SwissHeritageCo
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2021
- Messages
- 2,111
Something about the simple carbon steel used on these blades really adds to the magic of them.
It's a great thread.
It's a great thread.
Something about the simple carbon steel used on these blades really adds to the magic of them.
It's a great thread.
Amen! well said.Agreed. I have to take a picture of two of my favorite knives together, my puñal and my puukko that you are familiar with. Simple knives with carbon steel blades, wooden handles, and beautiful leatherwork.
I can't explain it, but I think a need a stag handled gaucho knife.
Looks like Boker Argentina is expanding their offerings, I don't remember seeing this available back in January.
I've used lots of Arbolito "Gaucho" knives over the years. They are a modern version of puñales and verijeros, used by gauchos.
Old Arbolito (Böker) blades were of excelent quality, they are very coveted by Argentinian knifemakers and rural workers, they have an almost legendary fame. All throughout our literature, whenever there is a knife fight between two gauchos, you'll find a mention of an Arbolito blade.
The modern blades are not half as good as the old ones, but they are still quite good. Unlickily, modern Argentinians use them as barbecue knives, instead of the tough work knives they are supossed to be, so the manufacturer started to make blades thinner and weaker.
The knives can be bought in stainless or carbon steel. I usually favour stainless, because of the lower maintenance, but Böker only offers the traditional "thick spine" in carbon steel. The tangs on all the blades are quite strong, although I mostly use the small blades (4 to 6 inches) so I can't really say how tough the bigger ones are. I guess I would choose another design if I wanted a blade over 6 inches to use as a camp knife, puñales aren't supossed to be much longer than that.
The small and medium models make great users and take quite a beating, although the tips are sometimes a bit fragile. They are easy to sharpen and really take a keen edge. You can get the blades and make your own handles, which I like a lot (it's really easy to get a nice looking stag or wood handle).
Another great source for "gaucho" blades is Herder of Solingen. I've been using one of their criollo blades for years.
I think so. I inquired with a maker about getting a faca brasileira made, and the price he quoted was less than the Boker pictured above. Also, my 19 cm puñal from Maxi cost less than the 20 cm Arbolito. I'm not going to quibble about a cm or two, but it does appear that modern Boker cuchillos criollos are not a great value.
Something about the simple carbon steel used on these blades really adds to the magic of them.
It's a great thread.
Amen! well said.
I feel the same way about a stag handled criollo Christian ... I need one !!! ... In due time I am sure I will get me one or handle a blade blank myself if I find the right stag
I would also love a vintage Arbolito blade as it is so closely associated with the gaucho traditions.
Even major literary figures such as Jose Luis Borges make reference to it in his works.
Boker Arbolito: Made in Solingen, forged, integral bolster, thick stock, carbon steel, new dies, deep etch/engraving on blade. EXPENSIVE !!!
And while Christian and I dream about a stag handled gaucho knife...
My sainted wife told me to do more than just dream and to make it a reality. I hope to have a knife similar to this in time for Father's Day
It'll be Brazilian, something suitable for a Portugese speaking tough
And how many forum haunters work their knives as hard as gauchos of old, so how would they know?It is very hard to get a consensus on the quality of the modern blades from reading the Argentine forums.
Opinions abound and people may actually be referring to any of the 3 different Boker brands when discussing criollos which adds to the confusion.
And how many forum haunters work their knives as hard as gauchos of old, so how would they know?
That is magnificent, Christian! (I need to stop reading this thread--it can get expensive!)That's so cool Dan. I would love to acquire an acceptable blade blank and rehandle it, but I just wouldn't do the steel justice. I'll content myself with supporting artisan craftsmanship.
Speaking strictly for myself, the history associated with the Arbolitos is a major draw.
I'm glad Boker addressed the choil.
View attachment 2542872
My sainted wife told me to do more than just dream and to make it a reality. I hope to have a knife similar to this in time for Father's Day.
View attachment 2542873
It'll be Brazilian, something suitable for a Portugese speaking tough.
Me too Vince and stop hanging around a bunch of enablersI need to stop reading this thread--it can get expensive!
Good to see you mi amigo .Coming to this thread after a long absence. Glad to see the new acquisitions and projects!
Greetings, virtual gauchos.
If USPS doesn't drop the ball. Should have my first Gaucho knife tomorrow. Anticipation.
Wow! Still snowing? I just took a walk outside in sunny 89 degree weather.Me too Vince and stop hanging around a bunch of enablers
Good to see you mi amigo .
That's great !!!
I share the anticipation as well !!!
I'll be checking in here tomorrow for sure
April 4th, 2024, for the records.
I just came from outside from a little photo op.
Here in Eastern Ontario the wet snow and windy conditions have not stopped since last night.
CRAZY !!!
Earlier today I almost got frostbite in my fingers when clearing our driveway and had to slowly bring them back to normal temperature under warm water when I came back inside.
My Pampa verijero was not impressed
Wow! Still snowing?
That is magnificent, Christian! (I need to stop reading this thread--it can get expensive!)
Pics are a must.What we need is a text-only option for this thread. It's not nearly as tempting without pictures.
Yeah, what kinda heretical nonsense....Pics are a must.
Do we still adhere to the line, “pics or it didn’t happen.” ?Yeah, what kinda heretical nonsense....