Gaucho knives and cuchillos criollos of South America

[cbach8tw]

Arbolito!

Although I didn't intend to buy another cuchillo criollo so soon, I chanced upon this older Boker knife at a good price. Though not from Arbolito's golden period, it's got some age on it as my research indicates the stamp on the blade was used between 1974-1983. That makes it 40-50 years old. It is impossible to date to a specific year, but I get a kick from the thought that this knife might have been made the same year I was.

Incredible that the seller had the original box after all these years. The model indicated on the box is 3630HH, which is no longer a model Boker sells. A welcome bit of information, but I can't find anything else about it.

It has similar proportions to my faca, but the blade on the Arbolito is more robust.

blade length -- ~ 245 mm
blade width -- 39 mm
blade thickness -- 5 mm

I now have a proper Argentine puñal with a square botón!

The bolster appears to me to be integral, is that true on this knife? Nice one.

 

[kamagong]

Very nice! Nice blade length, too -- a true cuchillo macho. Something I like about these later knives is that the transition from the handle into the bolster is smoother (a welcome feature especiallly with faceted bolsters). Congrats!

Thank you. Although similar in form factor, I prefer the size of puñales more than verijeros.

I forgot to add, kamagong , that your knife is not from the 1974-1983 period, but from 1983-2001. The mark is basically the same, but in the latter period it was etched rather than stamped. This can be seen in the picture from post #935, which shows the thick font characteristic of etched logos. The box is consistent with this. Still, a neat knife, and a great opportunity to assess common claims about modern Arbolito blades.

Thank you for sharing that additional information. If the older knives are better, that gives me something to look forward to. As it is, the blade quality on this knife doesn't give me anything to complain about.

The bolster appears to me to be integral, is that true on this knife? Nice one.

Integral bolster on this Arbolito.

 

[cbach8tw]

What is the blade length on that Arbolito? Thanks, we need to see it in action on some brisket to chop it up.

 

[Prester John]

What is the blade length on that Arbolito? Thanks, we need to see it in action on some brisket to chop it up.

Or dispatching an alligator like Tarzan.

 

[cbach8tw]

Or dispatching an alligator like Tarzan.

Yes!!! However I think it would break, so maybe just carving the Allie after being dispatched, preparing it for the grill. Would you have to cut from the underside as the scales would be too tough in top? And how many alligators or caimans are there in the pampas? Or in Patagonia? I think just read there are caimans in the pampas.

 

[kamagong]

What is the blade length on that Arbolito? Thanks, we need to see it in action on some brisket to chop it up.

9 1/2" blade on the Arbolito. Only a couple inches longer than my capybara, but the size difference is significant.

Or dispatching an alligator like Tarzan.

Yes!!! However I think it would break, so maybe just carving the Allie after being dispatched, preparing it for the grill. Would you have to cut from the underside as the scales would be too tough in top? And how many alligators or caimans are there in the pampas? Or in Patagonia? I think just read there are caimans in the pampas.

No alligators here, though we do have lions. Surprisingly, we are advised to fight back if attacked.

I may start carrying the Arbolito on my day hikes. CA law allows us to carry any sized fixed blade in public, as long as it is worn openly and on the belt. I think I'll need bombachas, a boina, and tirador though.

Just kidding...if I ever do run into a mountain lion, you'll find me in a tree like this gaucho from Dan's book. I'm not going to duel the Ghost Cat!

 

[CelloDan]

I think it would be great if a vintage and a modern Arbolito in this case, be as objectively as possible tested side by side by a couple of pros ( hardness, edge retention, toughness etc).

Allow me to quote myself

I got to think after posting this while the rain “serenaded “ me to sleep inside “Serena’s belly ️” lol that this exercise would still not be worth too much as the sample size is just too small.

I also think I should stop over thinking stuff

The bolster appears to me to be integral, is that true on this knife? Nice one.

Yes it is

As it is, the blade quality on this knife doesn't give me anything to complain about

It’s a beautiful blade Christian !
Congratulations mi amigo !

I would indeed be happy to own one like it
( albeit more in a Verijero size )

I remember reading one of your posts from way back how you regretted not buying one when they were still easily available in North America and felt you had missed the chance.

Could it be that there were some years when they were not in production? Perhaps when they were replacing dies or maybe restructuring production?
I’ll try to find out more about it.

think just read there are caimans in the pampas.

Yeap , they are called “ Yacare”

Just kidding...if I ever do run into a mountain lion, you'll find me in a tree like this gaucho from Dan's book

However if no tree nearby you’ll be ready for it my friend … unlike myself who will have to fight the thing off with a 12 cm Verijero

Once again I am inside our little sailboat on the last night of our adventure
We are going go end up travelling about 100 miles ( 160 km ) by the time we are done tomorrow.

Moored at Jones Falls Lock, a place that Princess Louise, Queen Victoria’s daughter, described as “by far the most beautiful spot in all of Canada.”

Another famous person that loved this place was former US president William Taft (1909-1913).

Hotel Kenny in the background where President Taft used to stay on his fishing trips.

After these pics were taken Admiral Diana safely put away Verijero

 

[screened porch]

However if no tree nearby you’ll be ready for it my friend … unlike myself who will have to fight the thing off with a 12 cm Verijero

I just bite their heads off.

