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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Spanish blades, some info and loooots of pics :D
- Thread starter Zuluninja
- Start date
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- Jul 8, 2012
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- 1,336
holy cow thats a really nice collection!
the only spanish knife i have is an aitor castor 'pequena'. its my 'day off' knife. lol
the only spanish knife i have is an aitor castor 'pequena'. its my 'day off' knife. lol
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- Joined
- Aug 25, 2009
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- 2,778
ok...this is gonna be it for a while. A good friend of mine is going to Spain in a couple of months so hopefully he is gonna bring back some more. Right now I'm quite happy with the recent scores.
This latest buy came as a surprise when I opened the package. It included what looks to be a very old Muela box. The current boxes have a burgungy color with golden letters. Previous boxes are green and rather unnadorned. This box is blue. I have never seen a Muela blue box. I searched the model number and came up empty, the one most similar to it (at least serial-wise, if not physically) has stag scales and straight handle, no finger cutouts. I am so puzzled by it that I sent an email to Muela today with these shots in hopes of getting some info. The knife itself is in excellent unused shape, and was as dull as a butter knife. Now it is not
8-1/4" overall length, 4.5" clip point blade, peened full tang with laminate wood scales, brass guard and pommel
Now this monster was nabbed after some haggling on the bay, but totally worth it. It's an older Muela Bowie built like the one just posted, full tang with a peened end. Again, seems like it was put on a vault and never used. I really like the sheath, very simple yet elegant. Massive heft with a saber grind (seems like Muela Bowie series all have a flat grind - I might be mistaken, but all of my Bowie series have saber grinds) and a perfect fit for the hand. I don't want to let it sit unused again, but it's gonna take some nerve to bring myself to use it
9.5" blade, 14.5" overall, and very sharp
3/16" thick, full-tanged goodiness
I also found another Aitor Rehala folder, this one with hunting dogs engraved at all bolsters, and with some use but in perfect working condition. Did some sanding and polishing at the brass, and the scales were a bit warped so I took them off, pressed them flat and glued back on
This one is another mistery, couldn't find any info on it except a shot in another forum, the owner claiming to have had the knife for over 25 years. Seems accurate, as the stag does look aged but solid and smooth, with a very nice fit to the hand. Another Muela Bowie series with a saber grind, and the standard measure of 7" blade, 12" overall
This last one came in a 3-knife deal. The seller tossed in 2 slip joints, also Muela. I decided to keep the small one and give the big one to a friend of mine who has taken a liking to Muelas and this one in particular. I advised not to buy it yet and will surprise him with it today. The knife itself is Muela's version of the famous MACV-SOG, a Muela Bufalo. Feels solid in hand, traditional rat tail build with laminate wood handle although it seems the guard and pommel are zamak (zinc-copper-tin alloy) instead of brass. 6.5" blade, 11.5" overall.
The slipies
Bufalo
So this is it - for now. I'll check with my friend to see how many knives is he willing to bring over when he returns from Spain
This latest buy came as a surprise when I opened the package. It included what looks to be a very old Muela box. The current boxes have a burgungy color with golden letters. Previous boxes are green and rather unnadorned. This box is blue. I have never seen a Muela blue box. I searched the model number and came up empty, the one most similar to it (at least serial-wise, if not physically) has stag scales and straight handle, no finger cutouts. I am so puzzled by it that I sent an email to Muela today with these shots in hopes of getting some info. The knife itself is in excellent unused shape, and was as dull as a butter knife. Now it is not
8-1/4" overall length, 4.5" clip point blade, peened full tang with laminate wood scales, brass guard and pommel
Now this monster was nabbed after some haggling on the bay, but totally worth it. It's an older Muela Bowie built like the one just posted, full tang with a peened end. Again, seems like it was put on a vault and never used. I really like the sheath, very simple yet elegant. Massive heft with a saber grind (seems like Muela Bowie series all have a flat grind - I might be mistaken, but all of my Bowie series have saber grinds) and a perfect fit for the hand. I don't want to let it sit unused again, but it's gonna take some nerve to bring myself to use it
9.5" blade, 14.5" overall, and very sharp
3/16" thick, full-tanged goodiness
I also found another Aitor Rehala folder, this one with hunting dogs engraved at all bolsters, and with some use but in perfect working condition. Did some sanding and polishing at the brass, and the scales were a bit warped so I took them off, pressed them flat and glued back on
This one is another mistery, couldn't find any info on it except a shot in another forum, the owner claiming to have had the knife for over 25 years. Seems accurate, as the stag does look aged but solid and smooth, with a very nice fit to the hand. Another Muela Bowie series with a saber grind, and the standard measure of 7" blade, 12" overall
This last one came in a 3-knife deal. The seller tossed in 2 slip joints, also Muela. I decided to keep the small one and give the big one to a friend of mine who has taken a liking to Muelas and this one in particular. I advised not to buy it yet and will surprise him with it today. The knife itself is Muela's version of the famous MACV-SOG, a Muela Bufalo. Feels solid in hand, traditional rat tail build with laminate wood handle although it seems the guard and pommel are zamak (zinc-copper-tin alloy) instead of brass. 6.5" blade, 11.5" overall.
