The Navaja knives
I recently watched a couple of videos on the history of these Spanish fighting knives, and the cultural aspects of their use and notoriety. Interesting stuff. The famous “ratcheting” sound of these knives being opened was evidently part and parcel of the sub-culture of “street” people back in the day in Spanish cities.
But those videos of course led to videos about the currently-made Cold Steel models like the “Espada” which are very large folders made in the style of the Navaja but without the famous ratcheting feature.
And from the comments, these impressively-large knives actually have some popularity among folks who carry them on a daily basis. Some folks making comments even indicating that they routinely carry two….
Which leads me to my point. The underlying message is that folks intend these knives for self-defense. Most here are familiar with the problems of using bladed weapons in self-defense in our society. You’re likely to have less problems “justifying” shooting someone than cutting or stabbing them.
But, heaven forbid, you should find yourself in court after using one of these “folding swords”, you are going to have quite a hill to climb in the eyes of the jury. They are going to be glancing VERY askance at that thing.
Just from my standpoint as a retired LEO who routinely carries a knife, the ONLY system I’m aware of that gives you a fair chance in court is the “Martial Blade Concepts” system of Michael Janich. Essentially “cut to disable and get out of the conflict”. No stabs, no attacks that would likely result in death. Relatively ordinary folding knives used. Still a dicey road in court, but arguably more defensible if you’re in a life-and-death situation.