Gaucho knives and cuchillos criollos of South America

[screened porch]

I would think there is likely no standard regarding swedges. Abel Domenech does not mention them in his essay.

Thank you.

 

[kamagong]

I have seen small cracks in photos of other Urunday knife handles. My Verijero has a small one on one side.
I searched for the properties of Urunday. It is said to be and extremely strong wood with exceptional resistance to the elements, even under prolonged immersion in water for many years. It so hard that it dulls tools very quickly.
The small crack in mine is stable.
Nice wood grain and figure in your handle !

Yours is a puñal. Most sites I've seen say that a blade bigger than 15 cm ( 6 inches) is a puñal. Maxi had even stricter criteria for a Verijero of no more than 11 cm ( 4.3 inches )

I am very keen and looking forward to your review and opinion of the knife once you put it through its paces.

I was afraid of that. I had hoped mine would still be considered a verijero because verijero is much easier to type than puñal. Still, I can understand how a 19 cm blade would be stretching the definition.

I'm not worried about the handle, though I did apply superglue to the cracks. Some time with 0000 steel wool to blend it in and a couple of drops of walnut oil and she looks great. I would have preferred wood without cracks, but I don't mind them. They'll help make my puñal look like a proper working tool.

I only mentioned the cracks in the interest of full disclosure.

And you did not invited me?

An egregious oversight that will not happen again.

I have been using my Verijero A LOT however always with the utmost care and love.

On our recent 9 day adventure with Diana aboard our little sailboat Verijero got banged up just a very tiny bit.
I had it wrapped, when not in use, inside the beret that Ray gifted me however in the tiny cabin we lived for so many days things got moved around A LOT and at some point something happened.
Two very tiny marks that bugged me at first ... now is character and a way to remember our Kawartha Lakes adventure

Looks awesome Dan. A gaucho's kit is bound to pick up little dings like that.

Here's the handle of my gaucho-inspired knife (I'm going to start calling her my cuchilla due to her pregnant blade). For years she worked as my kitchen knife on camping trips. The black spot is from the time my wife put a hot cast iron pan a bit too close to the knife.



One thing that concerns me is the sheath for my puñal. Although I have plenty of leather sheaths, this is my first made from rawhide. How do you waterproof the stuff? I've read that rawhide is more susceptible to moisture, a fact that seems corroborated by the pepper spots on my blade when I received it. Please share any tips you have, I bet you've picked some up on your waterborne adventures.

 

[SwissHeritageCo]

I'm not worried about the handle, though I did put apply some superglue to the cracks. Some time with 0000 steel wool to blend it in and a couple of drops of walnut oil and she looks great. I would have preferred wood without cracks, but I don't mind them. They'll help make my puñal look like a proper working tool.

I only mentioned the cracks in the interest of full disclosure.



An egregious oversight that will not happen again.



Looks awesome Dan. A gaucho's kit is bound to pick up little dings like that.

Here's the handle of my gaucho-inspired knife (I'm going to start calling her my cuchilla due to her pregnant blade). For years she worked as my kitchen knife on camping trips. The black spot is from the time my wife put a hot cast iron pan a bit too close to the knife.

View attachment 2250116

One thing that concerns me is the sheath for my puñal. Although I have plenty of leather sheaths, this is my first made from rawhide. How do you waterproof the stuff? I've read that rawhide is more susceptible to moisture, a fact that seems borne out by the pepper spots on my blade when I received it. Please share any tips you have, I bet you've picked some up on your waterborne adventures.

That Laconico of yours is pretty legendary.

 

[kamagong]

That Laconico of yours is pretty legendary.

Thanks. I am quite fond of it.

Too bad Ray no longer makes fixed blades. I can understand why he got into designing knives, it's gotta be easier than standing in front of a grinder during a Central Valley summer. But Ray made such clean knives, with fit and finish that was second to none. I'm glad I was able to get one.

