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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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- Oct 8, 2010
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- 8,340
Impressive collection, zulu! I have only two Spanish-made knives - a Muela Kodiak and Colibri - and I found both of them at local guns shows. I carry and use these, and I like them very much (always on the lookout for others when I hit the gun shows!):
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2009
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Ok, last pics for today, but not done yet...
Although this is a modern replica by Cudeman, it is the same design as the original. This one may be deemed the Oso's father and it changed Spanish Cutlery from the 80's until today. It was designed by a general named Vicente Diaz de Villegas, who wanted to present the Spanish army with a multi-use knife that could be used in combat and also everyday chores. Originally done by Zafrilla, this design has been done by pretty much everybody in Spain, both commercial versions and custom made knives, and it is called a "Villegas", after the general. Compare with the previous Oso pic and the influence is clearly visible.
hefty 5mm thick blade with polished spine and tang, a wicked recurve and tactical bottle opener
I had been lusting after this one for a while and then pulled the trigger after completing a short term goal. It is the smaller version of the Muela Jabali posted earlier, this one with a 7" blade, brass bolsters and stag scales. This is not the factory sheath, and I would really like to know who did it, excellent craftsmanship (I added the strap with the bungee as I don't like blades unsecured in their sheaths).
Last but not least for today, this has been a hot seller for Aitor since the hollow handled fever stormed the knife world. Although not a fan of hollow handles, I knew that both this and it's big brother, the Jungle King 1 have a big rep. Since I found this one all beat up and at a very low price, I got it and spiffied it up as best as I could. Aitor Jungle King 2 1st gen (different serrations from current version) and all original stuff inside handle and sheath.
some more blades for tomorrow...g'nite.
Although this is a modern replica by Cudeman, it is the same design as the original. This one may be deemed the Oso's father and it changed Spanish Cutlery from the 80's until today. It was designed by a general named Vicente Diaz de Villegas, who wanted to present the Spanish army with a multi-use knife that could be used in combat and also everyday chores. Originally done by Zafrilla, this design has been done by pretty much everybody in Spain, both commercial versions and custom made knives, and it is called a "Villegas", after the general. Compare with the previous Oso pic and the influence is clearly visible.
hefty 5mm thick blade with polished spine and tang, a wicked recurve and tactical bottle opener
I had been lusting after this one for a while and then pulled the trigger after completing a short term goal. It is the smaller version of the Muela Jabali posted earlier, this one with a 7" blade, brass bolsters and stag scales. This is not the factory sheath, and I would really like to know who did it, excellent craftsmanship (I added the strap with the bungee as I don't like blades unsecured in their sheaths).
Last but not least for today, this has been a hot seller for Aitor since the hollow handled fever stormed the knife world. Although not a fan of hollow handles, I knew that both this and it's big brother, the Jungle King 1 have a big rep. Since I found this one all beat up and at a very low price, I got it and spiffied it up as best as I could. Aitor Jungle King 2 1st gen (different serrations from current version) and all original stuff inside handle and sheath.
some more blades for tomorrow...g'nite.
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2009
- Messages
- 2,769
ok time for some more blades
This is a Halcon fighter in brass and olive. 8" blade and in bad condition when I got it, but I didn't have a Halcon so I did my best to restore it. On the other side were some heavy marks probably caused by a lazy owner with a grinder, which I did my best to cover up with an etch of a big claw (halcon is Spanish for hawk) and which I forgot to take pictures of... it fit perfectly in my first leather sheath, the lefty that used to hold the muela Arocho.
This is an Aitor Zero, one of the latest knives to come from that factory. Following the survivalist craze, this one has a ferro rod that screws straight into the tang. Not a bad idea but the tang's tap is a bit too narrow for the ferro's aluminum base threads, meaning that I stripped the threads already and just forced it all the way in with a plier... good for me, the sheath's pouch can hold a lighter and some cord. The back of it has straps to attach to a MOLLE bag and it has a swivel clamp at the belt hook for quick detachment.
