Circulation of firearms in Spain. Ownership rules for individuals

Throughout the 20th century. Spain produced many models of pistols and revolvers. The main production was concentrated at the Astra-Unseta and Chia S.A. enterprises. (“Astra-Unceta y Cia. S. A.”) and “Star Bonifacio Echeverría S. A.” (“Star Bonifacio Echeverria SA”). Although the weapon was intended primarily for the Spanish armed forces, police and civil guard, a considerable number of pistols were exported, including even to China. Both of these companies went out of business in the late 1990s, but a new one has emerged that produces a wide range of pistols.

Military model

This pistol was created as an imitation of the Mannlicher system. A ten-round detachable magazine was located in front of the safety guard. The bolt itself had a rectangular shape and, accordingly, the upper part of the casing was also rectangular. The pistol was equipped with an open hammer, which struck the firing pin in the bolt. On the left side of the body there was a detachable plate and a separate barrel return spring. Although the history of this pistol is not documented, it is known that it was produced before the First World War. The pistol was of high quality and was exported in large quantities. It was in service with the Spanish security forces.

Weapon price

The minimum cost of navaja from famous Spanish manufacturers Joker, Martinez, Muela in Russia is 3000-3500 rubles. There are also more expensive copies - for 4-10 thousand rubles, even 18-20 thousand rubles. The price depends on the size of the product, the quality of the steel, and the material of the handle.

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Navajas are considered aristocrats among combat knives, and the variety of types and shapes gives every fan a chance to choose the one that suits him. Most often, products are purchased for a collection. Navajas are pleasant to hold in your hands, they are pleasing to the eye, and if you need to use the tool at work, it is also quite convenient for this.

Star, model 1920

The Model 1920 pistol was produced exclusively for the Civil Guard, the Spanish paramilitary police. This is the first Star pistol, modeled after the Colt M1911. The 1920 model was produced in 1920-1921. in at least four options. Although the general outline of the pistol was similar to the Colt and the barrel was locked using the same Browning system, many of the characteristics were different. The safety lever was completely different and was located at the rear of the bolt. The differences show that the pistol was not a simple copy of the Colt-Browning system, but was the original model. After the production of this pistol ceased, it was replaced by other models intended for the civil guard and called military.

Star, model 1921

Soon after the 1920 model pistol was adopted, the requirements of the Civil Guard changed. It was considered that for a service pistol the location of the manual safety on the slide was unfortunate. This safety was moved to the body of the pistol, an automatic safety appeared on the back of the handle, and as a result the Star Model Militar 1921 pistol was born. Later she abandoned the automatic safety on the handle and began producing the resulting pistol under the designation “Model 1922.”

Subspecies depending on the area

In many regions of the country, Navajas had characteristic features unique to this area. The knives have their own characteristics, corresponding to their names:

• korte (blade),
• mayosa (thorn),
• abaniko (fan),
• herramenienta (fang),
• pincho (point).

And all of these are navajas, with curved handles and leaf-shaped blades. A type of weapon called Navajon is also known. It is distinguished by its large size - up to 1.5 meters long. This knife was intended for combat and fencing.

A - classic Navaja; B - albacete; c - bandolero; G - Navajon

Sometimes, when you see different varieties of navaja side by side, it is difficult to believe that the tools belong to the same species. Their blades come in a variety of shapes. The only thing they have in common is a curved handle. But even among them there is a completely straight line - the “fish tail”, as well as one that deviates minimally from a straight line - the “flower”.

Star, model B

The Star Model B series of pistols was a continuation of the Model A series of pistols that imitated the Colt M1911 and were issued to the Civil Guard in the early 1920s. The first Model B pistol, released in 1924, was a modification of the Model A. Model B pistols from the early releases are quite rare; an improved version was released in 1931. It features an improved frame, a larger safety lever and larger, more comfortable sights. This model remained in service until 1983. A number of specially marked Model B pistols entered service with the German Army during World War II.

Star, model D

The Model D series of pistols was intended both for self-defense and for concealed carry by security personnel. It was first produced in the 1920s for the Civil Guard. There were several variants of this model. The variant shown in the illustration, issued in 1928, features a slide stop above the trigger and a manual safety on the left side of the body. One variant of the Model D was produced in the United States in conjunction with, but the partnership did not last long, and few such pistols were produced.

