The Story Behind Spanish Knives

Aaron Spuler is a firearms enthusiast and recreational shooter. Follow more or his work at The Weapon Blog

The story behind Spanish knives

Spanish knives are well known for having been created at the end of the 16th century in Albacete, located in Spain. Although they are currently known as utensils, during that time they were considered a useful and versatile weapon to provide security.

This was because, during that time, the villagers were greatly attacked and lacked any protection from governments, so it was necessary to have a security weapon that could protect them at all times, on their own.

At that time, the Spainars were completely skilled to make the forging of the different Spanish knives (also known as Navajas) that initiated the trend of this weapon among the population.

Due to the high insecurity and the attacks constantly lived by the inhabitants of each of the villages, Navajas became the most popular means of protection of the time, providing the necessary defense to their owners.

16th century Armor Revolution in Europe

During the 16th century, Spain was influenced by a great revolution in the creation of armor that was not very heavy and could provide adequate protection to those who wore it, considering it as the most used means of security by the villagers of the time.

For the present, many of these pieces that were created during the 16th century are considered as an important art that formed an essential part of Spanish history, promoting the culture that would be inherited for many generations later, for the creation of spanish knives.

It is also important to recognize that, Spain was the country that gave rise to the exports of knives and razors within Europe, acquiring great popularity in the continent in a fairly fast and impressive way.

Thanks to the great comfort that it could provide to its wearer, this type of weapon became the preferable weapon for a personal defense at all times, quickly reaching every corner of Europe if becoming the favorite instrument of European peoples.

Spanish knives and the current most important brand in producing it

The intention of creating a Navaja was that the sharp blade could be stored between the handle, with the help of a slit that was made for that purpose. Thus its carrier could take it without risk to cut itself and could hide the fact of being carrying a white weapon. That’s what we know today as folding knife.

The level of importance that Spanish knives have acquired worldwide is quite high, thanks to the quality and prestige they have acquired during the last centuries among great collectors around the world, including knife makers and amateurs.

There are not just Navajas what is currently produced in Spain, in fact you can find any kind of knives or swords produced by Spanish brands.

Exposito, a well known spanish artisan on the creation of Navajas

Exposito holds an unique technique well recognized for those who appreciate his work. He is considered one of the best spanish artisans ever and his works focus around classic spanish navajas.

Among the exposito knives collection there are those who better represent the essence of this artisan: Navaja Joyita, Navaja bandolera or Classic Damascus.

Muela Knives, the most popular spanish brand nowadays

Currently, one of the most prestigious brands of Spanish knives is Muela. This brand is dedicated to manufacturing quality knives, excellent durability and affordable prices within the market.

Muela group is a very well know firm who makes great efforts to create original handcrafted knives for hunting and those are distributed within Spain but also on the rest of the world. The great collection of knives, navajas and penknives are appreciated for their high quality.

Among the muela knives collection you can find knives such as the Muela Pointer 12R and 12M, Aborigen, BW6C. Tuareg or Lakhota.

Joker, a brand widely recognized in the manufacture of knives

One of the main brands in the current manufacture of Spanish knives is known under the name of Joker and is characterized by the large number of outdoor and hunting knives. It holds a great collections and variety of knives. Joker knives collection cover a wide variety of uses (survival, bowie, skinning, tactical, folding knives, etc) with a wide variety of sizes and manufacturing materials that allow you to acquire the best quality in Spanish knives.

Among its main models you can find the Avispa, Nomad, Campero, Antilope or Bandolero knives. Those knives are usually equipped with leather sheath.