The history of the American West is filled with stories of colorful and mythic, larger-than-life characters, from the derring-do of the likes of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday, and Billy the Kid, to the bravery and courage of Native Americans like Geronimo, Chief Joseph, and Crazy Horse.

In the late 1700s, as settlers moved north from Mexico and west from the American East, there arose a trade relationship with the indigenous peoples of the American Southwest. Due to the strong presence of the Comanche tribes in the areas where trading took place, those traders became known as Comancheros; supplying manufactured items such as tools, knives, and cloth, along with flour, tobacco, and, of course, whiskey in return for hides, livestock, and, yes, slaves taken by the Comanches from surrounding tribes.

The Comancheros were, as a whole, at peace with the various Indian tribes, and it was of mutual benefit for both sides to do so. The Comancheros were a wild and untamed lot, facing the constant threat of raids by renegade bands who decided it was in their best interest just to take and not trade.

In spite of these lurking threats, there was still business to be had. Living a life of adventure in a time and place where any day could be your last, these tradesmen, hunters, and Indian fighters scratched out a living in places timid souls would never think of venturing near.

The Emerson Comanchero knife has the flavor of the knives that would have been a brisk, necessary part of the trade goods sought after by the Indian hunters and warriors. Having hints of Spanish influence and Native American hard-use practicality, the Comanchero knife would have fetched a pretty penny had it been available in the days of the Comanchero traders of the wild American Southwest.