Star, model E

The Model E series of pistols were the smallest of the Star pocket pistols. This miniature pistol was introduced in 1925 and was produced for almost ten years. It has an external hammer, which is unusual for a pistol of this size as it could easily snag on clothing when carried concealed. The bolt casing did not completely cover the barrel, which reduced the weight of the weapon. The safety catch was located immediately behind the safety bracket. The magazine release was located behind the safety guard, which is also quite unusual for a pistol of this size. E-series pistols were produced until the mid-1930s.

In the 1990s, a series of pistols were produced known as the "Starlight" and had characteristics similar to those of the E series.

Pros and cons of using

Navaja has a number of advantages:

• can be used as a self-defense weapon and a household knife;
• reliable, lightweight, has a comfortable handle;
• safe for constant wearing, traveling, hiking, as it folds;
• no need to spend money on buying a sheath;
• has an attractive and recognizable appearance.

It also has disadvantages:

• the blade is securely fastened only to a fully open knife, and if the blade is not retracted enough, it tries to hide back into the groove;
• it is difficult to put the tool into working condition with one hand, since it is not automatic;
• The knife also closes with effort due to the presence of a stopper in the mechanism, which must be lifted.

Star, model F

The first Star pistol of the F series appeared in 1932. In 1942, the series was modernized, and production of the second series began. This .22 LR caliber pistol was intended for target shooting and was a modification of the Star pocket pistols. The F series sporting pistols had barrels of varying lengths, depending on the specific model. They all had adjustable rear sights. In pistols of the second series, manual safeties were made more convenient. Now they are no longer located above the trigger, but above the handle behind the trigger axis.

In 1983, production of the classic series ceased, and production of all F series pistols was discontinued.

Types and design

In addition to the Malaga, Seville and Albacete varieties, there are many more types of Navaja, united by the following three groups:

Blade

The classic Navaja blade has the appearance of a tree leaf, that is, a narrow tip. But the abundance of types of tools is associated with an equally large number of forms of this part of the knife. More often the Navaja blade is similar to the Bowie or stiletto type, but only wider. There are also completely original forms of this component of the knife, for example, like Tranchete or Punta Cortada.

Blade lock

The blade lock consists of a spring and a lever. The latter rises by pressing your finger upward, and the butt serves as an obstacle to it. As a result, the spring jumps off its holder, and the knife remains open, firmly fixed in this position. Instead of a lever, there may be a ring, which is larger in size but performs the same function.

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Handle

It’s not for nothing that the Navaja grip is called a pistol grip. It is a thin curved extension of the blade (in an open knife), longer than it. More often, only the tip of this component is curved downward. But there are types of knives where the change in position of the handle begins from its center. There is also a Tranchete knife, in which it is not lowered, but raised. And Machete and Punta Cortada have straight cuttings.

The material of the hidden part of the Navaja handles is aluminum, brass or steel. But they are covered with overlays made of wood or animal horn, and decorated with metal decor.

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Star, central heating model

The TsO series consisted of small “pocket” pistols and were produced from 1930 to the mid-1950s. In 1956, it was replaced by pistols of the TsU series, which were produced until the early 1970s. Both series consisted of single-action pistols with barrels tightly secured to the body. In appearance, the TsO models were typical pocket pistols. The magazine release was located on the left side behind the safety guard, rather than on the handle, and the small safety lever was located behind the trigger. Although numerous minor changes were made to the TsU series, its main difference was a more convenient thumb-operated fuse. The handle has become longer and slightly wider at the bottom, and the magazine release button has become larger. In 1973, the Central Committee model was introduced, which continued to be produced for about ten years.

The COE (“engraved”) model was inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

AYA – charming Spanish girl

The geography of distribution of AYA products covers more than thirty countries around the world.
And this is not the limit... Spain... A mysterious and romantic country that gave the world Miguel Cervantes and Lope de Vega, El Greco and Diego Velazquez, Francisco Goya and Pablo Picasso. The legendary conquistadors - Hernando Cortes, who conquered the country of the Aztecs, and Francisco Pizarro, who conquered the large country of the Incas with only six hundred warriors - are purebred Spaniards. Their more famous contemporaries - Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan entered world history under the flag of the Spanish crown. Everyone knows these names from school.

