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*SOLD LAYAWAY 10/7***VERY LARGE**19th Century Spanish Navaja Folding Fighting / Utility Lock Knife With Sharp Scimitar Form Blade, Brass & Polished Horn Section Scales. ED 2394 - ED 2394 The Navaja is a traditional Spanish folding-blade fighting and utility knife. One of the oldest folding knife patterns still in production, the first true Navajas originated in the Andalusian region of southern Spain. In Spain, the term navaja is often used to generally describe all folding-blade knives. The etymology of the word navaja is derived from the Latin novacula, meaning razor, and the Andalusian knife known as the navaja is thought to have derived from the navaja de afeitar, or straight razor used for shaving. Like the straight razor, the navaja's blade folds into the handle when not in use. In Spain the navaja epitomized the concept of a defensive knife to be carried at all times on the person. The design is thought to have been first adopted by the working classes - mule drivers, teamsters, artisans, and sailors as well as by the majos, the "gentlemen of the lower class" of Andalusia. Its association with barateros, pícaros, jácaros and rufos (gamblers, rogues, ruffians, and thugs) comes from its frequent use as a weapon of the underworld, where it was often used to enforce the collection of gambling debts or to rob innocent victims. This quality made example has the form and characteristics of those made in the 19th Century and is very large. The flamboyant razor sharp steel blade in scimitar form is 11 ½” in length and tapers to a pin sharp point. It has staining consistent with age. One side of the blade is marked ‘Navajas’ alongside other unreadable rubbed lettering. The knife measures 23 ¾” overall length when open. The knife has Polished Horn & brass section scales secured by brass pins. The bolsters and typical ball shaped lower bolsters are brass. The spine of the blade at the upper bolsters has a locking catch with lanyard ring. The blade is released for closing by pulling on the ring. The locking action is firm. The price for this impressive fighting / utility knife includes UK delivery. ED 2394 (drawers office)
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