, the length of which reached a meter mark.

The sharpest cut was provided by the blade, the shape of which was the highest slopes (straight from the butts) in combination with thin supplies. In action it was a veritable razor that cut through skin with only a thin touch.

The handle of these folding knives at times was 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, an overlay was made of wood, antler (deer or bull).

Similar spanish knives began to be made for commoners due to the fact that the lower class was forbidden to wear swords. That's why, Navajos are considered commoners' weapons. 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, Navajo knives they helped to cut fish, butcher large game, having previously caught it with his own help. This is what makes it possible to identify them as hunting knives. However, this did not prevent, if necessary, to let this spanish long folding knife for the purpose of self-defense, for which he is rightfully included in the category of edged weapons.

Just by looking at a photo of this weapon, one can easily imagine its deadly effect when applied in a certain way. At that time, with the help of knives they even left their painting on a 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 be the murder weapon. As you know, for a Spaniard, shame is worse than death. Therefore, inflicting the shameful stigma in the form of two cross wounds on the face was a more convincing victory than the lifeless body of the enemy.

A separate conversation is the melee technique, using navaja folding knife. The Spaniards played out a whole performance from this, using a wide-brimmed hat and cloak to divert their eyes, as well as to heighten the effect and protect. Right hand kept Navajo, left - raincoat.

It should be noted that in order to open the knife had to use both hands, but it was closed easily and one. After using it, it was only necessary to press the retaining spring with the help of a special tongue, which is located in the central part of the axle. When opened, this spanish knife could make a characteristic sound similar to a rattle (carrack), and could remain completely silent.

Spanish Navaja folding knife in modern times

To date, the tradition of using this famous knife, originally from Spain by no means faded away. Of course, they have slightly different forms, but in general they correspond to the original idea. You can buy an original knife in the online store, which will not only deliver the product itself, but also give an expert opinion on non-belonging to melee weapons. 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 city ​​like Albacete. Here are the manufacturers:

• "Expocito";
• "Joker";
• Martinez;
• Muela;
• "Nieto".

A complete picture of what is now folding navaja can be obtained after a more detailed consideration of several possible options.

The first model is the NR00 Navajo knife, made by Joker. The length of the product is about 250 mm, of which 111 mm falls to the share of the blade. The blade shape is traditional, 440 steel was chosen as the material, which was hardened to 56-57 HRC. The handle is somewhat larger from the blade, as it should be in such knives. From top to bottom, the shape of the handle smoothly turns into a horn-shaped ending, which makes it possible to judge whether it is a Navajo or not. The material for the frame is brass, framed with wood. The knife has standard type latches - Backlock, which is not equipped with a ratchet.

It is difficult to confuse such a knife with authentic medieval samples, since outwardly it bears little resemblance to those models. But it is precisely this correspondence to modern trends that gives such knives a second wind. Who would buy 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 real and in demand for the population, not only as a memorable trophy, but also as a thing suitable for use.

Another model is somewhat different from the first blade width - Navaja Martinez Albainox Capaora 1 Stamina. The blade of this knife has a large curvature and thickness (sometimes called the “bull 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 has a classic grip for this type of product - a pistol grip. Such a definition means that knives fit perfectly in the hand like a pistol, and are also conveniently removed by the narrow end of the handle. In addition, it can be taken and comfortably wielded with it and other types of capture, whether it be holding in a fist, or reverse side arms. There is a convex notch for the curve of the palm, which will allow the knife to feel like a glove in the hand.

The opening mechanism is the same as in the previous model, since it is typical for absolutely all types of such knives, manufactured 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 nava. It means that if the blade was released, then it will close only by pressing a special master key. Unauthorized closing in this case is completely impossible, well, except that there will be a breakdown of the tongue itself, which is extremely unlikely.

If the previous two models can solve a number of their economic problems: cut bread, cook food in nature, then there are models that, by their characteristics, are real knives, but due to their size they are forced to collect dust on special deliveries. This definition includes such folding Navajo like Jerezana from Martinez.

Such navaja knife photo in the hand of even an adult, respectable person looks very cumbersome. Its length reaches 35 cm, and although this is not much compared to traditional samples, it will be extremely difficult for its owner to come up with an area for its real application in the world of modernity. For a picnic, it’s hard and impractical, chasing an animal is at least strange, and participation in street fights is prohibited by the criminal code. And so it turns out that such a wonderful specimen, which is so reminiscent of a classic navaja and in size and characteristic crackling when opened, is forced to gather dust in the corner, not hoping to wait for its finest hour.

However, such a circumstance of things does not upset the happy owners of such models in any way, because having Navaja knives Spain of impressive size give 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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In addition to the fact that the knives that exist today may differ in their functional purpose, they may also have a different history. A lot of types of knives belong to a particular 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 kind 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 are very interesting story origin.

Spanish knives were created a very long time ago, at a time when people of non-aristocratic origin were forbidden to carry edged weapons with them. That is why folding knives were created, which are simple Hispanic could carry with him without fear of punishment. Thanks to this type of knives, ordinary Spaniards could protect themselves from robbers, respectively, the crime rate in the country has 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 ways, in particular:

• blade and handle length;
• overall size;
• form;
• manufacturer;
• manufacturing material.

Design features of folding Spanish knives

Because the spanish folding knives were invented 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 Navajo blade had a leaf-like shape. Now, the manufacturing technologies for such knives have changed significantly, but they still have 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 Navajas, and they differ primarily in the places where the models were created. That is, each region of Spain is characterized by a certain shape of the knife.

It is worth noting that it Spaniard's large folding knife may be called a Navajo, because this type of knife is characterized by the maximum dimensions that can be found in folding knives. In open form, 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 dimensions, Spanish folding knives can be used for various purposes, in particular for self-defense, household tasks, hunting, and so on.

Just like any other knife, 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. For the manufacture of the handle of this type of knife, heavy-duty plastic, metal, wood, Ivory and so on. 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 varieties of the blade of such knives:

• foliate;
• leaf-shaped elongated;
• oxtongue;
• albacete;
• bandolero.

That is, the blades of knives most often have just such a 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.