Corvo (knife)

The Corvo is a bladed weapon typically used in Chile. It is a double-edged knife with a curved blade of approximately 12 in (300 mm). Initially a tool similar to a grape hook, it was widely used in combat during the War of the Pacific. It was not standard issue, but rather a personal weapon or tool that the soldiers brought with them from home.

Corvo
Type	Dagger
Place of origin	Chile
Service history
Used by	See Users
Wars	War of the Pacific
Production history
Manufacturer	FAMAE (Standard issue variants)
Variants	Corvo Comando or Pico de Cóndor (Condor's Beak) Corvo atacameño
Specifications
Length	29 or 30 cm (11 or 12 in)
Blade length	16 to 19 cm (6.3 to 7.5 in)
Blade type	Dagger
Hilt type	Metal, hard leather or polymers
Scabbard/sheath	Metal, hard leather or polymers
Head type	Metal
Haft type	Wood, checkered plastics

Per local legend, but now widely debunked by historians, Chilean soldiers would consume chupilca del diablo in order to drive themselves into a frenzy prior to close-combat, attacking the enemy with their corvos.

When fighting with a corvo, the wielder will not feint with the blade itself; traditionally it is used in conjunction with a rag, poncho or stick in the off-hand, which allows the bearer to parry an incoming attack. The corvo is then used to counterattack with a swiping, slashing or stabbing motion.

Due to its popularity, the Chilean Army refined the weapon and added it to their arsenal. Today it is the traditional symbol of Chilean commandos and its use is encouraged in training.

Variants

There are a few different models of corvo, the modern versions are:

• Corvo Comando, or Pico de Condor (Condor's Beak), with a nearly 90 degree bend that spans a third of the blade.
• Corvo atacameño or Garra de Puma (Cougar Claw), which has a very slight curve to the blade (equal to approximately 45°) but is normally longer than the Commando variant.

See also

• Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife
• Cuchillo De Paracaidista
• Tantō

References

• [1]