Quest for a Navaja

[greater]

I agree with that video but obscure is not exactly what comes to mind unless being compared to a firearm.

 

[DocJD]

Clip-in concealed carry in front pocket , combined with cargo pocket, is possible :







Actually fits in many work pants top front pockets with the regular clip-out method . Lots of handle shows above edge of pocket .

I carry in front pocket (normal way) ,for woods walks (on my own land) , and use for a light machete to help maintain the trails .

It really is a folding short sword !

 

[PocketKnifeJimmy]

I strongly recommend any of the Cold Steel Espada models , especially as strong ,reliable , and fully functional .

That may not matter for a collector , but sure does if there are any plans to use the knife "hard" .

I think the basic all G-10 scaled Espadas are the better choice if a true user only is one's purpose for having one. But, if collecting is as important to the potential buyer, then the polished aluminum frame with G-10 scales version is a great choice, it just being a really nicely made and finished knife.
When I first took mine out of it's box, my first impression was simply... Wow!

 

[jfk1110]

LionSteel gitano 1st pic or Spyderco pattada, bottom knife in second pic
Both are excellent blades!

 

[Murindo]

I agree that under normal circumstances the G-10 Espada's are the best choice for a work/self defense knife. However, there is something happening with the aluminum bolter large Espada's as a couple of sites have them on sale for $ 150 shipped. That is an unbeliveable bargain for a 5.5 inch S35VN blade. I have been amazed by the beauty and quaility of this knife.

I carry large folders inside my waistband (IWB) just in front of my right hip. This conceals them well but allows access. Depending on your height and body proportions of course. The Large Espada works for IWB for me but not the Espada XL.

 

[Zuluninja]

Unfortunately, I think Barbudo is the only Spanish maker actually trying to modernize the traditional navajas, in their various different styles (there are like 7 types of navajas, not just the curved clips). As beautiful as they are, practical or tactical is not a common feature of Spain made navajas. There seems to be reluctance among Spanish brands to add simple stuff like a thumb stud, a pocket clip or different steels other than their ubiquitous Molybdenum-Vanadium similar to 440C.

The Kershaw Strata almost succeeds, but like it's been said, I feel it is too thin for it's size. I would buy a beefier version in a snap.

In the near future I might buy a Salamandra Temis. Although not a traditional navaja (blade is a bellied wharncliffe), it is a step in the right direction as it is a bearing flipper with pocket clip in N690. Might not be everybody's cup of tea, but I like that a Spanish maker is breaking out of the innovation rut they've been stuck on for a long time.

 

[DocJD]

I think the basic all G-10 scaled Espadas are the better choice if a true user only is one's purpose for having one. But, if collecting is as important to the potential buyer, then the polished aluminum frame with G-10 scales version is a great choice, it just being a really nicely made and finished knife.
When I first took mine out of it's box, my first impression was simply... Wow!

I wouldn't kick if someone gifted me some nice shiny, more expensive, Espada models . I'd use 'em !

They are probably stronger structurally, better steel ; but slipperier (unless mod handle surfaces ) , and definitely prettier .

IIRC, the polished are a bit heavier , also .

 

[Nixelplix]

I love the long slim profiles of Navaja type knives as well! I also bought the small Kershaw Strata in the search for a modern one. My favorite though is the Navajo-3 (bottom knife) from a Russian company called Steelclaw Knives. It has a very cool scale-actuated lock.

I have been looking at Dionisio Zapatero knives, they look like really well made traditional navajas. I grabbed this picture off of their site, really a beautiful knife.

 

[WValtakis]

I snagged this beast a while back, no clue on the provenance but it's 100% functional high carbon ground wicked thin

 

[Murindo]

I like the looks and size of this one. The price isn't way out of line and besides a reproduction of a French knife made for the Spanish market now made in Lativa adds a bit of allure.

 

[JParanee]

I went down the Navaja path big time ……. How can ant knife guy not. the history alone is fascinating and they look great but alas the path to a fine one is wrought with disappointment

the Cold Steel Espada is the best bang for the buck out there

If ya want something that ratchets Miguel Barbudo makes a fine knife.







if you want the best modern interpretation of a Navaja out there Gudy Von Poppel is the man










here is a a much simpler one he made for me

 

[Murindo]

JParanee

Beautiful knives. Thanks for sharing!

 

[PocketKnifeJimmy]

I love the long slim profiles of Navaja type knives as well! I also bought the small Kershaw Strata in the search for a modern one. My favorite though is the Navajo-3 (bottom knife) from a Russian company called Steelclaw Knives. It has a very cool scale-actuated lock.

I have been looking at Dionisio Zapatero knives, they look like really well made traditional navajas. I grabbed this picture off of their site, really a beautiful knife.

That last photo in your post showing the Dionisio Zapatero... That is a thing of beauty. Seems like it's very traditional

 

[Nixelplix]

That last photo in your post showing the Dionisio Zapatero... That is a thing of beauty. Seems like it's very traditional

I'm definitely considering one of their knives, looking at the materials they use, they list N690 blade steel, titanium hardware, and G10 scales.

 

[Murindo]

The Dionisio Zapatero knives fit in my definition of a higher end but reasonable price range. I can't afford a Barbudo or Von Poppel which certainly are the top end for Navaja. I haven't been able to get a response to my emails or contact requests from Dionisio Zapatero either on Etsy or the email they post for contact at the site. I'm very reluctant to buy one on the site without making contact first.

 

[Murindo]

I ordered a Dionisio Zapatero Navaja off Etsy since it was available. Now the wait for delivery from Riga, Latvia. ETA is between 25 July and 12 Sep. LOL

I ordered a CS XL Espada G-10 to hold me over.

BTW the owner of Dionisio Zapatero, Dennis, is tough to get a hold of since he is working with a foundation placing Ukranian efugees.

I would like to than all of you for your input and for sharing some great Navaja's.

I'll post pics when I get the knife from Dennis.

 

[Triton]

I went down the Navaja path big time ……. How can ant knife guy not. the history alone is fascinating and they look great but alas the path to a fine one is wrought with disappointment

the Cold Steel Espada is the best bang for the buck out there

If ya want something that ratchets Miguel Barbudo makes a fine knife.







if you want the best modern interpretation of a Navaja out there Gudy Von Poppel is the man










here is a a much simpler one he made for me

Love those!

 

[Murindo]

I got my Dionisio Zapatero Navaja made by owner Denis Cherevichnik after about a two week wait for shipping from Riga, Latvia.

The knife is well made but not without a bit of gap between the spring and the liners. This is not a CNC'd midtech or an $ 800 to $ 1200 full custom kinife. It is handmade and came in under $ 400. The blade is 4.9 inches long, polished, and sharp. Overall length is 10 inches. It feels good in the hand and is well balanced.

This knife is pinned together yet the pins are hard to see. The action is smooth and the lockup is tight side to side and up and down, The guitar shaped blade release is a nice touch.

Hand made so no two will ever be identical.

I do intend to go back to Denis for a bigger fancier Navaja after I save up some more "knife money".

 

[Hashishiin]

Very carryable! Love the Espada XL. I'd love a traditional version, however.

https://imgur.com/a/396dwVE

 

[Murindo]

I agree that the XL and Large Espada's are very carriable. I carry mine IWB. As to the traditional Navaja, I carry it in a Sticky Holster single mag pouch in my pocket.

Some day I will go after a traditional Navaja with a seven inch blade and a much fancier style.