Cuchillo Gaucho with Maple Burl and Integral Damascus

Product Description for Cuchillo Gaucho with Maple Burl and Integral Damascus

Maker: Ricardo Vilar (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 103950
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 8.80 in.
Cutting edge length: 8.80 in.
Total length: 14.00 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.93 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.10 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.03 in.
Item weight: 10.20 oz.
Blade: Texas Wind pattern damascus forged from 1084 and 15N20 carbon steels
Bolster: Integral damascus
Handle: Dyed and stabilized maple burl
Description: Ricardo Vilar is one of the makers that has brought the Brazilian knife market to the forefront of American collectors' minds. His integral designs and attention to detail clearly set him apart as a leader. Ricardo is a Forged in Fire Champion and was featured in Season 7.
Cuchillo gaucho is a generic term for a style of knife characteristic of the gauchos, horsemen of the plains of South America -- principally Argentina, of mestizo (mixed Spanish and Indian) heritage. Analogous to the cowboy of the American West and the Mexican vaquero, the gauchos were mounted cattlemen initially living and working in vast undeveloped areas at the fringes of "civilization". Aside from its obvious potential as a weapon in duels, which were to mark rather than kill an adversary the cuchillo gaucho has a reputation as a truly multi-purpose tool and was used for tasks as diverse as slaughtering and skinning cattle, working leather, cutting wood, and making adobe bricks. In the wilderness, the gaucho could listen for distant approaches by sticking his knife into the ground and pressing an ear against its hilt. The knife was the gaucho's primary eating utensil: a large chunk of meat would be placed in the mouth and the excess cut off with an upward stroke of the knife, stopping short of amputation of the nose. Afterwards, it would serve as a toothpick. And, of course, in the gaucho's twilight in the 20th century, its use as a can opener was inevitable.
This cuchillo gaucho features a hand forged Texas Wind pattern damascus blade. By using 1084 and 15N20 carbon steels, Vilar ensures a keen, long lasting edge. An appleseed grind gives even more strength and durability to the cutting edge.
The handle is contoured for a secure, comfortable grip. The convoluted maple burl is stabilized and dyed. It melds perfectly into the integral damascus ferrule, nearly without a seam. Creating integral bolsters takes a particularly talented smith, and Vilar has shown his skills at their best.
Exceptional fit and finish throughout.


Availability: Not currently available