Spanish gunsmiths in Russia were definitely unlucky. Since the time of the unforgettable S.T. Aksakov, we had a very vague idea of ​​the level of development of the gun industry on the Iberian Peninsula. And in the Soviet hunting press, probably, no one was “killed” as much as the Spaniards.

Meanwhile, the tradition of making excellent hunting weapons in the Pyrenees goes back centuries.

After the discovery of America, Spain quickly became a huge colonial power.
In terms of the size of its possessions and political weight, only the British Empire could compete with the Spaniards. Thanks to the American colonies, the market expanded dramatically, which contributed to the rapid development of industrial production. The Spanish hidalgo nobles who moved to the New World bought weapons for future use, paying for them in gold and silver. In search of easy money, they willingly participated in numerous wars that were constantly waged by the Spanish kings. Model No. 1 De Luxe is the most prestigious horizontal AYA.
A classic shotgun of the highest class with locks on the boards, hammer interceptors, double locking, and firing pins in fire tubes. Barrels made of chrome-nickel steel. The best materials, the finest handcraft and fabulous ornamentation, bearing the “stigma” of the English style in the Spanish interpretation. Calibers - 12 and 20. Model No. 1 shotgun box. All this, of course, required a huge amount of high-quality bladed weapons and firearms. The Spaniards achieved great skill in its production. They were no less skilled in the production of hunting rifles. At the end of the 18th century, Spanish weapons were so popular in Russia that many European craftsmen tried to counterfeit the “Spanish style” in order to more easily sell their products on the Russian market.

In the seventeenth century, a gradual economic decline of Spain began, associated with the collapse of overseas colonies. But with the outbreak of the First World War, the Spanish arms industry received a new powerful impetus.

By maintaining, on the one hand, political neutrality, and on the other, supplying weapons to the warring powers, the government was able to attract a large number of “starving” gunsmiths into production. It was at this time that numerous family businesses appeared in the north of Spain, in the Basque country. The Basques, who did not want to be like other Spaniards, always had their own pride in weapons. And the town of Eibar, located in the most populous province of the peninsula - Gipuzkoa - has since become a place of pilgrimage for numerous traders from Europe and America.

Of the several hundred arms manufacturers that emerged in the twentieth century around Eibar, the most popular is without a doubt the Aguirre y Aranzabal (AYA) company. Over eighty-six years, the company produced about six hundred thousand hunting rifles - more than any other Spanish factory. However, its popularity is not due to the quantity of products produced.

Several key dates are imprinted in the history of the company. At the end of 1915 - the very height of the First World War - two family dynasties of gunsmiths decided to unite their scattered workshops. Production under a common roof began a year and a half later, so the official founding date is 1917.

In 1920-1935, the enterprise represented a manufactory with several hundred hired workers. In the best years, five hundred artisans worked in seventeen workshops, who annually assembled twenty thousand guns. The company supplied an impressive range of models of varying quality to the domestic and foreign markets - from very cheap to very expensive. The business flourished.

Everything was confused by the civil war that began on July 18, 1936. And on April 1, 1939, General Francisco Franco entered Madrid, putting an end to almost three years of bloodshed between Republicans and nationalists, which, by the way, he himself started.

Exactly five months later, a new war broke out - World War II. This time Franco acted very wisely. Adhering to political neutrality, he helped the Spaniards, exhausted by the civil war (half a million people died in it), survive the famine years of the early forties and even strengthened the country's economic position.

