First noted in 15th century Spain among Gypsies and Gitanos, the Navaja folding knife was used for work, utility and protection. They're shaped similarly to barbering razors or novacula, meaning razor in Spanish. Modern definition categorizes it as a modified clip-point with an unsharpened concave spine swedge. Unique to the Navaja is the Carraca or ratcheting sound produced when opening or closing the blade. It announces the knife's presence and is believed to raise anxiety and anticipation, deterring criminals. Ed Schempp's modernized Navaja has a carbon fiber handle, stainless steel bolsters, pocket clip and the Carraca (ratcheting sound), maintaining the mystique of the Navaja.
