Rosewood Integral Cuchillo Gaucho

Product Description for Rosewood Integral Cuchillo Gaucho

Maker: Luciano Dorneles (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 90150
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 7.80 in.
Total length: 12.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.60 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.22 in.
Item weight: 8.40 oz.
Shipment weight: 12.1 oz.
Blade: Hand forged, hand satin finished 52100 carbon steel
Bolster: Integral
Handle: Brazilian rosewood
Sheath: Leather sheath
Description: Knives by Luciano Dorneles have a unique appearance and impact that is rarely achieved by other makers. This cuchillo gaucho is an exceptional example of his work. It was completed while he was a journeyman smith and has been in a single private collection. It has been meticulously cared for and is in new condition.
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.
The fit and finish is exceptional. The long clip point blade was forged from 52100 carbon steel. Many knifemakers and collectors feel that 52100 is among the best, if not the best steel for high performance knives. The blade, bolster and tang were forged from a single piece of steel -- a technique that takes significant skill -- and one that Luciano is well known for. A dark toned Brazilian rosewood handle completes the knife. The knife is accompanied by a hand tooled leather sheath. Tremendous fit and finish throughout!


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