The slipies
Bufalo
So this is it - for now. I'll check with my friend to see how many knives is he willing to bring over when he returns from Spain
- Joined
- Mar 21, 2013
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- 44
Damn, you've single handedly turned me on to an entire world of knives. So awesome!
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2009
- Messages
- 2,778
I have no clue why Muelas or other spanish brands are not more popular stateside, when you consider quality and price. Seems like the only spanish blade to be sought after is the no longer produced Marto Explorer due to Hollywood exposure.
I need your help, guys... A while ago, I spotted a beautiful Nieto Navaja in a shop window. As much as I was drawn to it, its long, slim blade was a bit too 'cut-throatish' for me. Today, I couldn't resist to take a closer look and am even more confounded- I was surprised of how solid it feels, and how well it sits in one's hand. It certainly makes asking price of $35 look ridiculous- it's beautiful, seems rock solid, weight and balance almost perfect (I'd say pays a good homage to its heritage by being a bit too nimble). Buuut, handling it made me think it's a true gentleman's folder- it doesn't even have a locking mechanism (in a way it's an upside for me- it feels much less a fighting knife, which I appreciate). A few points had been deducted on a bit too wide butt (I like a nice butt, but I think proper Navaja pommel should be more 'pointy'), and the thing that is almost a deal-breaker is that it <sob> doesn't produce a 'carraca' sound. :crushed:
I'm saving for BM 710, and I'd put a dent in my funds on account of what seems to me a steal (I may be wrong, but I really don't think I could get as gorgeous and handful-of- blade for that money), but I do really miss the ratcheting*, and am afraid I'm starting to go overboard on gentleman's folders. Please help me with some advice- should I buy it, should I look for another model? Are there any suggestions to an alternative knife, or any reasons why I shouldn't get this one?
Thanks in advance.
* however it might be at odds with its elegance... it's lmost nostalgic thing for me (but I don't recall from where and when)
P.S. pls. do not take offence if I don't respond in a week or two- I'm about to head for a holiday and might not be online, or have no time to respond...
I'm saving for BM 710, and I'd put a dent in my funds on account of what seems to me a steal (I may be wrong, but I really don't think I could get as gorgeous and handful-of- blade for that money), but I do really miss the ratcheting*, and am afraid I'm starting to go overboard on gentleman's folders. Please help me with some advice- should I buy it, should I look for another model? Are there any suggestions to an alternative knife, or any reasons why I shouldn't get this one?
Thanks in advance.
* however it might be at odds with its elegance... it's lmost nostalgic thing for me (but I don't recall from where and when)
P.S. pls. do not take offence if I don't respond in a week or two- I'm about to head for a holiday and might not be online, or have no time to respond...
Well, I don't know that it's SPANISH, but I have an older Navaja in my collection. I'm not QUITE sure where it's from, but it's quite interesting.
The handles are solid horn, blonde, and the blade (seems) to be stainless. The lock mechanism is a ring instead of a lever, similar to a cold steel kudu. The only markings on it are VERY faint, near as I can tell it's some sort of logo that reads "JM" and is too small to get on film. I've included a few pictures of it for you're viewing pleasure. Hopes it's where I THINK it's from XD!
Closed:
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz22/Censero/IMG_4670_zpse92731d0.jpg
Open:
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz22/Censero/IMG_4671_zpsaf6293fc.jpg
In hand:
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz22/Censero/IMG_4672_zpsa69ed184.jpg
The handles are solid horn, blonde, and the blade (seems) to be stainless. The lock mechanism is a ring instead of a lever, similar to a cold steel kudu. The only markings on it are VERY faint, near as I can tell it's some sort of logo that reads "JM" and is too small to get on film. I've included a few pictures of it for you're viewing pleasure. Hopes it's where I THINK it's from XD!
Closed:
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz22/Censero/IMG_4670_zpse92731d0.jpg
Open:
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz22/Censero/IMG_4671_zpsaf6293fc.jpg
In hand:
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz22/Censero/IMG_4672_zpsa69ed184.jpg
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- May 7, 2013
- Messages
- 2,072
Great collection! 
I really like the Muela line. I currently have 2 - the Bowie & Folding Lockback both with brass & pakawood handles. 'Scuse the crappy pics.
