Spanish knife is a texture that may or not originate in Spain. It's characterized by raised lines of texture created by a drywall knife's edge. Mud is initially applied by hand, then a knife is used in long, sweeping arcs, with a flick at the end to create a peak. It's not sprayed on. It can have a more minimalistic or busy feel depending on what you want. Randomness in the line stroke is used to to create a more scattered or random pattern. Sometimes the knife is stuttered on the wall add elements of an old world texture if wanted.
Start with a Level 3 drywall finish. Apply a mostly even coat of all purpose joint compound mixed with water to your wall. Smooth it out with a drywall knife. When lifting your knife from the wall, flick your wrist to create a raised peak from the edge of the knife.
