Navajas of the Galleons

M ELEY · 30th May 2012, 04:34 AM

Here's an awesome article supporting the use of these magnificent knives at sea-

http://www.melfisher.org/pdf/Navajas...2_Galleons.pdf

Gilkerson has mentioned the use of jack knives of this sort used at sea. It's great to find confirmation like this, though. Once again, like the Spanish/Portuguese cup-hilts, these little boogers were probably the side-arms of soldier/sailors guarding the Treasure Galleons. Some of the examples in Neuman's book and online are truly vicious weapons (one I just saw had an overall length with blade extended of 24" (a 13" blade!!), more than your typical jack-knife.

fernando · 1st June 2012, 07:48 PM

Nice paper on navajas, Mark.
Although these knives had their golden period (in Spain) by the XVII-XVIII century, Rafael Forton reminds us that the first navajas, as they may be so called, appeared by the end of the XVI century. There are (doubtful) records of artisanal cuttlery activities befora that date, but among the variety of short white weapons that were then produced, none would be considered as navaja, in its conventional attribution.
Now playing by ear ...
It is well known that these knives derived from ancient razors. Evolution must have been at first stage, the folding handle and, later, the locking method, which might have brought (greatest?) charisma to these knives. Such locking features, of several variations, culminate (for me) with the ratchet, with its various connotations, being the most amazing one, that of giving the unwary a chance to "hear" the noise of the knife being unfolded by its owner.

M ELEY · 2nd June 2012, 04:36 AM

Awesome information on these knives, Fernando. Now that you mention it, I see where the earliest 'razors' had a similar form. From what I've read (I'm still a novice in this area), there are some distinctions that can somewhat help date them. Simple grips lacking rachets with only a simple pin holding the blade in place are some of the earliest, as are spear-point double edged blades. Rachets started appearing around the mid-18th century, as did expanded bolsters. It wasn't until the mid-19th c. that we see the pull ring release for the blade. Likewise, the more decorated examples with MOP grips, inlay designs and shaped hilts were later affictations. I can't wait to add one of the plainer, early examples to my naval collection...

Battara · 2nd June 2012, 10:41 PM

Great paper. Thanks. I once had a horn and bronze navaja with Afikaans inscription on it.

M ELEY · 3rd June 2012, 12:25 AM

Hello Battara,
Do you still have the piece? Pics?

When you mention afikaans inscription, are you referring to the Moraccan style markings? Sorry for my novice question.
It is fascinating how many of these are made in the so-called Moorish style, with the same type of "star" designs and line patterns one sees on Spanish colonial pieces. Hopefully I'll get an old one some day.

Battara · 3rd June 2012, 12:50 AM

Actually it was not Morrocan but Afrikaans and said, "Van a boor in varin (spelling)" which a friend who could speak Afikaans translated as "From a true Boar". The horn handle was white horn and it had a ratchet locking mechanism.

I which I had internet pictures of it but alas they were lost and I sold the piece long ago.

30th May 2012, 04:34 AM	#1
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,082	Navajas of the Galleons Here's an awesome article supporting the use of these magnificent knives at sea- http://www.melfisher.org/pdf/Navajas...2_Galleons.pdf Gilkerson has mentioned the use of jack knives of this sort used at sea. It's great to find confirmation like this, though. Once again, like the Spanish/Portuguese cup-hilts, these little boogers were probably the side-arms of soldier/sailors guarding the Treasure Galleons. Some of the examples in Neuman's book and online are truly vicious weapons (one I just saw had an overall length with blade extended of 24" (a 13" blade!!), more than your typical jack-knife.

1st June 2012, 07:48 PM	#2
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,667	Nice paper on navajas, Mark. Although these knives had their golden period (in Spain) by the XVII-XVIII century, Rafael Forton reminds us that the first navajas, as they may be so called, appeared by the end of the XVI century. There are (doubtful) records of artisanal cuttlery activities befora that date, but among the variety of short white weapons that were then produced, none would be considered as navaja, in its conventional attribution. Now playing by ear ... It is well known that these knives derived from ancient razors. Evolution must have been at first stage, the folding handle and, later, the locking method, which might have brought (greatest?) charisma to these knives. Such locking features, of several variations, culminate (for me) with the ratchet, with its various connotations, being the most amazing one, that of giving the unwary a chance to "hear" the noise of the knife being unfolded by its owner.

2nd June 2012, 04:36 AM	#3
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,082	Awesome information on these knives, Fernando. Now that you mention it, I see where the earliest 'razors' had a similar form. From what I've read (I'm still a novice in this area), there are some distinctions that can somewhat help date them. Simple grips lacking rachets with only a simple pin holding the blade in place are some of the earliest, as are spear-point double edged blades. Rachets started appearing around the mid-18th century, as did expanded bolsters. It wasn't until the mid-19th c. that we see the pull ring release for the blade. Likewise, the more decorated examples with MOP grips, inlay designs and shaped hilts were later affictations. I can't wait to add one of the plainer, early examples to my naval collection...

2nd June 2012, 10:41 PM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,154	Great paper. Thanks. I once had a horn and bronze navaja with Afikaans inscription on it.

3rd June 2012, 12:25 AM	#5
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,082	Hello Battara, Do you still have the piece? Pics? When you mention afikaans inscription, are you referring to the Moraccan style markings? Sorry for my novice question. It is fascinating how many of these are made in the so-called Moorish style, with the same type of "star" designs and line patterns one sees on Spanish colonial pieces. Hopefully I'll get an old one some day.

3rd June 2012, 12:50 AM	#6
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,154	Actually it was not Morrocan but Afrikaans and said, "Van a boor in varin (spelling)" which a friend who could speak Afikaans translated as "From a true Boar". The horn handle was white horn and it had a ratchet locking mechanism. I which I had internet pictures of it but alas they were lost and I sold the piece long ago.