Gaucho knives and cuchillos criollos of South America

[Trubetzkoy]

The Eberles I have just slide into the scabbard and would fall out pretty easily, but stuffing in a fold of milk bottle plastic snugs up the fit.

That's what I figured, since it's the same with my little inox knife. The other -- presumably older-- Eberle I got recently, on the other hand, came with a three-layer paper sleeve, which seemed to be original. Since I don't trust old sheaths and linings, I took it out to examine it and treat it if needed, and, sure enough, there were some spots that looked to be mold.

Since otherwise it wasn't in too rough a shape, I gave it the usual freezer treatment and put a small piece of paper tape on the very top (to facilitate its removal in the future if needed) and slid it right back in.

The other Brazilian verijeros I have with metal scabbards actually came with wood slabs. In those cases, accesing the inside of the scabbard was easier, since the throat is removable. Argentinian knives, on the other hand, usually come with metallic liners I believe. That's the case with my Atahualpa puñal, at least.

 

[CelloDan]

Oh, I love leche quemada! From Mexico. Ate by the spoonful, but haven't had any lately.

That looks delicious Vince !
I did not know it's called "leche quemada" in Mexico.

Looks like you're almost out. Might want to get the big jar next time.

What you see in the picture is all I got to eat from that jar. I had "safely" tucked it away in a corner of the cupboards and was very surprised to see it pretty much empty when I opened it.
I asked my wife what had happened to my dulce de leche.
She said I should lay the blame on our daughters and our oldest daughter's boyfriend.
Young whippersnappers !!!

I've wanted to get South American knife for a while but my ignorance on the subject makes it a bit intimidating.
Me and my best friend have been slowly saving funds for trip and he mentioned Argentina has interested him wich was a delightful surprise.
That would definitely be a great opportunity for some knife hunting. The trip is somewhere in the future but I have to check this thread for some research and inspiration.
And I really need to get those Spanish lessons too - lazy me.

I really hope your trip becomes a reality and that you find a good knife to bring back

I have two pounds of it, and two stainless steel filter straws, and then I find out it's carcinogenic, especially when hot. Though I haven't looked into that at all deeply because I'm not trying to give up coffee anymore.
I have a bunch of French chicory, too, which I like much less than my paternal grandfather did. I think he mixed it with his coffee, though, which would take some of the edge off of the chicory.

Enjoy seeing your criollos Jeff
About the yerba mate, from what I understand is the excessive daily intake ( 1 to 2 liters) of very hot infusion over many years ( water at almost the boiling point ) that is the main concern.
I set my water temp at about 160 F and it's even lower by the time it leaves the thermos (In some regions of South America this would be considered lukewarm)
Yerba mate is rich in antioxidants and other compounds which may be linked to several health benefits such as among others the prevention of certain cancers, obesity control, help with diabetes and blood sugar regulation, help delay onset of dementia etc

Since otherwise it wasn't in too rough a shape, I gave it the usual freezer treatment and put a small piece of paper tape on the very top (to facilitate its removal in the future if needed) and slid it right back in.

The other Brazilian verijeros I have with metal scabbards actually came with wood slabs. In those cases, accesing the inside of the scabbard was easier, since the throat is removable. Argentinian knives, on the other hand, usually come with metallic liners I believe. That's the case with my Atahualpa puñal, at least.

Very informative mi amigo


Yesterday I took my Verijero on our walk.
I carried it on my side, tucked under my pant close to the right hip as kamagong showed a while ago. It was quite comfortable to carry it this way.
I'll be looking one of these days to order a proper "faja" to see how carrying the traditional way is like.
A pic from yesterday's walk:

This painting caught my eye this afternoon while browsing the interwebs.
"La Posta de San Luis" by Juan León Pallière, 1858

 

[Trubetzkoy]

You take great pictures man.

 

[screened porch]

obesity control, help with diabetes and blood sugar regulation, help delay onset of dementia etc

Hmm.

Found 'em. I don't remember why there are four instead of two, and I'd forgotten the individual bristle brushes.

 

[screened porch]

The brushes remind me of Bob Hope absent-mindedly ordering a glass of milk at a tough saloon, while impersonating a ferocious gunman.

"Greazed lightnin', that's what I am with a gun."

 

[Prester John]

The brushes remind me of Bob Hope absent-mindedly ordering a glass of milk at a tough saloon, while impersonating a ferocious gunman.

But remember, Jer, he then specified he wanted his milk "in a dirty glass!"

 

[screened porch]

But remember, Jer, he then specified he wanted his milk "in a dirty glass!"

Good save.

 

[kamagong]

Dan's post about dulce de leche reminded me of a sweet I loved as a child, coconut jam. Though different from dulce de leche it elicits a similar sense of affection. Dan's images inspired me to pick up a jar.

 

[CelloDan]

The brushes remind me of Bob Hope absent-mindedly ordering a glass of milk at a tough saloon, while impersonating a ferocious gunman.

