NAVAJA- CATALONIAN

[Jim McDougall]

This HUGE navaja is one of those which is large but actually an intermediate size. The REALLY big ones were just for show, but this one is genuinely a fighting knife.

It is Spanish from northern regions, Catalonia, which borders southern France. Apparently this type navaja is termed 'gavinet' (Fr.=cabinet) probably to its obvious folding character. It also may be termed 'caracca' (Sp.=ratchet) for the toothed ratchet device which locks the blade open.

This is an older example, probably 1830s , after 1850s a ring was attached to the ratchet to disengage it in closing the blade into handle.

These of course became weapons as required during the Carlist wars (1833-1876)

[urbanspaceman]

Hey Jim, these have always intrigued me. I often see them up to auction or for sale.
They remind me of Scottish dirks - in as much as they can be as deadly as a sword yet remain within the restricted dimensions. I've seen some with blade length exceeding the scabbard which seems odd.
However, I suspect they were an easily concealed but formidable weapon. I could say 'remain' as I'm sure they are still carried today.
Fascinating.
ps
What is the blade length of this example?

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by urbanspaceman

Hey Jim, these have always intrigued me. I often see them up to auction or for sale.
They remind me of Scottish dirks - in as much as they can be as deadly as a sword yet remain within the restricted dimensions. I've seen some with blade length exceeding the scabbard which seems odd.
However, I suspect they were an easily concealed but formidable weapon. I could say 'remain' as I'm sure they are still carried today.
Fascinating.
ps
What is the blade length of this example?

Thanks Keith,
I forgot the dimensions blade 8 3/4" overall 18.5",
It is basically a dirk indeed, and deadly ,
Actually these were used by Romani and Gitano, collectively often called of course 'gypsies'. They are very much carried today as I am told by a friend who has often been situated among them, and seen these knives in action.

It seems these were carried at sea in somewhat smaller form, much aligned with the 'jack knife' (named for the jack tar sailors who used them. As with knives in general, all have a utility basis but serve as weapons as required.
The locking mechanism for the blade is intended for more formidable use as a weapon rather than tool.

[Sajen]

Very nice Spain navaja! I like it very much!