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- Dec 1, 2016
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After John's thread the other day where he had done some polling, I was struck with the question, "What would I love to see John tackle at some point in the future?". Though my mind ran through a small number of ideas, I didn't have to think too long and hard on this before I had the proverbial "Eureka" moment.
John, aside from being a stand up dude and a pleasure to communicate and banter with, is a fella who shares a lot of similar interests to my own. As such, his knives fill that certain niche that doesn't get met by other makers - functional tools, dressed up in innovative and sturdy leather, that can invoke both the romance and grit of the Old West in many respects or perhaps just hearken back to a simpler time. Purposeful design, immaculate attention to detail, and a love for that Old Timey shit - with just enough of a modern spin to keep us all guessing (and hooked!).
I digress a bit. I love cowboy stuff and I love the knives that one can associate with "cowboys" - bowies come immediately to mind when we think about the Old West but there are some that are equally as iconic, especially if one were to direct their gaze south. We don't have to look too far before we alight upon the "Gauchos", those skilled Argentinian (and beyond) cowboys that are as ingrained in South American culture as our Old West cowboys are up here.
The Gauchos had some pretty iconic equipment and none more celebrated than their Facón - which historically served as not only an effective weapon but was also their eating knife. Historical examples range from the deeply and gaudily elaborate to the more simple. Also, one of the reasons that I thought this might appeal to John in the future is that the sheaths are a pretty unique affair from a leatherworking perspective - sash style, with a sweat guard on the back and a sturdy flap on the front to catch on the "sash".
Before I share some pictures, here is a neat essay that I came across with some great pictures of the more elaborate types - A Short Essay About Gaucho Knives: Facón, Daga, Cuchilla and Puñal
The essay linked above has some excellent pictures of antiques.
Here are a couple "in action"
Here are a couple from some modern makers.
I'll add more pics and thoughts as I come across them. If nothing else, I'm curious if this is something John might be interested in having percolating in the back room for a spell - I imagine he could come up with something pretty special if he finds it interesting.
John, aside from being a stand up dude and a pleasure to communicate and banter with, is a fella who shares a lot of similar interests to my own. As such, his knives fill that certain niche that doesn't get met by other makers - functional tools, dressed up in innovative and sturdy leather, that can invoke both the romance and grit of the Old West in many respects or perhaps just hearken back to a simpler time. Purposeful design, immaculate attention to detail, and a love for that Old Timey shit - with just enough of a modern spin to keep us all guessing (and hooked!).
I digress a bit. I love cowboy stuff and I love the knives that one can associate with "cowboys" - bowies come immediately to mind when we think about the Old West but there are some that are equally as iconic, especially if one were to direct their gaze south. We don't have to look too far before we alight upon the "Gauchos", those skilled Argentinian (and beyond) cowboys that are as ingrained in South American culture as our Old West cowboys are up here.
The Gauchos had some pretty iconic equipment and none more celebrated than their Facón - which historically served as not only an effective weapon but was also their eating knife. Historical examples range from the deeply and gaudily elaborate to the more simple. Also, one of the reasons that I thought this might appeal to John in the future is that the sheaths are a pretty unique affair from a leatherworking perspective - sash style, with a sweat guard on the back and a sturdy flap on the front to catch on the "sash".
Before I share some pictures, here is a neat essay that I came across with some great pictures of the more elaborate types - A Short Essay About Gaucho Knives: Facón, Daga, Cuchilla and Puñal
The essay linked above has some excellent pictures of antiques.
Here are a couple "in action"
Here are a couple from some modern makers.
I'll add more pics and thoughts as I come across them. If nothing else, I'm curious if this is something John might be interested in having percolating in the back room for a spell - I imagine he could come up with something pretty special if he finds it interesting.
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