Now this is a rare bird and I would love to find the other part. It is called an Azagaya, and is basically a big knife/spear. The Muela Cortijero blade is welded/screwed to a hollow metal handle covered in rubber and a hole goes crosswise in the middle to attach a screw to the walking cane that was part of the whole package. I might just buy an oak shaft and fix it to it.
It puzzles me that Muela discontinued this model. Big knives are selling like hot cakes, and this one is not only big, but sexy as well
Full tang Muela Leñador.
This is a Halcon fighter in brass and olive. 8" blade and in bad condition when I got it, but I didn't have a Halcon so I did my best to restore it. On the other side were some heavy marks probably caused by a lazy owner with a grinder, which I did my best to cover up with an etch of a big claw (halcon is Spanish for hawk) and which I forgot to take pictures of... it fit perfectly in my first leather sheath, the lefty that used to hold the muela Arocho.
This is an Aitor Zero, one of the latest knives to come from that factory. Following the survivalist craze, this one has a ferro rod that screws straight into the tang. Not a bad idea but the tang's tap is a bit too narrow for the ferro's aluminum base threads, meaning that I stripped the threads already and just forced it all the way in with a plier... good for me, the sheath's pouch can hold a lighter and some cord. The back of it has straps to attach to a MOLLE bag and it has a swivel clamp at the belt hook for quick detachment.
Now this is a rare bird and I would love to find the other part. It is called an Azagaya, and is basically a big knife/spear. The Muela Cortijero blade is welded/screwed to a hollow metal handle covered in rubber and a hole goes crosswise in the middle to attach a screw to the walking cane that was part of the whole package. I might just buy an oak shaft and fix it to it.
It puzzles me that Muela discontinued this model. Big knives are selling like hot cakes, and this one is not only big, but sexy as well
Full tang Muela Leñador.
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2009
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- 2,769
some more...
Muela Venezia. Just bought because the asking prices on the bay are ridiculous compared to what you can get it buying straight from Spain - even with shipping. Nice looking knife, but it is a framed handle. Pretty cast, regardless. Same blade as the Mirage and I think it has the same construction (half tang) with a different handle.
This one was an unexpected, pleasant surprise. I didn't think much of it the first time I saw it, then started to play the "what if?" game in my head, plus they reduced the price at the Spanish website I like... as soon as it arrived I took it to the grinder and leveled off the thumb ramp. The serrations were also leveled to form a chisel edge in that area, and a choil was added. The stock sheath was kept and a nice pouch from another Aitor was lashed to it, and the stock "sandwich" strap was replaced with an adjustable one. While the scales are nothing to write home about, after a couple of days handling it I noticed that the tang is tapered, rarely seen in production knives these days (not easily seen in the pic below, will try to take a better shot. Compare the end of the tang to the area where I'm gripping the blade). Aitor Tercio.
I sold the Muela Com-G-16 because the blade was slightly bent from where it entered the handle, and to me the blade was too thin for a knife that size. Seems like the first version of it had a beefier blade and a metal guard. I snapped this one up and spruced it up a bit, mainly the edges of the guard were rough as if the cast had not been cleaned so I sanded them and blued it. The blade was polished, stock sheath kept with a Buck pouch lashed to it and leather strap made.
Another oddball. While I would have preferred to get one without the spine serrations, this one seemed unused and with a twist that I had not seen in this model - a green laminate handle. I got tired of searching. I just can't find a Muela Ranger with a green laminate handle anywhere. Factory project? Bored employee? Who knows? I will try to keep digging up info.