2nd from right
Several more on my wish list. IMHO, the Muela line of knives are a lot of knife for the money and something about them is just very appealing.
I really like the Muela line. I currently have 2 - the Bowie & Folding Lockback both with brass & pakawood handles. 'Scuse the crappy pics.
2nd from right
Several more on my wish list. IMHO, the Muela line of knives are a lot of knife for the money and something about them is just very appealing.
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- Aug 25, 2009
- Messages
- 2,778
dang I haven't checked this thread in a long time! some of the knives are no longer in my collection (com-g-16 and the kangaroo were sold) but a lot more spanish blades have been added, will try to take and post pics over the weekend.
To Wolf_HR: get it. Nieto knives are also good bang for the buck. Since it's a slippie with no lock , it will not make the carraca sound as it doesnt have a "teja" (tab) lock on top. I still don't have a navaja with carraca, do need to fix that oversight.
Raylas, that's a very nice looking folder. No idea who makes it but the ring lock is called "de fieles" (of faithful) in Spain. If it has 2 J's then it could be a JJ Martinez from Santa Cruz in Spain. As for Muela knives, they use a molybdenum-vanadium steel alloy that has been compared to 440-C but personally I like it better than 440-C. A bit hard to sharpen but gets scary sharp and good edge retention. Pakkawood is how they call their laminate wood, used in a lot of their knives.
SaintlyBrees, nice looking collection, and the BK2 adds beastly muscle to it!
To Wolf_HR: get it. Nieto knives are also good bang for the buck. Since it's a slippie with no lock , it will not make the carraca sound as it doesnt have a "teja" (tab) lock on top. I still don't have a navaja with carraca, do need to fix that oversight.
Raylas, that's a very nice looking folder. No idea who makes it but the ring lock is called "de fieles" (of faithful) in Spain. If it has 2 J's then it could be a JJ Martinez from Santa Cruz in Spain. As for Muela knives, they use a molybdenum-vanadium steel alloy that has been compared to 440-C but personally I like it better than 440-C. A bit hard to sharpen but gets scary sharp and good edge retention. Pakkawood is how they call their laminate wood, used in a lot of their knives.
SaintlyBrees, nice looking collection, and the BK2 adds beastly muscle to it!
Last edited:
Don't know if this has been posted before....Ruko (in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada) is a supplier of Muela and other lesser known brands from european knife makers. www.rukoproducts.com
I have a 25- 12 which is about the size of a mora companion. It has a saw back blade and was razor sharp out of the box. It came with a nice leather sheath. It is stamped 420A by Ruko (supplier) but on the Muela website it says they are made of 440C. I am extremely pleased with this knife except for the cost. It was $37 and for the same price you can get 2 moras.
I also have a COM-G-16 made of the same steel. This one is a disappointment. Blade should be much thicker as it bends a little. The sheath is also made out of a cheap plastic.
I have a 25- 12 which is about the size of a mora companion. It has a saw back blade and was razor sharp out of the box. It came with a nice leather sheath. It is stamped 420A by Ruko (supplier) but on the Muela website it says they are made of 440C. I am extremely pleased with this knife except for the cost. It was $37 and for the same price you can get 2 moras.
I also have a COM-G-16 made of the same steel. This one is a disappointment. Blade should be much thicker as it bends a little. The sheath is also made out of a cheap plastic.
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- Aug 25, 2009
- Messages
- 2,778
I ended up selling my com-g-16. Couldn't get past the slight bend at the handle. Some of the blades in this collection have gone to other hands as tastes change.
Seems like the new photobucket mobile app is kinda working and I could do a quick snap of the latest vintage Aitor I got, a Survival with micarta handle, brass pins and a chromed/etched blade
I'm cleaning up and trying to snap pics, but bad signal reception in the office is against me. Since the last photo I posted I have gotten 20+ more Spanish blades.
Seems like the new photobucket mobile app is kinda working and I could do a quick snap of the latest vintage Aitor I got, a Survival with micarta handle, brass pins and a chromed/etched blade
I'm cleaning up and trying to snap pics, but bad signal reception in the office is against me. Since the last photo I posted I have gotten 20+ more Spanish blades.
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- Aug 25, 2009
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- 2,778
pic of the tang of the etched Safari. 6mm thick.
Seems like the photobucket mobile app is cooperating... this is a Cudeman hunter with olive scales, 7" blade that I slightly modded by reducing a hump above the ricasso and choiled the guard
This is a current production Safari. Still a beast at 6mm thick, olive scales and I convexed the grind, making this a scary, sharp, big & heavy monster
An Aitor Botero (boot knife) etched with the emblem of the Brigada Paracaidista, or parachute corps, but don't know exactly which one
Cudeman MT-5. Drop point version of the MT-1. This one is also done in Bohler N 695, which I really like, and has a full distal taper from bolster to tip. Cocobolo scales and VERY sharp out of the box
Will add some more in a bit.
