facón

The facón is a large knife traditionally used in the Southern Cone of South America, particularly by gauchos in Argentina and Uruguay. The name derives from the Spanish faca or facar, and it is categorized as a long, single-edged blade worn in a belt sheath. In design, the facón typically features a straight or slightly curved blade with a robust tip, and a handle of wood, horn, or metal. Blade lengths commonly range from about 20 to 40 centimeters, with overall lengths often exceeding 30 centimeters; some historical examples and collectors’ pieces are longer. Many blades have a simple guard and a tang that extends into a durable handle; fittings and decoration vary by region and maker. The knife is used as a tool for daily work—cutting rope, preparing meat, and trimming cattle—as well as a weapon in self-defense or personal honor codes. It was carried by rural workers and travelers and became a defining element of gaucho gear, typically worn in a waist belt or sheath.

Historically, the facón emerged in the 18th to 19th centuries in the Pampas and neighboring regions, becoming a cultural symbol in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and parts of Bolivia. Its prominence waned with changes in firearms availability and law, but it remains an important folkloric artifact and collector’s item. In modern craft, facones are produced by cutlers and artisans, ranging from utilitarian working knives to ornate ceremonial pieces; museums preserve historical examples and models inspired by traditional designs.