Gaucho Knives - Reprint of Old Book

Chris Evans · 22nd August 2006, 04:08 AM

Hi Everybody,

For those who are interested in Gaucho knives, can read Spanish, or are willing to do some translating, an old classic has recently been reprinted: Esgrima Criolla (Creole Fencing) written by Mario Lopez-Osornio's in 1943. This work is an essay on the Argentinean usage of knives and lances by the legendary Gauchos and an often quoted primary source. Until now, this book was very hard to get hold of, and in some circles enjoyed an exalted reputation somewhat similar to that of the Manual del Baratero (MdB) as an untapped and unsurpassed source of knife-fighting wisdom.

Whilst the book does provide some useful information, especially to collectors, and definitely worth a read, those interested need to be reminded that, as with the MdB, its author was an academic and not a fighting man; Much of what he writes is sourced from popular legends and literary works that eulogized the ways of the Gauchos and does not reflect 1st hand experience - So, it is definitely not an authoritative treatise of Creole knife fighting, despite suggestions to the contrary by its title.

Whilst on the subject of Gaucho knives, there is a magnificent new book: Dagas de Plata (Silver Daggers) by Abel Domenech. It is wonderfully illustrated with many colour photographs and is very comprehensive. Unfortunately, at the moment it is only available in Spanish, but am told that that a translation will be forthcoming in the not too distant future.

Cheers
Chris

22nd August 2006, 04:08 AM	#1
Chris Evans Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 679	Gaucho Knives - Reprint of Old Book Hi Everybody, For those who are interested in Gaucho knives, can read Spanish, or are willing to do some translating, an old classic has recently been reprinted: Esgrima Criolla (Creole Fencing) written by Mario Lopez-Osornio's in 1943. This work is an essay on the Argentinean usage of knives and lances by the legendary Gauchos and an often quoted primary source. Until now, this book was very hard to get hold of, and in some circles enjoyed an exalted reputation somewhat similar to that of the Manual del Baratero (MdB) as an untapped and unsurpassed source of knife-fighting wisdom. Whilst the book does provide some useful information, especially to collectors, and definitely worth a read, those interested need to be reminded that, as with the MdB, its author was an academic and not a fighting man; Much of what he writes is sourced from popular legends and literary works that eulogized the ways of the Gauchos and does not reflect 1st hand experience - So, it is definitely not an authoritative treatise of Creole knife fighting, despite suggestions to the contrary by its title. Whilst on the subject of Gaucho knives, there is a magnificent new book: Dagas de Plata (Silver Daggers) by Abel Domenech. It is wonderfully illustrated with many colour photographs and is very comprehensive. Unfortunately, at the moment it is only available in Spanish, but am told that that a translation will be forthcoming in the not too distant future. Cheers Chris Last edited by Chris Evans; 22nd August 2006 at 05:24 AM.