User:Kylerouleau

The History of the Knife
Imagine a world without knives, a world without sharp edges. Impossible to believe, our level of modern efficiency would come to a stand still. We would be driven back to the stone ages. Back then, our forefathers used sharp stones and wood pieces to do the job. The discovery of metal was critical to the advancement of knife technology. Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age. Each period allowed civilization to further develop the knife.

There is no substitute for the knife. It is an incredible hand tool, an ancient tool helping man survive, hunt and eat. It has evolved with man and although technology has leapfrogged ahead of the basic hand tools, the basic structure of the knife has remained the same Sharp blades, edges and a handle.

In prehistoric times, knives were made of flint. Flint was easily cut, scaled and sharpened. Flint could easily be re-sharpened as they became dull. Flint knives gradually developed into copper, bronze and iron knives. They would soon become stainless steel knives as they remain today.

Knives were essential for hunting. Food and survival were the basic necessities of early man. Early men would adorn their knives and weapons with feathers, accessories and trinkets to add beauty and design to their tools and weapons. Later, the knife too would be more than just a utility tool, but a fashionable design tool.

Every culture around the world have their own distinct history of knives. The basic structure is the same, but the design differ from culture to culture, each reflecting the values and tastes of the people. Knife collecting have attracted attention, not only as a way to collect tools of utility but to reflect on the history and sociology of the people that made and developed the knives.

Long slim bolo knives are best for cutting down sugar cane and doing work in the jungle. There are many prominent knives throughout history including the bolo knife, the Machete, the Ghurka, and the Bowie Knife. Don't forget the Japanese Tanto, which in Japanese means "knife".

--Kylerouleau 22:06, 11 October 2007 (UTC)