 

[screened porch]

This is the one that I think was used seriously, because of the string on the belt hook. Except the blade is shiny and new, so it would have to be a replacement.

 

[Kiteman72]

I just bite their heads off.

That's the better plan since cougars can climb trees.

 

[kamagong]

It’s a beautiful blade Christian !
Congratulations mi amigo !

I would indeed be happy to own one like it
( albeit more in a Verijero size )

I remember reading one of your posts from way back how you regretted not buying one when they were still easily available in North America and felt you had missed the chance.

Could it be that there were some years when they were not in production? Perhaps when they were replacing dies or maybe restructuring production?
I’ll try to find out more about it.

Thanks Dan. It's a fine blade, and I'm tickled pink that I am now the proud owner of a genuine Arbolito.

I know which knife I'd choose if I was invited to an asado, desfile, or fiesta.

Once again I am inside our little sailboat on the last night of our adventure
We are going go end up travelling about 100 miles ( 160 km ) by the time we are done tomorrow.

Moored at Jones Falls Lock, a place that Princess Louise, Queen Victoria’s daughter, described as “by far the most beautiful spot in all of Canada.”

Another famous person that loved this place was former US president William Taft (1909-1913).

Hotel Kenny in the background where President Taft used to stay on his fishing trips.

After these pics were taken Admiral Diana safely put away Verijero

Boating season is here! Are you making do with the Pampa this time around? Did you leave the Capybara at home?

This is the one that I think was used seriously, because of the string on the belt hook. Except the blade is shiny and new, so it would have to be a replacement.

Replacement blade? Wow...that's awesome to use a single knife so much that it would need a re-blade. Makes me wonder though, how are these metal handled knives constructed? Is the tang simply peened at the pommel? Or is the hollow metal also filled with some sort of epoxy?

 

[RayseM]

Having seen Dan posting his Argentinian Blade & Beret I thought it long overdue to show mine.

You recognize the most excellent knife - here resting on the last of the Boina Tolosa Tupida. The company has closed it doors.
This beret measures 13-1/4” - yup a big ”plateau”

AND - yeah, long overdue to clean this blade. That’s not patina as much as a distraction.

 

[kamagong]

A black beret? Nice...

I'm trying to decide if that blade needs more or less patina.

 

[screened porch]

Makes me wonder though, how are these metal handled knives constructed? Is the tang simply peened at the pommel? Or is the hollow metal also filled with some sort of epoxy?

I get the feeling these Brazilian Eberles are very standardized. Maybe I'll take the screw out of my most touristy one and see what I can see.

 

[screened porch]

I see Nothing!

It felt like glue on the threads and looks like glue under the screw head. There's no play or pull in the handle at all. So maybe some epoxy is involved.

 

[kamagong]

Thank you for adding to our knowledge base!

 

[CelloDan]

Boating season is here! Are you making do with the Pampa this time around? Did you leave the Capybara at home?

I left the Capybara at home this time around so the Pampa could have a little intro to boating and its share in the limelight
I will be bringing and using my Capybara on most trips though.
It is a very special knife and I love the way it fits my hand.

Thanks Dan. It's a fine blade, and I'm tickled pink that I am now the proud owner of a genuine Arbolito.

I am very happy for you Christian specially knowing how long you had been wanting one !

Having seen Dan posting his Argentinian Blade & Beret I thought it long overdue to show mine.

You recognize the most excellent knife - here resting on the last of the Boina Tolosa Tupida. The company has closed it doors.
This beret measures 13-1/4” - yup a big ”plateau”

AND - yeah, long overdue to clean this blade. That’s not patina as much as a distraction.


View attachment 2575993

Great to see your Capybara Ray
It is such a fine blade !!!
The red boina you sent me is always accompanying me along with either of my two Verijeros.
Gracias hermano !
Too bad they do not make them anymore.

In regards to installing/replacing blades on criollos, one of the ways it has traditionally being done in Argentina is with sealing wax or "Lacre" in Spanish.
Below are a couple of videos showing how it is done.
My Pampa Verijero was done that way as well ( as I have been told by a "Platero" from Argentina )

 

[Trubetzkoy]

I see Nothing!

It felt like glue on the threads and looks like glue under the screw head. There's no play or pull in the handle at all. So maybe some epoxy is involved.

Most likely it's a version of "cutler's resin." That's what's inside my two Eberles at least - both the seemingly older, carbon-steel one and the one that says "Inox." You could confirm by bringing a lighter to the bottom end (without the screw) and seeing if it starts to bubble up. Then you can clean whatever residue is left from the bubbling with acetone.

 

[screened porch]

Most likely it's a version of "cutler's resin." That's what's inside my two Eberles at least - both the seemingly older, carbon-steel one and the one that says "Inox." You could confirm by bringing a lighter to the bottom end (without the screw) and seeing if it starts to bubble up. Then you can clean whatever residue is left from the bubbling with acetone.

Thanks! I'll trust you.

 

[Trubetzkoy]

Thanks! I'll trust you.

If you do it, just be careful not to heat it up too much or allow too much resin to harden around the thread. Having a little stick to clean some of the residue before it hardens might be helpful, then finish with a bit of acetone.