Navaja knife?

[evert67]

Is there anyone who owns a Navaja knife and can upload a photograph? Or who can point me to a picture of an authentic looking Navaja knife. Preferably a modern incarnation of the knife, like there are many modern Laguiole knives, as long as it looks a bit authentic (which sort of rules out the Spyderco Navaja).

The Navaja knife is a traditional Spanish knife that apparently influenced the Laguiole knife. It is supposed to have a lock with a gear wheel that produces a rattling sound.

I ask this question because I have been offered a Navaja knife (of the brand Joker; see http://www.joker.es/29-navajas-clasicas), but to be honest, I think they look a bit kitschy. What do you think?

 

[Arathol]

This is a J J Martinez knife. Nicely made but not something i want to carry around in my pocket. Many of these types don't stay fully closed. The design of the ratching mechanism allows the blade to travel freely for the first 1/2 inch or so, and this in turn allows the knife to open a bit exposing the tip and part of the blade.

 

[thatotherguy]

The African okapis have that same shape and the carraca, not good users though. Locking rings bend and break and the steel is poorly heat treated. If you are willing to go with a Zytel type handle the Cold Steel kudu might be your knife.
Cheap, good steel, traditional ringlock, carraca, zytel handle.

 

[Gobbo_the_civet]

I have one from martinox albainez. The one I have actually despite being a shitty brand, has a good carraca mechanism and is a good knife in theory...

Joker is a good brand, though flashy and a little kitschy like you said. getting one with a stag handle and no bolsters fixes that.

I'll warn you for the lock though. Both the lever and ring design have a "dangling" bit, if that's the right description for it, and may be annoying in the pocket or during use if you don't get used to it.

Good knives, joker is especially well known for doing them right.

 

[kamagong]

Here's a smaller one.

I've been looking for a well-made Navaja with carbon steel blades for a long time. Still looking.

- Christian

 

[knarfeng]

Would this be what you are seeking?
If that is it, this one is made by Muela.
Knifecenter, a dealer member here at BF, carries these.
How well made they are is unknown to me.