 

[Prester John]

If I do remember correctly it was mostly a matter of Maxi's preference to give his knives asymmetrical swedges. A lot of his criollos have them and I have seen other South American makers do them as well.

I have spend the past 45 min searching for any info on criollo swedges with no much luck. One site in Spanish mentions that they ussually have one or two "contrafilos" (swedges) but that's all I found so far.

I would think there is likely no standard regarding swedges. Abel Domenech does not mention them in his essay.

I must confess that at first impression, when I got my knife, I thought something was wrong with it lol ... I am still a bit embarrassed about that
If I ever order another custom criollo I would request asymmetrical swedges as I've come to really like the way they look.



Very nice Christian

The integral bolster seems to be a desired featured among knife nuts
I started my search for a criollo out of a desire to connect with my roots and I have learned so much in the process !

I have seen small cracks in photos of other Urunday knife handles. My Verijero has a small one on one side.
I searched for the properties of Urunday. It is said to be and extremely strong wood with exceptional resistance to the elements, even under prolonged immersion in water for many years. It so hard that it dulls tools very quickly.
The small crack in mine is stable.
Nice wood grain and figure in your handle !

Yours is a puñal. Most sites I've seen say that a blade bigger than 15 cm ( 6 inches) is a puñal. Maxi had even stricter criteria for a Verijero of no more than 11 cm ( 4.3 inches )

I am very keen and looking forward to your review and opinion of the knife once you put it through its paces.



And you did not invited me?



Yeah

I have been using my Verijero A LOT however always with the utmost care and love.

On our recent 9 day adventure with Diana aboard our little sailboat Verijero got banged up just a very tiny bit.
I had it wrapped, when not in use, inside the beret that Ray gifted me however in the tiny cabin we lived for so many days things got moved around A LOT and at some point something happened.
Two very tiny marks that bugged me at first ... now is character and a way to remember our Kawartha Lakes adventure

Today we went to Ottawa and stopped at the "Mercado Latino" to restock on yerba mate
We got 3 bags from Argentina ( Cruz de Malta, Taragui and Rosamonte ) and Canarias brand from Uruguay.
I also got another mate gourd

Excellent post, hermano. And now you have me wanting to try the mate!

Earlier tonight, my wife and daughter were surprised I knew the colors of the Argentinian flag (not sure how it came up). Got this thread to thank, I guess! But actually, I think I knew already from watching soccer (a traditional English term for fútbol - ).

 

[Prester John]

I was afraid of that. I had hoped mine would still be considered a verijero because verijero is much easier to type than puñal.

Easier to type? With fewer letters? More fun to say, though!

You have some wonderful knives, Christian, and great taste.

 

[kamagong]

The ñ is a PITA Vince.

I've always been drawn to sharp and shiny things. When I was a kid, I remember hoping to get myself a nice knife or two when I grew up. I've gotten them, and more.

 

[Prester John]

The ñ is a PITA Vince.

I've always been drawn to sharp and shiny things. When I was a kid, I remember hoping to get myself a nice knife or two when I grew up. I've gotten them, and more.

Well, Señor kamagong , perhaps mañana I will look for a puñal.


Actually, I would like different sizes, like RayseM . I like them all!

 

[CelloDan]

verijero is much easier to type than puñal.

Agreed, I still have not figured how to do it on my laptop.
On my iphone I just hold the "n" for a while and the different options came up

I only mentioned the cracks in the interest of full disclosure.

I appreciate that Christian !
I am looking forward to your thoughts in regards to your knife in use as I know I can count on your unbiased opinion which I trust.

An egregious oversight that will not happen again.

Gracias mi amigo, that asado made my mouth water

Looks awesome Dan. A gaucho's kit is bound to pick up little dings like that.

Here's the handle of my gaucho-inspired knife (I'm going to start calling her my cuchilla due to her pregnant blade). For years she worked as my kitchen knife on camping trips. The black spot is from the time my wife put a hot cast iron pan a bit too close to the knife.