Seems like the photobucket mobile app is cooperating... this is a Cudeman hunter with olive scales, 7" blade that I slightly modded by reducing a hump above the ricasso and choiled the guard
This is a current production Safari. Still a beast at 6mm thick, olive scales and I convexed the grind, making this a scary, sharp, big & heavy monster
An Aitor Botero (boot knife) etched with the emblem of the Brigada Paracaidista, or parachute corps, but don't know exactly which one
Cudeman MT-5. Drop point version of the MT-1. This one is also done in Bohler N 695, which I really like, and has a full distal taper from bolster to tip. Cocobolo scales and VERY sharp out of the box
Will add some more in a bit.
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- Jul 1, 2013
- Messages
- 32,479
Cool Collection!
The Spanish can made great steel!
In the time of Henry the VIII the King traded 10 English suits of armor for one made in Spain.
The Moors that invaded from N.Africa and brought Jewish & Muslim craftsman & traders to Spain making the steel in City States like Toledo, superior to any in the rest of europe for several hundred years.
The Spanish can made great steel!
In the time of Henry the VIII the King traded 10 English suits of armor for one made in Spain.
The Moors that invaded from N.Africa and brought Jewish & Muslim craftsman & traders to Spain making the steel in City States like Toledo, superior to any in the rest of europe for several hundred years.
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2009
- Messages
- 2,778
I sure do like Spanish steel! Even though the most used steel by Spanish manufacturers is the MOVA and there is not much variety (at least commercially available), it is a steel that has great performance.
This is a Nieto Pegasus Combat. Full tang with micarta scales and red liners, scout sheath
Another Nieto. I don't know the name of this one, some sort of fighter. This was brought from Spain by a friend and gifted to me. Half tang with a framed handle, olive scales.
A Nieto Safari, bigger version of the one I posted earlier. Full tang rat tail with brass bolsters and stacked leather handle
This was (at least to me) a nice score. Aitor NATO Bowie Junior, first version with the angled guard and lacking the allen screw at the pommel. Hefty medium sized blade with filed spine and a solid feel, also love the sheath
Current version of the Aitor Survival 18. The serrations on modern Aitors perform better than the old ones, albeit this is limited to scoring; for any real sawing action there are better tools. Came with a saber grind that was convexed. The Survival line of Aitors are highly regarded in Spain, specially the 1st generation.
If the Bowie Jr. was a score, this one was a jackpot. 1st generation Oso Negro in absolutely mint condition. Ricasso hole, single peaked serrations, angled guard, deer pommel, sharpened swedge and bear etch, even came with the original blue box. Freaking beautiful!!!
Stay tuned for more
This is a Nieto Pegasus Combat. Full tang with micarta scales and red liners, scout sheath
Another Nieto. I don't know the name of this one, some sort of fighter. This was brought from Spain by a friend and gifted to me. Half tang with a framed handle, olive scales.
A Nieto Safari, bigger version of the one I posted earlier. Full tang rat tail with brass bolsters and stacked leather handle
This was (at least to me) a nice score. Aitor NATO Bowie Junior, first version with the angled guard and lacking the allen screw at the pommel. Hefty medium sized blade with filed spine and a solid feel, also love the sheath
Current version of the Aitor Survival 18. The serrations on modern Aitors perform better than the old ones, albeit this is limited to scoring; for any real sawing action there are better tools. Came with a saber grind that was convexed. The Survival line of Aitors are highly regarded in Spain, specially the 1st generation.
If the Bowie Jr. was a score, this one was a jackpot. 1st generation Oso Negro in absolutely mint condition. Ricasso hole, single peaked serrations, angled guard, deer pommel, sharpened swedge and bear etch, even came with the original blue box. Freaking beautiful!!!
Stay tuned for more
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- May 7, 2013
- Messages
- 2,072
Very nice collection, zulu. Thank you for sharing. I am seriously envious. 
I only have two Muelas and need to get more but I also need to check out Aitor. I have long felt that my two Muelas were really great value knives. Super good looks, very functional and the Navaja is one of favorite pocket carries. I need to get some good pics, but for now this will have to do.
Second from right:
What a cool & great looking folder.
I only have two Muelas and need to get more but I also need to check out Aitor. I have long felt that my two Muelas were really great value knives. Super good looks, very functional and the Navaja is one of favorite pocket carries. I need to get some good pics, but for now this will have to do.
Second from right:
What a cool & great looking folder.