All about the Pocket Knives of Past & Present
Posted by SwordsSwords on May 15th 2020
There are no records in existence today that can tell us exactly when the term “pocket knife” was first used. It is reasonable to assume that the term is almost as old as the knife itself. In historical manuals of many cultures, these blades are also known as penknives or jack-knives. Pocket knives have been around for centuries. They have been our loyal tool in the pursuit of evolution and advancement. They might be overshadowed by other bigger implements of war. However, this does not mean that the history and journey of the pocket knives through the ages matters less. After all, there would be no Swiss army knife without the ancient stealth daggers of ninjas and Roman soldiers. The many varieties of pocket knives such as the butterfly, the OTF, the switchblade, and the folding knife, owe it all to the pioneer blades from the Stone Age.
The typical length of a pocket knife is 2-6 inches and it has remained consistent throughout the ages. The uses of the pocket knife are also quite similar to medieval times such as hunting, making fires, cutting plants, and self-defense. The earliest evidence of a sharp knife-like object is from the same era as the existence of mankind. However, the pocket knives originate as a separate entity sometimes in the Iron Age. Fossils and excavation materials found from Circa 600-500 BCE contain many metal blades with animal bone handles. Similarly, many folding knives from the era of Vikings and Roman soldiers have been discovered. This tells us that the pocket knives achieved popularity and mass success quite early on.
One of the most famous and trailblazing types of pocket knives is the folding knife. It was the tool of our ancestors from the beginning until the Civil War. Later, it became overshadowed by gunpowder weapons and multipurpose blades. Known as a penny knife or a farmer knife in medieval times, it was the simplest variation of the knife. The simple blade folded easily inside an animal bone or wooden handle. This provided comfort in carrying the blade and extra protection from accidental nicks and cuts. Although the name represents a modest or affordable brand, these knives were an exclusive product available only to the cream of society. They were used by common folks in 1650.
Slip joint blades are an earlier variation of folding knives. These small blades are meant for lighter duties and less intensive tasks. The slip-joints can buckle under pressure due to the absence of a locking mechanism and reliance on the tension from a back-spring for stability. Although these tools were invented quite early on, they were not popularized until the formal industrial revolution. The slip joint pocket knives have more than one blade hiding in the handle. For instance, a Barlow knife has a drop-point and one clip-point blade in its handle. The traditional camper or scout knife contains four tools inside it. The canoe knife has two drop-point blades while the convex congress knife is adorned with four different blades. There are approximately seventeen more types of a slip joint knife.
A true comparison of Ancient vs. Modern pocket knives must include functionality and form. According to experts, the form of the pocket knife has drastically altered in the last three centuries to accommodate the industrial demands. This is how camper or scout knife became a multi-purpose Swiss Army knife with more tools and gadgets than one can reasonably remember. The earliest pocket knives made of animal bines weren’t foldable but they contained multipurpose tools. For instance, one relic used metal fused to the animal bone to create a sharp edge at one end and a hammerhead at the other. Wood replaced the use of bones and knives became more ornate. However, the folding form of the knives remained constant.
The functionality of the knives is also the same if one considers the basics. Self-defense, hunting, and foraging are still our primary interests. However, the nature of these requirements has shifted. The need for multiple tools at hand with extra durability is almost universal. Thus, we can safely conclude that while the pocket knives remain true to their core functions and essence, the modifications are a blessing as well. Although, no knife made today can compete with the glorious Gurkha Kukris or the original Damascus steel blades with supernatural powers.
There’s absolutely nothing as cool as celebrating the ancient knives and daggers with a modern look. In this way, you can celebrate aesthetics as well as functionality. These pocket knives are easier to clean, maintain, and purchase. You don’t need material and credibility certificated to ensure their quality construction. The best thing about adding these blades to your collection is their longevity. The lack of hassle involved in their acquisition is also a bonus that attracts many aficionados towards these quality daggers.
The fusion allows the forgers to use metal which is less prone to rust. You can use these knives as readily as you can display them in your collection. These blades blend the tradition and history with the innovation of today and pay homage to the ingenuity of man. If this information has made you keen to get your hands on the best pocket knives available, we know where you can find them. Head over to swordsswords and be amazed! For more information on contemporary and versatile pocket knife options, read about the connection between men and pocket knives from our extensive pocket knife series.
Historically Significant Pocket Knives
One of the most famous and trailblazing types of pocket knives is the folding knife. It was the tool of our ancestors from the beginning until the Civil War. Later, it became overshadowed by gunpowder weapons and multipurpose blades. Known as a penny knife or a farmer knife in medieval times, it was the simplest variation of the knife. The simple blade folded easily inside an animal bone or wooden handle. This provided comfort in carrying the blade and extra protection from accidental nicks and cuts. Although the name represents a modest or affordable brand, these knives were an exclusive product available only to the cream of society. They were used by common folks in 1650.
Slip joint blades are an earlier variation of folding knives. These small blades are meant for lighter duties and less intensive tasks. The slip-joints can buckle under pressure due to the absence of a locking mechanism and reliance on the tension from a back-spring for stability. Although these tools were invented quite early on, they were not popularized until the formal industrial revolution. The slip joint pocket knives have more than one blade hiding in the handle. For instance, a Barlow knife has a drop-point and one clip-point blade in its handle. The traditional camper or scout knife contains four tools inside it. The canoe knife has two drop-point blades while the convex congress knife is adorned with four different blades. There are approximately seventeen more types of a slip joint knife.
Ancient vs. Modern Pocket Knives
A true comparison of Ancient vs. Modern pocket knives must include functionality and form. According to experts, the form of the pocket knife has drastically altered in the last three centuries to accommodate the industrial demands. This is how camper or scout knife became a multi-purpose Swiss Army knife with more tools and gadgets than one can reasonably remember. The earliest pocket knives made of animal bines weren’t foldable but they contained multipurpose tools. For instance, one relic used metal fused to the animal bone to create a sharp edge at one end and a hammerhead at the other. Wood replaced the use of bones and knives became more ornate. However, the folding form of the knives remained constant.
The functionality of the knives is also the same if one considers the basics. Self-defense, hunting, and foraging are still our primary interests. However, the nature of these requirements has shifted. The need for multiple tools at hand with extra durability is almost universal. Thus, we can safely conclude that while the pocket knives remain true to their core functions and essence, the modifications are a blessing as well. Although, no knife made today can compete with the glorious Gurkha Kukris or the original Damascus steel blades with supernatural powers.
Ancient Fusion Pocket Knives with a Modern Twist
There’s absolutely nothing as cool as celebrating the ancient knives and daggers with a modern look. In this way, you can celebrate aesthetics as well as functionality. These pocket knives are easier to clean, maintain, and purchase. You don’t need material and credibility certificated to ensure their quality construction. The best thing about adding these blades to your collection is their longevity. The lack of hassle involved in their acquisition is also a bonus that attracts many aficionados towards these quality daggers.
The fusion allows the forgers to use metal which is less prone to rust. You can use these knives as readily as you can display them in your collection. These blades blend the tradition and history with the innovation of today and pay homage to the ingenuity of man. If this information has made you keen to get your hands on the best pocket knives available, we know where you can find them. Head over to swordsswords and be amazed! For more information on contemporary and versatile pocket knife options, read about the connection between men and pocket knives from our extensive pocket knife series.