That's a beautiful "cuchilla" and the black spot does not detract from it whatsoever
I speculate that the dings in my Verijero "may" have been caused by one of the crew members finding my SAK Pioneer which I had put in another spot on the boat who perhaps thought that it needed protection as well and wrapped it inside the beret with my Verijero. That and the piling up of gear here and there

One thing that concerns me is the sheath for my puñal. Although I have plenty of leather sheaths, this is my first made from rawhide. How do you waterproof the stuff? I've read that rawhide is more susceptible to moisture, a fact that seems borne out by the pepper spots on my blade when I received it. Please share any tips you have, I bet you've picked some up on your waterborne adventures.

I have wondered about that as well .
I will have to ask Maxi and share here any tips if there is anything that can help waterproof the rawhide sheath.

Mine had a couple of spots too when I got it that cleaned up with Flitz.
I had received it tightly wrapped in plastic film which likely trapped moisture inside during its very long trip from Argentina. Despite the vaseline covering the blade moisture still managed to cause the spots.

Buenos Aires is notorious for extreme humidity, up to 100 %. I remember as a child seeing water literally dripping down the walls of our home and most concrete buildings are permanently stained from the moisture.
My Dad once ordered a very expensive classical guitar from Argentina. Soon after arriving in Canada it started to develop little cracks on the laquer. He rectify it by putting a small humidifier device inside the guitar.

I have not had issues with rust here in Canada however I use my knife quite often and keep it oiled.
The patina is certainly helping to protect it. The only place where I had to Flitz on a couple of occasions is the bolster which I like to keep shiny and patina free ( perhaps I should let it develop some patina as well )

Excellent post, hermano. And now you have me wanting to try the mate!

Earlier tonight, my wife and daughter were surprised I knew the colors of the Argentinian flag (not sure how it came up). Got this thread to thank, I guess! But actually, I think I knew already from watching soccer (a traditional English term for fútbol - ).

Gracias Vince !
Just remember, a gaucho drinks his mate amargo, no sugar.

Well, Señor kamagong , perhaps mañana I will look for a puñal.


Actually, I would like different sizes, like RayseM . I like them all!

"Si, ahora yo tambien sueño con tener mi propio puñal"

 

[Prester John]

I still have not figured how to do it on my laptop.

If you hold the "Alt" key down, type 164 on the number keypad on the right side of the keyboard. (Alt and 165 for the "Ñ".)

Just remember, a gaucho drinks his mate amargo, no sugar.

¡Seguro que sí, hermano!

 

[Arathol]

If you hold the "Alt" key down, type 164 on the number keypad on the right side of the keyboard. (Alt and 165 for the "Ñ".)

¡Seguro que sí, hermano!

That doesn't always work.
Your computer has whats called a character map.

Insert ASCII or Unicode Latin-based symbols and characters - Microsoft Support

Learn how to insert ASCII or Unicode characters using character codes or the Character Map.

support.microsoft.com

Hit the Windows key ( the one that looks like 4 squares), then use the search function (upper right corner). Type in "character map" and click on the icon in the results.
You end up with a window containing a bunch of different fonts and symbols that you can copy and paste into the text box.
If you can't find it, its at C > ProgramData > Microsoft > Windows > Start Menu > Programs > Windows Accessories > System Tools. If you follow that, once you find it right click on the line where the Character Map icon is then click Create Shortcut. This will put the icon on your desktop for easy access...

 

[Prester John]

That doesn't always work.
Your computer has whats called a character map.

Insert ASCII or Unicode Latin-based symbols and characters - Microsoft Support

Learn how to insert ASCII or Unicode characters using character codes or the Character Map.

support.microsoft.com

Hit the Windows key ( the one that looks like 4 squares), then use the search function (upper right corner). Type in "character map" and click on the icon in the results.
You end up with a window containing a bunch of different fonts and symbols that you can copy and paste into the text box.
If you can't find it, its at C > ProgramData > Microsoft > Windows > Start Menu > Programs > Windows Accessories > System Tools. If you follow that, once you find it right click on the line where the Character Map icon is then click Create Shortcut. This will put the icon on your desktop for easy access...