And again, in the midst of the war, two Basque gunsmiths Miguel Aguirre and Augustin Aranzabal decided to continue the family tradition.
In 1942 they resumed production of hunting rifles. In those years in the Pyrenees and, especially, in the countryside, it was rare that a man was not a hunter. Naturally, the need for cheap and high-quality weapons was enormous. worked at full capacity. The arms boom in Spain lasted about fifteen years. Model No. 53 is a top-class horizontal gun with backing locks, trigger interceptors, a triple Perdet bolt, firing pins in fire tubes and complex ornamental decoration.
The classic shape contrasts with the wings on the bullseye of the stock, a design element that gives the gun an indescribable charm when opened. The lock parts of the model No. 53 gun are covered with the thinnest layer of gold. Gold is not a luxury, but nature’s best anti-corrosion coating. The post-war revival of the production of hunting weapons in Belgium, Germany, Italy, and France caused the Basques a lot of worries. Their traditional semi-handicraft production methods differed markedly from the “advanced” technologies in Central European countries. Guns from Eibar, for all their practicality on the domestic market, in most cases did not reach the average European level (several handicraft Spanish companies that exported true masterpieces of weapons art do not count). But AYA was lucky. His Majesty Chance helped, and, of course, the extraordinary Basque hard work and skill.

In the late 1950s, on the shores of Foggy Albion, businessmen Andrew and Peter King came up with the daring idea of ​​organizing the import of relatively inexpensive Spanish guns in the “a la the Best” style. The fact is that in those years there was clearly a shortage of new British weapons, and the prestigious double-barreled shotguns of the best Spanish craftsmen were not much cheaper than the new British products and, of course, they could not make them on the United Kingdom market.

To implement its plan, the trading company ASI (Anglo-Spanish Import) was created in 1958, which invited leading Basque manufacturers to produce an inexpensive classic horizontal model in the style of “The Best” specifically for the English market. As you may have guessed, AYA completed the task best. As a matter of fact, the company’s rise to the top of the arms Olympus began from that moment.

The ASI agreement with Aguirre y Aranzabal was signed and work began to begin. To begin with, E. and P. Kings provided the Spaniards with models of the best British double-barreled shotguns from James Purdey & Sons, Holland & Holland, Boss & Co., Westley Richards & Co., EJChurchill, Webley & Scott and some others. A group of craftsmen of various specialties flew to Eibar from London and Birmingham to convey to the Basques the nuances of English weapons art.

It seems that neither side expected the success that befell the gun, made in Eibar for the British market. But the fact remains: the Aguirre and Aranzabal double-barreled shotguns are still the most popular among the British, who prefer the classic horizontal shotgun with locks on the boards. And, as surveys among hunters and shooters have shown, it is preferred by two-thirds of buyers. Is this not the main reason for such a high level of sales of AYA shotguns, which in the UK exceeded two hundred thousand copies?

For forty years, Spain was economically isolated from the rest of the world. After the death of dictator Franco in the fall of 1975, a democratic experiment began in the country. Unfortunately for the Spaniards, it coincided with a global economic crisis. The structural restructuring of major industries in the 1980s caused mass unemployment in the Pyrenees. Democratic and economic reforms have hit the Basque country's arms production hard.

Under these conditions, the gunsmiths of Eibar decided to join forces by merging small firms into a single enterprise with the inclusion of guns of various types, levels of performance and cost in the program. To implement the plan, it was planned to use modern manufacturing methods with centralized management and a common marketing department. A great idea, as it seemed at first!

After two false starts, the plan eventually came to fruition with the intervention and direct assistance of the government. In the fall of 1984, an association of gunsmiths called DIARM SA was created, which included twenty-four firms. Alas, the new company lasted less than four years and dissolved in 1988, taking with it the dreams of several hundred high-quality Basque gunsmiths.

After the collapse of DIARM, AYA was revived by Imanol Aranzabal, a relative of Augustin Aranzabal, but on the scale of a small craft workshop with a dozen workers. And again the British helped the company.

At the end of the 1970s, the global economic crisis also rocked the United Kingdom. But the eighties turned out to be a decade of political triumph for Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. And for many British people, the reign of the “Iron Lady” became a period of increasing prosperity.

