KNIFE HISTORY
The Knife is an amazing
tool-an ancient tool for which there has been no substitute. Throughout history,
knives have been essential for survival, as well as for providing food and
shelter. From its earliest form, the knife developed out of necessity, and its
evolution may be traced through the paths of technology.
During the Stone Age, knives were made of flint, which could easily be scaled to
shape, and then could be re-scaled to produce a new edge. Later, flint knives
were ground to the desired shape. Much later in history, man began to make
knives from copper, bronze, and finally, from the products of iron as we know them today.
Humans hold a special bond with tools-in particular, those used for hunting. Over the ages, guns, knives, bows and spears have been adorned with ornate
patterns. These marks of craftsmanship added a touch of beauty and reflected
pride in the skills the craftsmen had learned. Even in modern days, when
purchasing a knife for hunting or fishing, the product of choice must be not
only of lasting performance and quality, but also have an attractive design and
finish that gives the owner a sense of pride. Long-time sportsmen usually keep
their tools in clean working order and often display their tools for others to
admire. (Click HERE to view our selection of hunting knives.)
Most of the world's countries have a knife related to their culture and history.
This is one reason why knife collecting has become an increasingly popular
hobby. Long, slim bolo knives were uniquely suited to the sugar cane and jungle work of the
Philippines. Machetes from South America are a heavier jungle knife suited for
clearing dense rain forest vegetation. Curved, wicked-looking Ghurka knives are
used by the renowned Ghurka fighters of India. Of course, America's own Bowie
Knife has made its place in history. The Bowie was handcrafted, and those
looking for the finest in knives today still must look to the hands of the
skilled craftsman. (Click HERE to view out selection of collector’s knives.)
Today, the knife continues to be an important tool, though more for sport and
work than survival, as in the past. As knife technology and production methods
have advanced, knife uses have expanded and knife forms have become more
specialized. Today, you can get quality built knives from variety of
manufacturers in a wide assortment of configurations and materials.
