Knives have been part and parcel of man’s life since time immemorial. It is difficult to imagine a kitchen without a knife. While food processors and the like have been introduced to make chopping easier, the knife has never been able to be replaced. Knives are used as a survival tool for making food or providing shelter.
While its earliest forms in the Stone Ages were made of flint, the newer ones are more technologically advanced. Knives also started being manufactured from bronze, copper, and finally from iron as it is seen today. Custom knives are also highly popular among collectors as well as for the specific needs they serve.
History of Knives
The original flint knives were extremely basic and something that could be scaled and re-scaled to produce new edges. As knives became an inseparable part of man to be used for hunting, cooking, building homes, clearing forests, he wanted it to be more ornate and started producing them in different shapes and sizes.
He also started adorning them with different designs to make them more attractive. Craftsmen began using their skills to make the knives beautiful and instill a sense of pride in the owners. Knife makers even began to make custom knives designed according to the directions of their customers.
Specialty Knives are Developed
Hunting and fishing knives are selected not only for their quality and performance but also for their beauty and attractive designs. The knives are cleaned and kept in excellent working condition after use and sometimes even displayed by proud sportsmen. Oftentimes knives are specific to a region or country.
The slim bolo knives are unique to Philippines and used in jungle clearing or in the sugarcane fields. Likewise machetes are common in South America and are heavier jungle knives used for clearing the vegetation of their dense rain forests. Custom knife orders are made by clients who need knives made to specific measurements.
Types of Knives and Blades
In the 21st century, knives are no longer needed for survival, however, they are still an indispensable part of man’s lives. There have been technological advances in the production of knives. Knives are of different types now and uses of knives have become more specialized. Thus we have paring knives, filleting knives, bread knife, carving knives, boning knives, general chef’s knife, and so on. Besides these, professionals get knife makers to make a custom knife which is suitable for the kind of work they do.
Additional Knife Resources:
- Benchmade Northfork Knife
- Our Top 10: The Best Every Day Carry Knife
- The perfect tool for sharpening your blades.