By the early nineties, interest in the classic double-barreled shotgun with locks on the side boards had again increased on the shores of Foggy Albion.
But, naturally, only a few could afford a new English gun for the price of a new house. And if it weren’t for the old, used double-barreled shotguns, which partially solved the problem of the average hunter, the situation on the market for prestigious weapons would have looked, frankly, critical. And it is no coincidence that the eyes of British fans of the classics once again turned to the Spaniards. Model No. 37 is a top-class vertical with reverse locks on the boards and quadruple locking.
A copy of the Merkel 303 sideflight, produced in Spain for more than fifty years. Caliber - 12. In the mid-nineties, AYA employed sixteen workers. Every year, just over two thousand guns came out of the enterprise. Almost 60% of them were exported to England. Today production has increased, but in Eibar they still believe: “less is better, but better!” Of course, it would be a mistake to believe that AYA exists only by selling expensive products. The company’s program includes very simple models (Iberia, Yeoman, No. 4) and “above average” models (No. 4 De Luxe, XXV/BL, Countryman), which, along with high-quality shotguns (No. 1, No. 2, No. 53, No. 56, XXV/SL, 37 Super, Augusta and others) are exported to more than 30 countries. A few years ago, the English distribution company ASI introduced the best horizontal bars, Aguirre and Aranzabal, to the French market.

So what is the mysterious power of guns that have conquered the world, but above all the prudent and restrained Englishmen? At first glance, the answer is simple: high-quality materials, classic design, impeccable workmanship, and the finest decor. But this simplicity is apparent. In fact, a Spanish gun begins not with raw materials, hand fitting and engraving, although both are, of course, important, but with the people who make it.

Those hunters who at least once held a genuine “Spaniard” in their hands noted in it the phenomenon of “presence of life” - a property that is not so common even for the most expensive European guns, including British ones. The aura of a talented and proud Basque is present in the light, confident leap and warmth of touch, the smooth leash and dry click of the “smokeless”, the softness of operation and that inexplicable charm in which reliable simplicity and nobility of origin are discerned.

Purchasing a Spanish gun is not snobbery, not an investment of capital, it, among other things, gives the owner a feeling of extraordinary spiritual comfort. What else does a hunter need to live an active youth and meet a vigorous old age?

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF GUNS

The Iberia model is a modest double-barreled shotgun from the AYA series of inexpensive shotguns. The barrels are monoblock, pressed into a sleeve. Box-shaped locks with separate triggers and strikers. The strikers are of inertial type. Double locking - with a Perde frame on the under-barrel hooks. Caliber - 12.

The Yeoman double-barreled shotgun is a working model with Anson and Deeley type locks and inertial firing pins, made separately from the triggers. Double locking - with a Perde frame on the under-barrel hooks. The trunks are connected using the “demiblock” system. Caliber - 12.

Model No. 4 is a working double-barreled shotgun of a higher level of performance. Anson and Deeley type locks with separate strikers and hammers. The strikers are inertial. The barrels are connected using the “demi-block” system, locked only with a Perde frame. Calibers - 12, 16, 20, 28, .410.

Model No. 4 De Luxe is a medium-sized double-barreled shotgun with careful hand finishing. The barrels are connected using the “demi-block” system, locked only with a Perde frame. Locks of the Anson and Deeley type, with separate triggers and strikers. The strikers are inertial. Single trigger mechanism with a fixed sequence of shots: “right-left”. Calibers - 12, 16, 20, 28, .410.

Model XXV/BL is a mid-range shotgun with carefully adjusted parts. Highly artistic hand engraving of the box in the Rose&Rolls style. Anson and Deeley type locks. With inertial strikers, made separately from the triggers. The barrels are paired using the “demi-block” system, with double locking, like previous models. Calibers - 12 and 20.

The Countryman model is a mid-range shotgun and the cheapest in the series of double-barrels with locks on the side boards. Strikers in fire tubes. The barrels are locked twice, using a Perde frame. Calibers - 12 and 20.

Yuri Maslov Gun Master 04-2003

Star, model BM

This pistol, introduced in 1972, was a modification of the Star B series pistol, which had been in production since 1924. It had a manual safety, but no automatic safety on the grip. The BM model is a relatively compact weapon made of steel, which is well suited for concealed carry. From 1972 to 1992 Over 200,000 Star BM model pistols were produced, and many of them were exported to various countries, including the USA. Other models were also produced, in particular the BKS model, which was released somewhat earlier than the BM model, and the BKM model. Both models have light alloy frames, and these pistols are not as well preserved as the BM model pistols.

