Article by Erickson Dow
There is not a doubt that your knife is your most basic necessity when going to camp. It is one of man’s most important tool and oldest as well. The first knife was made of flint with an edge form. Next, knives were made of copper, followed by those made of bronze and lately, knives made of iron or steel. In the Afar Region of Ethiopia, in the fine-grained sediment of a dry riverbed, lies the oldest knife artifact ever known, left by the earliest people dating 2.6 million years back. Styled from volcanic rocks, knives have developed into the tool it is today. Generally, knives were considered a survival tool. These were used to build shelters, hunt and prepare food. Old knives mere made by knapping, a process wherein flakes detach in sequence, then the original mass of the stone is reduced obtaining the sharp flakes that form the knife’s blade. A few of the oldest knives were made out of obsidian stone.
A knife served as a weapon, eating utensil, and hunting. In the 15th century, people started using knives for eating. They would carry their knives on their belt hidden in a scabbard because they were not allowed to carry firearms. They were made up into a set that included one large hunting knife, two small ones resembling a kitchen paring knife and all three were kept in the same scabbard. Then later as the blade developed into more of an eating utensil along with the fork and the spoon, the need for hunting sets disappeared.
Up almost 10 millenniums ago, wood, stone, flint or shell were made into knives. It was about that time that copper was discovered and became the main material used to make blades. Steel then replaced copper, 5,000 years ago. Knives today have evolved into ceramic, carbon fiber or titanium as a result of advancing technology.
Knife collections have become a massive business for some collectors. They search for knives with the rarest, distinctive, and extraordinary features. And there are many specialized categories to choose from – hunting, military, camping, multi-purpose, sports, hunting and fishing or pocketknives. For finding most of the extraordinary pieces, auction sites are the place to be.
To keep your knives in the best possible working condition, store separately in leather sheaths to prevent rusting, keep clean and free of debris, and an occasional drop of oil on the joints of a folding knife will keep the action smooth in opening and closing. The old timers had a saying about a knife that clicked and closed smoothly, saying it “Walks and Talks well.” Never sharpen blades on a power driven grinding wheel, exercise great care when handling and keep away from children, don’t carry it in the pocket with coins as these will scratch and damage the handle and bolsters.
My friend has a collection of knives. Every knife you can envision of, you’ll find it in his collection. The best of all is the one that he created, a customized knife patterned with turquoise and coral. He too uses his knives in his collection, especially when he goes camping but not the customized one, of course!
You can get the best workmanship and strong quality outdoor knives at Safe Home.