Info on Early Spanish Navajas folding knife ?
 

I was hoping that someone on this site could shed some light on the knife that I was lucky enough to pick up from an estate sale here in Maryland. This came from a collection of a fairly wealthy man and I really do not know much about it. I understand that it was made in Toledo Spain and is called a Navajas knife and has inlaid handles (not sure what the material is in the handles) ..the knfe measures open about 17 inches and has a lock ring ...the blade is about 8 inches ...I understand that these style knives had the ring added around the mid 1800's ...thank you in advance for any info you can give ...Id like to know about when it might have been made ..what the handles are made of, opinion on condition and a value if you have an educated idea ,,,

OFC

[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...t/MVC-887S.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...t/MVC-886S.jpg[/IMG]
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...t/MVC-890S.jpg
[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...t/MVC-889S.jpg[/IMG]

Re: Info on Early Spanish Navajas folding knife ?
 

The handles are cow horn. The style of knife is a navaja. Probably Spanish, possibly Italian or French. I suspect it was made slightly before 1900.

Re: Info on Early Spanish Navajas folding knife ?
 

Bill thank you for the information ...any idea as to value?

ofc

Re: Info on Early Spanish Navajas folding knife ?
 

No, sorry.
Check Ebay. They are frequently sold there.

Re: Info on Early Spanish Navajas folding knife ?
 

I like the shape of that blade... the handle doesn't look as though it provides a good grip for heavy work but I woulda bought it too, OFC- though I see it's up on eBay for a price too rich for me!

Re: Info on Early Spanish Navajas folding knife ?
 

The Navajas were never designed for heavy or hard use such as chopping wood or field work. They were designed for close in " slashing " . In the Mediterranean area knife fighting was very common among the lower classes and the purpose was to cut your opponent rather than delivers a killing blow. If you killed your opponent it meant a official investigation which sometimes meant a bad time down at the police station and a jail term. A few knife cuts over a perceived insult was usually overlooked.

Re: Info on Early Spanish Navajas folding knife ?
 

RJay, that makes perfect sense- and explains the macho contour of the blade.

Re: Info on Early Spanish Navajas folding knife ?
 

Does it have a ratchet? Does it make a clicking sound when opening?