Navaja

Navaja is a folding knife with origins in the Iberian Peninsula, most closely associated with Spain and Portugal. The term denotes a pocket knife in general use, typically consisting of a blade that folds into a handle. Classical navajas commonly feature a single-edged blade with a straightforward, utilitarian profile, and a handle made from wood, horn, bone, metal, or a combination of materials. Many early models used a simple spring or backspring mechanism to keep the blade either closed or open, and opening is usually accomplished by a nail nick or manual flick of the blade.

Design and variants: Traditional navajas vary in blade length, overall form, and decorative detail, but they share the idea of portability and ease of use. Handles often bear decorative inlays or engraving reflecting regional cutlery traditions. In later periods some designs incorporated spring-assisted or automatic opening mechanisms, though such features are subject to legal restrictions in many jurisdictions.

History and cultural context: The navaja emerged during the Middle Ages and became a common utility knife for rural workers, travelers, and craftsmen across the Iberian Peninsula. It acquired a place in local culture and craft, with numerous regional styles and workshop traditions contributing to its development. The knife also appeared in literature and popular imagery as a symbol of everyday practicality and, in some periods, street culture.

Modern status and regulation: Today the navaja remains a traditional folding knife, valued by collectors, artisans, and users interested in historical design. Legal restrictions on ownership, carry, blade length, and opening mechanism vary by country and region, influencing how navajas are produced, traded, and used.