Knife Making, Art, and a Gaucho Tradition

There is a long history of knife making in Argentina, with its origins dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Argentinian gauchos are inextricably linked to these knives. They are so emblematic of the local culture, of rural areas, and were key figures in the wars of independence.

Knives were the symbol of the gauchos: they were used both as a defensive weapon in times of combat, but also as a tool in everyday life. They were the ideal utensil for all their daily chores, from eating to butchering animals. Their knives were often unique, having been made from materials that were readily available, such as broken sabers, files, horns, or animal bones.

Over the years, knife making was established as a tradition in the country. Families of knife makers emerged, passing down knowledge through generations, turning Argentinian knife making into an art.

Today, many continue the practice. Knives are used in home kitchens and in restaurants, for Sunday barbecues, and are even found as rustic-style decoration in some houses.

Knives were part of everyday life. Over the years, their use has become more sophisticated. These days they are considered a highly traditional art with deep Argentinian roots.

From the city of Tandil, for many years Jerónimo Coll has taken his work around the world at exhibitions and shows. In so doing he has contributed to the knowledge and understanding of these traditional arts which he learned from his father, the renowned master braider Máximo P. Coll.

His creole knives have finely crafted blades, and handles made from wood, leather, silver, or alpaca silver. He uses the technique of weaving with an awl, which consists of weaving strands of horse leather on a wooden base, and then making metal endings.

From the city of Buenos Aires, Mariano started in the profession by working in his father’s workshop, first as a blacksmith and then as a knife maker. Since 2008, he has organized the Annual Knife Show. 

They are a couple from Zárate in the province of Buenos Aires. Juan’s skills and profession complement Rosalía’s creativity when it comes to assembling the leather sheaths. They use a variety of materials, including local woods, alpaca silver, and deer antlers.

He has more than 20 years of experience in knife making in Jujuy. He uses the awl weaving technique for the handles. His sheaths are generally made from rawhide and horse leather straps.

Each family of craftsmen has their own techniques and traditions. Thanks to them, knife making is a popular art throughout Argentina, combining craftsmanship with local idiosyncrasies and hallmarks.