Chilean Corvo knives

Jim McDougall · 19th July 2015, 10:49 PM

An old thread was revived recently on Chilean knives, and the familiar 'corvo' was noted.
In searching through our archives, it seems that while these interesting knives have been discussed briefly, there remains little known on them.
I wanted to start a new thread where we might compile and discuss more on these, and hope those out there with examples might bring them to the thread for discussion.

Most of what I have found is that these seem to have originated early in 18th c. but became more notably used during the War of the Pacific (Chili, Bolivia and Peru 1879-1883). These were apparently utility type knives, but became deadly weapons during this time.
The earlier versions of these had single edge on inside of curve on blade, newer double edged and the military versions of these 20th c. have a more hooked tip.
Apparently these were not especially favored by Peru and Bolivia (though Burton, 1884 depicts a knife noted as similar as Peruvian, fig 84) and they were termed 'cutthroat knives'. The wounds were terrible so the disdain not surprising.

The stacked style of the hilts and the form in general resembles Canary Islands 'punale', though the curved blade (corvo= raven, cf beak) is obviously different in the Chilean knife.

It seems discussions on these date to about 2001,2002 where Ian made a number of impressive observations, but aside from entries in 2004, 2009, 2014, the topic has been dormant until the thread Jul 6,2015.

My question is, identifying the earlier versions of 'corvo', which might be of the 'Pacific War' period.
Also, on the blades of many of these, among other decorative inlay motifs, are a number of inlaid brass circles.

Can anyone say more on these brass circles?
What do they mean?
Are they indicative of earlier examples?

It would be great to bring things 'up to speed' on these fascinating knives and learn more on their character and markings.

19th July 2015, 10:49 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,945	Chilean Corvo knives An old thread was revived recently on Chilean knives, and the familiar 'corvo' was noted. In searching through our archives, it seems that while these interesting knives have been discussed briefly, there remains little known on them. I wanted to start a new thread where we might compile and discuss more on these, and hope those out there with examples might bring them to the thread for discussion. Most of what I have found is that these seem to have originated early in 18th c. but became more notably used during the War of the Pacific (Chili, Bolivia and Peru 1879-1883). These were apparently utility type knives, but became deadly weapons during this time. The earlier versions of these had single edge on inside of curve on blade, newer double edged and the military versions of these 20th c. have a more hooked tip. Apparently these were not especially favored by Peru and Bolivia (though Burton, 1884 depicts a knife noted as similar as Peruvian, fig 84) and they were termed 'cutthroat knives'. The wounds were terrible so the disdain not surprising. The stacked style of the hilts and the form in general resembles Canary Islands 'punale', though the curved blade (corvo= raven, cf beak) is obviously different in the Chilean knife. It seems discussions on these date to about 2001,2002 where Ian made a number of impressive observations, but aside from entries in 2004, 2009, 2014, the topic has been dormant until the thread Jul 6,2015. My question is, identifying the earlier versions of 'corvo', which might be of the 'Pacific War' period. Also, on the blades of many of these, among other decorative inlay motifs, are a number of inlaid brass circles. Can anyone say more on these brass circles? What do they mean? Are they indicative of earlier examples? It would be great to bring things 'up to speed' on these fascinating knives and learn more on their character and markings. Attached Images Last edited by Jim McDougall; 20th July 2015 at 02:15 AM. Reason: Nostradamus syndrome :) Thanks Kronckew!