Gaucho knives - Puñales and Verijeros (South American Bowie)

[erichsen]

Of late, I have become very interested in the Gaucho's (perhaps it was the Argentinian restaurant a few weeks ago) and naturally, in what the Gaucho's tended to use in the way of supplies and tools. My understanding of late is that herds were moved across the borders between Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina, with Argentina being considered the primary center of activity.

The Puñales (very long blade, 12-14") and Verijeros (long blade, 7-8") in particular are quite interesting. Some of the more ornate examples, fitted in silver and heavily file-worked, were probably the most valuable personal possession a Gaucho owned. It's would seem that over time, as firearms became more easily accessible, the degree of ornamentation decreased and so to the blade lengths. Those familiar with the early Bowie styles (Searles in particular) will probably recognize the resemblance immediately.

Are any of the forum members acquainted with the more common general use knives of the Gauchos? Do you have any examples you can post some images of? I've seen a few museum quality examples fetching close to $2000.00 US.

I may very well commission a custom Puñales if locating a quality antique proves too time consuming or costly.

Cheers,

-E

 

[kamagong]

I too have recently become interested in gaucho knives. My search for them has proved unsuccessful however, and I have been unable to find good specimens. The vast majority of gaucho knives available here in the U.S. are of the cheaper, mass produced variety. You might come across the occassional museum quality piece, but as you have noted they can be quite costly.

If you are interested in getting a custom commissioned, take a look at the threads started by Manuel Quiroga G.

I had a knife made by Ray Laconico, a fellow forumite who is also a fine knifemaker. I sent him some pictures, and this is his interpretation of the gaucho knife. With a 6" blade it is not as big as the ones you usually see, but it is just about the perfect size for a camp knife.

- Christian

 

[Blues]

They are classic knives!

The only one I own is this "Cascavel" which was sent to me by a Brazilian federal police investigator I worked a case with in Sao Paulo some years back.

The handle is polished cow horn. Sorry for the poor image.

 

[silenthunterstudios]

There are several south American makers that have knife maker memberships on here, and would be proud to provide you with an authentic gaucho knife, even with that "American" flavor. Unfortunately, their names escape me right now.

 

[erichsen]

That is a rather lovely interpretation, but I'm more interested in a design that more closely follows the "classic" patterns I'm interested in.

With kind regard,

-E

 

[erichsen]

They are classic knives!

The only one I own is this "Cascavel" which was sent to me by a Brazilian federal police investigator I worked a case with in Sao Paulo some years back.

The handle is polished cow horn. Sorry for the poor image.

I don't suppose the bolsters are "false" (do not go all the way around the tang) are they? It's hard to tell if the blade is exposed and pinned together or not. The blade is also distinctively broader with a rounder point, but you mentioned a different pattern which may be Regionally unique to S. Brazil. A nice knife to be sure, but not exactly what I'm after.

With kind regards,

-E

 

[Blues]

Wow, your images just showed up since I posted above and I've got to say that that is quite an impressive and remarkable collection! :thumbup:

 

[cassioselaimen]

Hi, you can see my web site www.doncassioselaimen.com.br
it´s all about realy gaucho´s knife.
att
cassio

 

[erichsen]

Wow, your images just showed up since I posted above and I've got to say that that is quite an impressive and remarkable collection! :thumbup:

Alas, not my collection. I'd be satisfied with one or two very good examples. The image names are the generic name (criollo, or punales criollo) for the longer punales knife as copied from an online essay about the Gaucho knife patterns (there are 5 types, or 4 types and one sub-type). Credit is given to the collectors whose collections or the smiths whose works he included images throughout the essay.

It does give an appreciation for certain common (if parallel) development paths between the North American and South American patterns, both of which can trace to Europe and by virtue of Moorish Spain, to an even earlier pattern called the "Mediterranean Dagger." Interesting stuff.

Cheers,

-E

 

[Blues]

I don't suppose the bolsters are "false" (do not go all the way around the tang) are they? It's hard to tell if the blade is exposed and pinned together or not. The blade is also distinctively broader with a rounder point, but you mentioned a different pattern which may be Regionally unique to S. Brazil. A nice knife to be sure, but not exactly what I'm after.

With kind regards,

-E

No, the bolster is not "false". It goes completely around and you can see the end of the tang in the center of the cap.

You are probably spot on as to the regional aspect since this gentleman was from Rio Grande Do Sul (or "Macho-Land" as he liked to tell me. Where all the real cowboys and "men" were from. )

I can certainly see that it wouldn't fit your needs now that I've seen those images. It's just a nice keepsake and obviously doesn't belong in a thread with gems the quality of which you have displayed above.

 

[erichsen]

Hi, you can see my web site www.doncassioselaimen.com.br
it´s all about realy gaucho´s knife.
att
cassio

I tried to switch your site content to English for those of us that are Portuguese challenged, but to no avail. Could you send the URL to the specific area of the site featuring your wares?

Many thanks,

-E

 

[kamagong]

Those are some beautiful pieces. I prefer the ones with the simple handles the best, with the stag piece as my favorite.

The main problem I see is that in this country it is near impossible to find a top quality gaucho knife with genuine silverwork. The ones you see for sale are made with German silver, AKA nickel silver. That does not appeal to me in the slightest, and to get a knife of better quality it is necessary to have one custom made.

- Christian

 

[erichsen]

No, the bolster is not "false". It goes completely around and you can see the end of the tang in the center of the cap.

