Traditional Portuguese slipjoint

Cisco Kid

Cisco Kid

Joined
Oct 20, 2009
Messages
980
Although I'm not into collecting ethic knives, I found this slipjoint in Portugal that I thought to be unusual enough to be worth a second look:



It is handmade and supposed to be representative of knives centuries old of the Iberian Peninsula, in particular of Portugal. The handles are horn and it has a very peculiar blade shape: very sharp and useful tip, yet not appropriate for stabbing. Looks like a modified sheepsfoot, perhaps. There is no nail nick, but the blade is easily pinchable in spite of a strong spring. The scales are considerably thicker than the bolsters. Don't know much more about it, but I find it somewhat interesting and thought you guys might like to see it. I wouldn't have bought it if it wasn't for the traditional knives that are posted by many in this forum. Thanks for opening my eyes.
 
I think it's interesting that the "Bandido" style is essentially a Spanish Navaja (in form, if missing the lock). A bit of cultural bias in the name choice?

Some good looking knives though.
 
Handle looks rough, but I really like the shape of that blade.
 
Interesting-looking knife, thanks for showing it. See they've a clasp knife too! :)
 
I have seen this kind of snub nose/pointless knife in the past form some Spanish makers, but none so good looking.

Thanks for sharing.
 
Oooh did they have all of those knives, and you chose that one?

I ask because a friend of mine flies back to Portugal fairly often and I'd love for him to pick some of those up for me.

Thanks for sharing. I really like it a lot.
 
Nice looking and unusual, always welcome to hear of a new type of knife. What is the model name please? It's covered in the pic, it may give a clue to the use of it (members in Brasil&Portugal get ready!)

The blade certainly looks specific, cross between the One Armed Man style/razor and some manner of sampler? Must have an agrarian use, something to do with cork perhaps. A thick handle on a work-knife is certainly a plus point, more comfortable. One reason why Sodbusters&Opinels work so well.
 
Relvas (or better, relva) does indeed mean grass (lawn is, perhaps, a more appropriate translation), but in this case it is the name of the town where it is made. I don't know the purpose of the blade, nor if there is a reason for its shape, but willgoy's suggestion is the one that makes the most sense to me. The blade seems to be stainless and is well made, has a very nice flat grind, and is deadly sharp. That tip is unforgiving! Some additional pics:





Strigamort, you're right, I should have gotten more. PM me if you're interested in the address of the shop where I got it.
 
I have a couple of Spanish made folders with this blunt ended blade shape, I've heard them called Rope knives, I'm not sure if this is the correct use for this knife but it's not hard to imagine being tossed around at sea & wanting to cut a rope but not wanting to impale yourself or anyone else on a pointed blade
As always, maybe?
 
Had this one in stainless, stainless liners and blonde horn. Liked it quite a lot, finish a bit uneven but very sharp and nice in the hand, unfortunately it cracked around the end pins on the pile side which made it unpleasant to hold. Would like another though.

zcNcjmG.jpg
 
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