Thanks! Will try tomorrow at work.

 

[kamagong]

I have cuchillos criollo on the brain.

I've been trying to source a Boker Arbolito 4218H, the 20 cm carbon steel gaucho knife with stag handle. I remember them being available even here in the US years ago, but they seem to have disappeared.

I did stumble onto a few videos that I thought y'all might find of interest.

The first shows a visit to a museum with an exhibit on gaucho knives.

Here is a documentary of knives from Tandil.

This last one is a profile of a craftsman from the province of Entre Rios. He appears to specialize in making the humble, inexpensive cuchilla. This video actually has subtitles in English. Try to avoid reading them, my Spanish is extremely basic and even I can tell the translation is ridiculous.

 

[Prester John]

I have cuchillos criollo on the brain.

I've been trying to source a Boker Arbolito 4218H, the 20 cm carbon steel gaucho knife with stag handle. I remember them being available even here in the US years ago, but they seem to have disappeared.

I did stumble onto a few videos that I thought y'all might find of interest.

The first shows a visit to a museum with an exhibit on gaucho knives.

Here is a documentary of knives from Tandil.

This last one is a profile of a craftsman from the province of Entre Rios. He appears to specialize in making the humble, inexpensive cuchilla. This video actually has subtitles in English. Try to avoid reading them, my Spanish is extremely basic and even I can tell the translation is ridiculous.

Good stuff! Thanks for posting, Christian.

 

[CelloDan]

Back on the saddle again

Gaucho caught in action

This gaucho needs more practice with northern pike but it will do

Nature recycles

A gaucho’s best friend
Good night folks !
Tomorrow there shall be fish for breakfast

 

[kamagong]

Haven't put my puñal to work yet, but we are fast getting acquainted.

I know many around here are uncomfortable with the less genteel aspects of knife usage, but "Gauchos were famous for the skillful use of knives and the use and abuse of edged weapons during their duels." I do not wish to ever draw another's blood with a knife, just as I hope to never have to fire a gun out of necessity. But just as I want to know how to mince garlic with a gyuto, carve a spoon with a puukko, filet a fish with a Rapala, I value the knowledge of the martial use of a blade.

Part of that use involves carrying a knife, sometimes a fairly large sized knife. Though my puñal is not that large at 12" OAL with a 7 1/2" blade, most people would consider it big and hard to carry. On the contrary, I think it is rather easy to carry given its size. The gaucho puñal is comparatively slim, and combined with its rawhide sheath, makes for a trim package.

Bill Bagwell in his book Bowies, Big Knives, and the Best of Battle Blades showed us how to carry a large knife.



That technique is readily applicable to the cuchillo criollo in its traditional rawhide sheath. The sheath design, with its tongue, allows one to quickly switch from open to concealed carry.

 

[Prester John]

Haven't put my puñal to work yet, but we are fast getting acquainted.

I know many around here are uncomfortable with the less genteel aspects of knife usage, but "Gauchos were famous for the skillful use of knives and the use and abuse of edged weapons during their duels." I do not wish to ever draw another's blood with a knife, just as I hope to never have to fire a gun out of necessity. But just as I want to know how to mince garlic with a gyuto, carve a spoon with a puukko, filet a fish with a Rapala, I value the knowledge of the martial use of a blade.

Part of that use involves carrying a knife, sometimes a fairly large sized knife. Though my puñal is not that large at 12" OAL with a 7 1/2" blade, most people would consider it big and hard to carry. On the contrary, I think it is rather easy to carry given its size. The gaucho puñal is comparatively slim, and combined with its rawhide sheath, makes for a trim package.