You are probably spot on as to the regional aspect since this gentleman was from Rio Grande Do Sul (or "Macho-Land" as he liked to tell me. Where all the real cowboys and "men" were from. )

I can certainly see that it wouldn't fit your needs now that I've seen those images. It's just a nice keepsake and obviously doesn't belong in a thread with gems the quality of which you have displayed above.

Definitely part of the Gaucho culture from the description you just gave. While terribly off topic, what do you think of the current government program to move in Military style and "occupy" the parts of town being controlled by organized crime syndicates and street gangs? There seems to have been some success, though you have to wonder about how much resentment from the "occupation" of a paramilitary force will counter the elimination, if temporarily, of the "protection" money the gangs used to collect from local businesses and shop keepers.

Cheers,

-E

 

[Blues]

Definitely part of the Gaucho culture from the description you just gave. While terribly off topic, what do you think of the current government program to move in Military style and "occupy" the parts of town being controlled by organized crime syndicates and street gangs? There seems to have been some success, though you have to wonder about how much resentment from the "occupation" of a paramilitary force will counter the elimination, if temporarily, of the "protection" money the gangs used to collect from local businesses and shop keepers.

Cheers,

-E

We'll have to leave discussion of such issues for other forums (political or current events) as our "Traditional Forum" guidelines do not allow for to us to pursue these topics here. My apologies in advance.

 

[erichsen]

Those are some beautiful pieces. I prefer the ones with the simple handles the best, with the stag piece as my favorite.

The main problem I see is that in this country it is near impossible to find a top quality gaucho knife with genuine silverwork. The ones you see for sale are made with German silver, AKA nickel silver. That does not appeal to me in the slightest, and to get a knife of better quality it is necessary to have one custom made.

- Christian

I tend to agree, the Silver filigree and mountings of the particularly ornate variety would be display case only for me. The second type (a subtype of sorts) are well made, with false bolster and full tang with bone, antler or dense hard wood materials. Quite nice and thoroughly utilitarian, as was the intent. I am toying with buying one of each (an ornate and a less ornate utilitarian model) depending on the results of my investigation.

Warm regards,

-E

 

[somniloquist]

My father was born in Argentina and when I was a young boy, he and I and my mother traveled there for a vacation and to visit some distant relatives. One memory I have is the three of us in an antique/curio type store and my mother haggling with the merchant over a knife remarkable similar to the ones pictured in the first image. My mother was a professional negotiator for around 30 years and the poor fellow did not stand much of a chance. I get a kick thinking of the number of unsuspecting merchants she took down during our family vacations. Anyway, that knife still sits on their mantle in their home. It is one of the most ornate knives you could imagine, with solid silver handle scales and scabbard along with portions covered in gold plating. I'm actually traveling to my home town tonight so I will try and snap a photo of it and post it here.

As for for traditional usage, I do not know a tremendous amount, but while in the old country I saw a couple Gaucho looking fellows with large knives tucked into the small of their backs. I know my Dad's Puñale has a somewhat primitive clip that latches onto you belt or waistband in such a way as to make SOB carry easy.

The only time I ever saw such a knife in action was at an asado restaurant where the friendly man was minding the barbecue. For those who don't know what that is, imagine a whole cow split open and slow roasted over a roaring fire. You walk up to the carcass and point to the part you want. The fella minding the meat and the fire (with the very large knife) will oblige and cut you a nice piece. It tastes even better than it sounds, gents! That reason alone makes me love these knives. Good luck on your quest Erichsen!

 

[Manuel Quiroga G.]

I consider the criollo knife to be one of the most beautiful and useful knife style.

That is probably why I specialize in that type

As you erichsen well say, as the time went by and gauchos settle as “peones” (ranch workers) the need for long “facones” (usually made form military sables) decrease and where replaced by “puñales”. The facones where, as the Bowie, a fighting weapon. The puñal criollo is more of a working tool.

The degree of ornate is also a regional thing, in the 1º picture you show knives are very silver worked, showing an Olavarria school style (though not exclusive from that area), while a more simple silver-work as in the 3º and 4º picture would be more characteristic form San Antonio de Areco.

I try to maintain the blade geometry as traditional as I can while playing with damascus patterns and some alternative handle materials when I make a criollo knife.

Here you can see some of my work:

http://quirogaguiraldesforja.blogspot.com/



Regards,

Manuel

 

[DennisStrickland]

as a carpet cleaner i chance on occassion some real goodies. about 2 years ago one of my regular customers returned from workimg in Brazil for 3 yrs. on his wall in a glass case were some fantastic gaunchos. they were mounted so i did'nt ask to see them . he was an engineer & knew tourist junk from the real quality & he had the best i had ever seen. dennis

 

[kamagong]

Gauchos are very serious about their barbecue.

Here's a pic showing traditional small-of-back carry.

Who says big knives aren't traditional?

- Christian

 

[Will Power]

Very absorbing thread indeed:thumbup:

It's opening up interests in new styles of knives for me.

Impressive workmanship and variety displayed in Manuel's catalogue,many thanks. I also like this carrying of the knife in the small of the back, this was used widely in Europe in former times-usually for fighting...but it is practical too when on horse.

If interest takes off, perhaps we could start an Ethnic Knives thread with examples from outside N.America? Russia has a rich tradition of ornate knives and styles. Places such as Turkey, Iran and India have interesting fixed knives and of course,there is the history of Damascus steel. Just some thoughts. These South American knives are real gems!