I got this as payment for 2 leather sheaths I made for my friend who went to Spain. He brought back a bunch of knives and a nice piece of leather, so he gave me the leather to make him 2 sheaths and I could keep whatever was left of it plus this Nieto Coyote. Stout blade with deeply ridged olive scales, it came with a pouch sheath that I didn't like so for now it resides in a "frankensteiner" that has parts from 4 different sheaths
From what was left of the leather, I made a sheath for this R. Zafrilla boy scout. With a thin blade and a heavy cast frame handle, this type of knives were made by several companies, including Muela, Iher and several others. This one seemed more elegant to me than the others, plus I didn't have a Zafrilla. Was tempted to polish the blade but then I would lose the maker's etch
So this is it (for now) in the fixed blade department. I have some folders that need to take photos of, and a small muela bowie that is getting stacked with leather, also pics to come later. Hope you enjoyed the pics.
Muela Venezia. Just bought because the asking prices on the bay are ridiculous compared to what you can get it buying straight from Spain - even with shipping. Nice looking knife, but it is a framed handle. Pretty cast, regardless. Same blade as the Mirage and I think it has the same construction (half tang) with a different handle.
This one was an unexpected, pleasant surprise. I didn't think much of it the first time I saw it, then started to play the "what if?" game in my head, plus they reduced the price at the Spanish website I like... as soon as it arrived I took it to the grinder and leveled off the thumb ramp. The serrations were also leveled to form a chisel edge in that area, and a choil was added. The stock sheath was kept and a nice pouch from another Aitor was lashed to it, and the stock "sandwich" strap was replaced with an adjustable one. While the scales are nothing to write home about, after a couple of days handling it I noticed that the tang is tapered, rarely seen in production knives these days (not easily seen in the pic below, will try to take a better shot. Compare the end of the tang to the area where I'm gripping the blade). Aitor Tercio.
I sold the Muela Com-G-16 because the blade was slightly bent from where it entered the handle, and to me the blade was too thin for a knife that size. Seems like the first version of it had a beefier blade and a metal guard. I snapped this one up and spruced it up a bit, mainly the edges of the guard were rough as if the cast had not been cleaned so I sanded them and blued it. The blade was polished, stock sheath kept with a Buck pouch lashed to it and leather strap made.
Another oddball. While I would have preferred to get one without the spine serrations, this one seemed unused and with a twist that I had not seen in this model - a green laminate handle. I got tired of searching. I just can't find a Muela Ranger with a green laminate handle anywhere. Factory project? Bored employee? Who knows? I will try to keep digging up info.
I got this as payment for 2 leather sheaths I made for my friend who went to Spain. He brought back a bunch of knives and a nice piece of leather, so he gave me the leather to make him 2 sheaths and I could keep whatever was left of it plus this Nieto Coyote. Stout blade with deeply ridged olive scales, it came with a pouch sheath that I didn't like so for now it resides in a "frankensteiner" that has parts from 4 different sheaths
From what was left of the leather, I made a sheath for this R. Zafrilla boy scout. With a thin blade and a heavy cast frame handle, this type of knives were made by several companies, including Muela, Iher and several others. This one seemed more elegant to me than the others, plus I didn't have a Zafrilla. Was tempted to polish the blade but then I would lose the maker's etch
So this is it (for now) in the fixed blade department. I have some folders that need to take photos of, and a small muela bowie that is getting stacked with leather, also pics to come later. Hope you enjoyed the pics.
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- Aug 13, 2012
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Impressive collection of Spanish steels!
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2009
- Messages
- 2,769
Ok, finally snapped pics of the folders. This one is an Exposito, I believe it is quite vintage as this brand is known for their expensive, highly decorated folders and fine attention to detail. While the fine attention is surely there, this one is quite simple and yet very elegant. I was happy as a fat kid with cake when I got it laminated wood handle, full flat grind on a traditional "punta inglesa" (English tip) blade pattern.
This one is not as impressive, but the brand, Halcon, is defunct (The fighter bowie previously posted was bought later). Found it at a really good price so bought 2 of them, simple lockback with a polished blade
This is another brand mostly known for their high quality folders. While not ornate or employing exotic materials, this model has been one of their best sellers due to its simple, well built design that withstands constant use. Cabritera slip joint by JJ Martinez.