The BM model pistol is a fairly popular and relatively inexpensive weapon, although relatively heavy.

Navaja: what are the features of navaja

The Navaja is a folding knife of Spanish origin, distinguished by a curved handle reminiscent of an animal horn, with a short blade, a beveled spine, and a thin, sometimes raised, tip. Three large groups of guns are known:

• Malaga with a blade in the form of a tree leaf;
• Seville, also with a thin blade and a beveled butt;
• Albacete, with a wider cutting part.

Navaja knife tool groups

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Malaga variety

Albacete variety

Seville variety

For modern Navajas, blued steel is the usual type of blade material, including when it comes to modern weapons. The handle was made of wood, horn or animal bone. The size of the opened weapon is on average 45 cm, but these knives come in both shorter and longer lengths.

Star, model PD "Compact"

Star P-series pistols began to be produced in the 1920s, and many variants have been produced since then. Among them was the PKM model, released in 1974, the further development of which was the PD model. This model has been produced from 1975 to the present. Despite its compactness and ease of concealed carry, the pistol has significant combat power. The barrel is locked using a modified Browning scheme. An internal plastic damper has been added to soften recoil. The frame is made of light alloy, the rear sight is adjustable. The pistol is equipped with a manual safety; there is no automatic safety on the handle.

Star Firestar M43

The Firestar series consisted of small pistols designed for concealed carry. Model M43 is a pistol with a short barrel stroke, locking is carried out using the Browning system. There is an automatic firing pin safety, a magazine safety and a two-way manual safety mounted on the body. The pistol can be carried with a cartridge in the chamber. Since the gun is made entirely of steel, it is quite heavy. The Firestar series includes two more pistols - the M40 and M45, both double-action, with ambidextrous manual safeties, also allowing the weapon to be carried with a cartridge in the chamber. The M40 model is chambered for the .40 Smith and Besson cartridge, the M45 model is chambered for the .45 AKP cartridge. They are both six-shooters.

Is a Spanish knife considered a bladed weapon or a combat weapon?

The Spanish knife was originally a combat knife, which did not prevent it from being used for household needs. But now this weapon can be called a cold weapon only if a particular specimen has the following characteristics:

• the blade is more than 9 cm long, and the handle is from 70 mm;
• a tip located 5 mm below the spine line for a blade up to 180 mm and 10 mm if it is from 180 mm;
• tip angle less than 70 degrees;
• butt thickness 2.7-6 mm;
• blade steel hardness from 25 HRC.

But the majority of Navaja knives legally sold in Russia do not meet these criteria, so they can be purchased without special permission. They will be classified as souvenirs or household items, which are not forbidden to keep at home or carry with you.

It is possible to purchase real Spanish edged weapons in the Navajo homeland, where they are made by hand or in small factories. But it will not be possible to import such an item into Russia without permission. And there may also be problems with export from Spain.

Star, model 30M

The Model 30M is the main pistol in the series that began with the Model 28. It is a pistol with a short barrel stroke, locking according to the Browning scheme. A two-way manual safety that blocks the firing pin is located on the bolt. There is also a magazine safety and an indicator of the presence of a cartridge in the chamber. The front sight is constant, the rear sight is adjustable. The pistol is made of steel and has a reputation as a solid and reliable weapon. The “Star” Model 30M was introduced in 1990. An improved version of the Model 30M is the Model 31 with some external and internal changes, such as the safety lever and the cartridge ejection mechanism.

The Star 30M pistol is in service with the Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force, as well as the Civil Guard and the Spanish National Police.