But remember, Jer, he then specified he wanted his milk "in a dirty glass!"

Hey guys, your fellow gaucho here is not very well versed regarding popular culture
So I went and researched (googled ) the above reference.

So for the purposes of accuracy on this thread and to avoid the universe from coming apart at the seams here is what I found.

Bob Hope ordering lemonade (not milk) ... in a dirty glass

"Milk in a dirty glass" from the movie Cop and a Half

Which reminded me of a yerba mate "gourd" my Mom brought many years ago from Argentina made out of cow horn.

It was a bit dirty inside and it smelled funny too ... like only horn can
In a telephone conversation with my cousin in Argentina she assured me I could "cure" it and clean it well to drink from it.

So I did clean it several times and eventually drank a few mates from it however I could never really get used to it.
Now it sits as decoration in our living room.
I prefer the traditional gourd or the ones made of wood.

" Pour me a mate ... in a dirty horn"

Despite my personal preferences, "mates" made of "guampa" or "asta" are very traditional as well.

 

[Prester John]

Hey guys, your fellow gaucho here is not very well versed regarding popular culture
So I went and researched (googled ) the above reference.

So for the purposes of accuracy on this thread and to avoid the universe from coming apart at the seams here is what I found.

Bob Hope ordering lemonade (not milk) ... in a dirty glass

"Milk in a dirty glass" from the movie Cop and a Half

Which reminded me of a yerba mate "gourd" my Mom brought many years ago from Argentina made out of cow horn.

It was a bit dirty inside and it smelled funny too ... like only horn can
In a telephone conversation with my cousin in Argentina she assured me I could "cure" it and clean it well to drink from it.

So I did clean it several times and eventually drank a few mates from it however I could never really get used to it.
Now it sits as decoration in our living room.
I prefer the traditional gourd or the ones made of wood.

" Pour me a mate ... in a dirty horn"

Despite my personal preferences, "mates" made of "guampa" or "asta" are very traditional as well.

Great research, Dan! Here's my favorite tough bar drink order:

 

[screened porch]

Hey guys, your fellow gaucho here is not very well versed regarding popular culture
So I went and researched (googled ) the above reference.

So for the purposes of accuracy on this thread and to avoid the universe from coming apart at the seams here is what I found.

Bob Hope ordering lemonade (not milk) ... in a dirty glass

"Milk in a dirty glass" from the movie Cop and a Half

Which reminded me of a yerba mate "gourd" my Mom brought many years ago from Argentina made out of cow horn.

It was a bit dirty inside and it smelled funny too ... like only horn can
In a telephone conversation with my cousin in Argentina she assured me I could "cure" it and clean it well to drink from it.

So I did clean it several times and eventually drank a few mates from it however I could never really get used to it.
Now it sits as decoration in our living room.
I prefer the traditional gourd or the ones made of wood.

" Pour me a mate ... in a dirty horn"

Despite my personal preferences, "mates" made of "guampa" or "asta" are very traditional as well.

Thanks for the rectification of names!
Ceramic is a natural enough material for me.

 

[screened porch]

Great research, Dan! Here's my favorite tough bar drink order:

Rustler's Rhapsody! (unless I'm wrong again).
I love that movie.
"'You're not a good guy at all!' 'I told you I was a lawyer!'"

 

[screened porch]

 

[CelloDan]

Hey gauchos, anyone up for some turnip fries ?

Or perhaps some brussel sprouts ?

Nah ... what this thread needs is some MEAT

Yeah some meat and potatoes !
Talking about meat and potatoes, has anyone seen T Trubetzkoy ?

Have a great day folks

 

[Prester John]

Hey gauchos, anyone up for some turnip fries ?

Or perhaps some brussel sprouts ?

Nah ... what this thread needs is some MEAT

Yeah some meat and potatoes !
Talking about meat and potatoes, has anyone seen T Trubetzkoy ?

Have a great day folks

Looks like the meat removed the patina those nasty vegetables left on your blade, Dan!

 

[kamagong]

Have you received your verijero yet Prester John ? We need pictures!

 

[Prester John]

Have you received your verijero yet Prester John ? We need pictures!

Yes, Christian, I received it yesterday, but didn't open till late last night. I will take pictures after work today, and post them tonight. I am very pleased with it.

 

[Prester John]

Deleted. Will try again!

 

[Prester John]

The six-and-a-half-month wait was worth it. My verijero finally arrived!

It is the work of maxipescie , the Argentinian artisan who made Dan's verijero, and other gaucho knives posted in this thread. It is 1095 steel, with a handle of Urunday wood, like Dan's, but a little larger, with a six-inch blade. A perfect size, I think. I really like the handmade sheath, made by another artisan:

And the capybara logo:

It must be carried like a gaucho, of course:

Let the patina begin!

And who needs a fork?

¡Buen provecho!

 

[tongueriver]

Wow! I am impressed! I want one.