All you need to know about gaucho knife and its variants

Gaucho knife also known as Criollo knife is the knife of cowboy in American West and Mexican Vaquero.  These knives are highlighted with handles and sheaths artworks and blades. That is the reason why these knives are displayed in sheaths. It could probably be the origin variety of the blades and the antique tradition of gauchos showing their decorated knives.

The original gaucho knives are extremely difficult to find and they are quite expensive. They value more than $2000 and are available rarely. Some silver and gold embossed pieces are made available at $8000. We can also find excellent quality handmade pieces made by the best knife-makers in Argentina. Basically, gaucho knives are available in four variants and many sub-variants. The names are taken from the circumstances as the place where the knife is worn and the elements that can work. Below is the detailed description of the 4 variants of gaucho knives.

1)      Pual –This variant of gaucho knife survives till today. It is a blade shaped knife with single edge spear point with a false edge near the tip.  It neither has a guard nor button. The early types of gaucho knives are available from Germany, France and Spain. At present, these type of blades are available in Argentina and are used for multiple-purposes.

2)      Facon – This is the early type of Gaucho knife with a thin and long blade. Though it has a single edged blade, it is always equipped with Double guard. This type of blade is originated from broken swords, sabers and even machetes. This type of knife is used for combat and fighting purpose.

3)      Daga – This is an entirely variant of gaucho knife. The blade of this knife is thin, dagger and long with a sharp point. Though it is double edged, the guard might be omitted. The blade is made of broken and obsolete swords, bayonets and sabers. Like the Facon variant of gaucho knife, this variant is also used for combating purpose. The sub-variants of Daga are – verijero, picazo, rabon, farinera, alfajor, asador, tararira, envenao etc.

4)      Cuchilla – This knife has single edged flat blade spine with impressive deep-bellied edge. It does not have a guard or button. It is used for butchering purpose.

Facon, one of the variants of gaucho knife is also used as utility knife all over Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. It is the principle weapon of gaucho that is fitted with decorated metal hilt and sheath. As a fighting knife, gaucho knife has always remained as the main article of combat.     

It is said that early, gauchos were destined to live nomadic existences as they were born with self-reliant characteristics. The first style gaucho knives were made from wooden frame covered in a combination of leather, sheepskin or cloth. This accessory could be used for a bed at night, once it was placed on the ground. Gaucho knife was considered as an important property and was held in high esteem.

For an experienced gaucho, the knife skills helped him in different ways. The knife could be used to chop food, tobacco leaves or splice leather. Hope you have learnt everything about gaucho knife and its variants.