Types of Spanish folding knives

Spanish folding knives, united by the name “Navaja”, are divided into several types:

• De fiele (faithful) . The name of the gun was given due to its design features. It consists of a handle, a blade and an element connecting them. There is no lock here, that is, there is nothing to break, so the knife is trouble-free to use.
• De anila (with ring) . This element is present on the retainer spring. If you pull the ring, the blade will hide in a recess on the handle.
• Pastora (shepherd) . It has a flat and wide blade, held in working condition by a spring. At the same time, it was not fastened firmly enough, but this did not prevent the instrument from being used in everyday life.
• Albacete (named after the city) . This type is distinguished by a beveled spine, a wide blade and the presence of a spring-shaped locking element on the handle. The handle was also decorated with metal ornaments, while the shank protruding from it was made of brass, and sometimes even of precious metals.
• Bandolero (bandit) . On the contrary, this weapon has a narrow blade. And the bevel of the butt is so long and sharp that it looks like another blade.

• Sevillana . The outline of the blade and handle resembles the previous type of weapon. But in Sevilla there is no expensive and pretentious decor.
• Punta de espada (edge ​​of the sword) . It is distinguished by a characteristic straight blade resembling a sword. And due to this feature, the handle of the weapon is less curved than that of other types. The blade has a bevel only at its end.
• Machete (bayonet, sword) . Almost fully lives up to its name. This type of weapon is characterized by a straight handle, and therefore resembles a sword.
• Punta cortada (cut point) . This weapon appeared in response to the ban on commoners having bladed weapons. Its beveled point appears less dangerous than that of the traditional Navaja.
• Tranchete . This is more of a peasant tool, as it is distinguished by a rounded sickle-shaped blade. It is easy for them to do agricultural work.
• Kapaora . Another household tool of peasant livestock breeders. It is distinguished by a wider than usual blade, similar to a cow's tongue.
• Estilete (stiletto) . The main feature of this knife is its narrow and elongated blade. The handle is just as thin and long, and the weapon itself has a predatory and dangerous look.
• Jerezana . The knife is intended more for attack or defense; it is distinguished by a particularly thin tip and a fairly wide base of the blade.
• Carraca . This modification had a special device on the heel of the blade, which produced a characteristic sound when the blade was removed from the groove in the handle. With it, the noble Spaniard warned the enemy that he and his weapons were ready for battle.
• Cortaplumas . This is a small office tool of the most primitive design. Cortaplumas are the smallest knives of the Navaja type. In addition to a blade for opening envelopes and cutting paper, they could also have had scales.
• Salvavirgo . These knives are smaller in comparison with other sizes, as they were intended for women. Spanish women wore them to protect themselves from annoying gentlemen.

Watch this video for a review of the Navaja knife series:

Campo-Hiro, model 1913

This pistol is based on a design developed by retired Lieutenant Colonel Venancio Lopez and Count Conde del Campo Hero. The first operational model was presented in Oviedo in 1903. In 1910, 25 prototypes were produced, and in 1912 the pistol was adopted by the Spanish army under the designation “9-mm Campo-Hiro pistol model 1913.” Subsequently, some changes were made to the design, the most significant ones were made in 1921. The pistol had some initial shortcomings, and over time its design was revised, after which it received the name “Astra 400”.

Astra, model 400

In 1920, the Campo-Hiro pistol model 1913 was removed from service with the Spanish army. In exchange, an improved version of the same pistol called “Astra 400” was adopted. The Astra 400 model was produced from 1921 to 1950. This weapon could withstand both the powerful 9 mm Largo cartridge and many other 9 mm I caliber cartridges, which makes it unique in its own way. The Astra 400 was used by both sides during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and by the German army during World War II.

History of the origin of the Navaja knife

The Navaja knife was created in Spain, but its name is given from the Latin word novacula, meaning “razor.” This indicates an earlier origin of the weapon - from Ancient Rome. Just like the appearance of the Navaja itself - the handle looks like an animal horn, and the blade resembles the claw or fang of a predator.

Spain is considered the birthplace of the weapon because there it became part of the general culture, and not just part of military traditions. And it was in this country that the Navajas were made foldable. Nobles had them for protection and confirmation of their status, but also peasants and artisans who used tools in everyday life and for defense.

Since about the 16th century, Navaja has been distinguished by its small size (before they were large), it can be folded and easily hidden in clothes. Therefore, Spaniards of all classes carried such knives even after the introduction of a ban on the ownership of weapons for those who were not related to the aristocracy.