And last but not least, a tactical folder by Aitor. I just love this brand. New in their inventory, this modestly priced folder came with a redundant, good quality molle pouch (it has a pocket clip already) that went to another Aitor knife sheath as a pouch on the Tercio. Black anodized aluminum/g10 scales, beefy liners, smooth opening and solid lockup, this one is a sleeper waiting to be found... Aitor Tactical Knives Scape
So for now, I am waiting on quite possibly the only knife missing in this collection, a navaja con carraca (ratcheting navaja)...but I scored one 2 days ago from another missing brand in this collection, Esparcia. More pics to come.
laminated wood handle, full flat grind on a traditional "punta inglesa" (English tip) blade pattern.
This one is not as impressive, but the brand, Halcon, is defunct (The fighter bowie previously posted was bought later). Found it at a really good price so bought 2 of them, simple lockback with a polished blade
This is another brand mostly known for their high quality folders. While not ornate or employing exotic materials, this model has been one of their best sellers due to its simple, well built design that withstands constant use. Cabritera slip joint by JJ Martinez.
And last but not least, a tactical folder by Aitor. I just love this brand. New in their inventory, this modestly priced folder came with a redundant, good quality molle pouch (it has a pocket clip already) that went to another Aitor knife sheath as a pouch on the Tercio. Black anodized aluminum/g10 scales, beefy liners, smooth opening and solid lockup, this one is a sleeper waiting to be found... Aitor Tactical Knives Scape
So for now, I am waiting on quite possibly the only knife missing in this collection, a navaja con carraca (ratcheting navaja)...but I scored one 2 days ago from another missing brand in this collection, Esparcia. More pics to come.
Thank you Zuluninja for this post! I'm new here and have always had an affinity towards the Aitor Oso Negro since I'd first seen one many years ago. Seen many knock offs of this but the original is awesome. I am impressed by the other offerings by Muela as well. Was unaware of them but they look to be very capable and elegant blades. Guess it's time to do some shopping...
saw a smokin deal on a joker RAK2. hadn't ever heard of them but I grabbed it anyway. knife was pretty nice but the scales were a bit blocky, and the blade coating was nothing but paint, and scratched right off. the sheath is beautiful though. I love the blade shape, and the thing is a beast. I've since reshaped the Micarta and taken the blade down to a nice satin finish. I'll take some pics tomorrow, but here it is right out of the box. and for those who don't know..gammo USA is importing joker now.
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- Apr 14, 2013
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I have a Muela Scorpion and an Aitor folder in my knife box.
They're certainly good knives.
They're certainly good knives.
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- May 23, 2014
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- 1
VERY nice! Is anybody familiar with the JJ Martinez or Crossnar Navaja Cacarracha fighting knives? Thanx!-Gearhead222
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- Feb 17, 2013
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ZN - Here is another one of those green Rangers. I got off fleabay a while back. I'm also not a big fan of spine serrations, but for some reason the green laminations just kinda screamed "buy me" - fortunately it came pretty cheap.
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- Aug 25, 2009
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- 2,769
cool! I bet you are going to like your new muela I have to post pics of the Esparcia carraca folder and a used but in fair condition Cudeman bowie. Gearhead 222 - you can't go wrong with a JJ knife, but not familiar with Crossnar, although I suspect Asian production, which can be a 50/50 bet. Also, stay away from Martinez-Albainox.
I have to post pics of the Esparcia carraca folder and a used but in fair condition Cudeman bowie. Gearhead 222 - you can't go wrong with a JJ knife, but not familiar with Crossnar, although I suspect Asian production, which can be a 50/50 bet. Also, stay away from Martinez-Albainox.
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- Feb 17, 2013
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Hey ZN - Is the Commando I'm getting from you the one you modded for your brother that he called a Zombie knife? Or a different one? The 01-05-2013 pic for your brother's still has a small top guard extension and the one you're sending me doesn't.