Bill Bagwell in his book Bowies, Big Knives, and the Best of Battle Blades showed us how to carry a large knife.

View attachment 2252195

That technique is readily applicable to the cuchillo criollo in its traditional rawhide sheath. The sheath design, with its tongue, allows one to quickly switch from open to concealed carry.

View attachment 2252197

View attachment 2252201

I've seen the larger knives carried by the gauchos clipped to the belt in back, but not concealed, and the smaller knives in front. One could also carry like Crocodile Dundee, concealed in the back.
And I think CelloDan mentioned that maxipescie made him also a non-traditional belt sheath.
Looking forward to further posts, Christian.

 

[CelloDan]

I have cuchillos criollo on the brain.

Looking forward to watching the videos when we get home from our boat trip
I was born in Entre Rios

That technique is readily applicable to the cuchillo criollo in its traditional rawhide sheath. The sheath design, with its tongue, allows one to quickly switch from open to concealed carry.

Thanks for sharing Christian !
I had not yet figured a way to carry it without having to get a traditional “faja gaucha” or sash
I’ll try it

And I think CelloDan mentioned that maxipescie made him also a non-traditional belt sheath.

I have not used the non traditional sheath
It’s a bit too bulky and wide at the top for my preference
I may have at some point one the fine leather craftsman on BF make me a custom fit one but that would imply sending my Verijero away for a while… which I am not ready to do yet

Pictures of the “Faja Gaucha” and how is used to carry knives

 

[CelloDan]

This gaucho is now back home safe and sound after riding Ontario's water "pampas" on his trusty "Serena" for 4 days
Verijero saw quite a bit of action on this trip
Fishing was plentiful indeed !

I did not do a very good job on my first pike so I kept the second and practiced some more.
Results were much improved

As Martin Fierro said "Todo bicho que camina va a parar al asador"

The cut behind the head and then getting the first fillet from the top of the pike

If done correctly, one can get five boneless fillets

Bass and pike ready for the cast iron pan

Now pike it's said to be actually very good eating.
I did not find it "fishy" tasting however what turned me off a bit was the texture of the meat.
It was rather "steak-like" and did not flake like the fish I am used to eating.
Toby aproved

On our second day as I got ready to cook sausages I realized that the charcoal briquettes were soaking wet ... go figure ... you carry them in a boat for days at a time and they get wet ?
So I did what any real gaucho would do in this situation.
I pulled my iphone out and checked Martha Stewart's recipes on how to cook sausages on a cast iron pan.
The recipe called to put water first which this gaucho found rather crazy however the recipe was followed as written.

The results were quite good
Sausages ala Martha Stewart were actually better than pike ala gaucho Dan

 

[Prester John]

This gaucho is now back home safe and sound after riding Ontario's water "pampas" on his trusty "Serena" for 4 days
Verijero saw quite a bit of action on this trip
Fishing was plentiful indeed !

I did not do a very good job on my first pike so I kept the second and practiced some more.
Results were much improved

As Martin Fierro said "Todo bicho que camina va a parar al asador"

The cut behind the head and then getting the first fillet from the top of the pike

If done correctly, one can get five boneless fillets

Bass and pike ready for the cast iron pan

Now pike it's said to be actually very good eating.
I did not find it "fishy" tasting however what turned me off a bit was the texture of the meat.
It was rather "steak-like" and did not flake like the fish I am used to eating.
Toby aproved

On our second day as I got ready to cook sausages I realized that the charcoal briquettes were soaking wet ... go figure ... you carry them in a boat for days at a time and they get wet ?
So I did what any real gaucho would do in this situation.
I pulled my iphone out and checked Martha Stewart's recipes on how to cook sausages on a cast iron pan.
The recipe called to put water first which this gaucho found rather crazy however the recipe was followed as written.

The results were quite good
Sausages ala Martha Stewart were actually better than pike ala gaucho Dan

Wonderful post, Dan. I think I would prefer the sausage too. ¡Con guacamole!