Astra, model 300

This pistol is, in fact, a smaller copy of the Astra 400, which was produced in 1922. The Model 300 had the same tubular bolt and barrel, attached to the body using a cracker method. This concealed trigger pistol was equipped with an automatic safety on the rear of the grip. It mainly entered service with the Spanish security forces. A significant number were purchased by the German army.

Astra, model 600

This pistol, which appeared in 1943, was a more compact version of the Astra 400. The bolt is free, the trigger is hidden, the caliber is 9 mm Luger. There was an automatic safety on the back of the handle. During World War II, the German Army had problems with the Model 400 pistol when using 9mm ammunition, so they developed the Model 600 with a shortened barrel and slide specifically for the 9mm Luger cartridge.

Astra, model 900

This pistol, introduced in 1927, is reminiscent of the Mauser of 1896. A separate barrel recoil spring was located inside the frame under the chamber. The locking bolt cylinder was attached to the receiver and connected to the bolt via a spring-loaded trigger rod. At the very beginning of the rollback, the bolt remained engaged with the barrel. Rolling back the bolt cocked the hammer, then the bolt returned back, sending a new cartridge into the chamber. The Astra 900 entered service with the Spanish Civil Guard and enjoyed some success on world markets.

Astra, model 4000

This pistol was introduced after World War II and was intended primarily for personal defense or as a backup weapon. The design is based on the model 1913 Campo-Hiro pistol with a characteristic round barrel and bolt. The return spring is located around the barrel, the trigger is placed openly. The manual safety on the 4000 is located behind the safety guard. There is also an automatic magazine safety.

Lyama, model 8

This pistol began to be produced in 1986 for the Spanish armed forces. The barrel locking system using a cylinder swinging in a vertical plane is similar to the German Walter P38 pistol. The barrel is fixed, the safety latch is mounted on the bolt. The pistol is loaded with the safety switch on. After the magazine is inserted, the bolt is pulled back to chamber a cartridge. After disengaging the safety, pressing the trigger cocks the hammer and releases the firing pin. For each subsequent shot, the hammer must be cocked manually.

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How to make a Navaja knife with your own hands

Making a Navaja knife with your own hands is a completely accessible task, for which you need to:

1. Prepare a sketch of the blade, handle and internal fastenings on paper or cardboard. When drawing a Navaja knife, you need to take into account that the product is always folding. Therefore, the blade must fit in the groove of the handle, that is, be shorter than the second component. From there you can only see the butt.
2. The shank is a narrow metal strip, which, when the knife is open, will be a continuation of the butt line. Or they make it wide, but cut out a notch for the blade.
3. You also need to think about the fastening mechanism. “Native” for this type of weapon is a spring driven by a lever or ring. But this method of fastening is also the most difficult. To see how to create a mechanism, it is worth disassembling a ready-made folding knife with a back-lock type lock and repeating all the details. If you don’t want to mess around, you can connect the blade and shank with a bolt and nut, making a pin that will hold the knife in the open position.

4. Paper or cardboard templates are used to create parts of a metal product. As a last resort, take an old file, a shovel, or you can buy a piece of steel at a hardware store. The parts are cut out along the marked lines with a hacksaw or on a machine.
5. The blade and the metal part of the handle are ground to a smooth surface. This is also done using a machine and sandpaper.
6. Holes are drilled on the head of the blade to place fasteners there when connecting to the handle. The working part of the weapon must also have descents, that is, a narrowing from the butt to the blade. Holes are also made on the handle shank, because linings are fixed on top of the metal part.
7. The metal of a real weapon must be hardened in a forge. But if the knife is decorative, this is not necessary. Only the blade should be hardened; the handle tang does not need this. After the procedure, the metal part is released.
8. The overlays are also cut out using templates from wood, brass or soft metal. In the first case, oak and birch are chosen, the finished parts are sanded and impregnated with oil. The pads should be wider than the handle shank. They should completely hide the blade (but not the entire blade) when the weapon is closed.
9. Assembly begins with connecting the blade head and the base of the handle, as well as the folding mechanism. Then the overlays are glued to the epoxy resin, and after drying they are fixed with fasteners.

Watch this video on how to make a Navaja knife with your own hands: