Knives are used in every meal you create or in any creative project, but have you ever wondered where knives come from and how they have evolved to become the exquisite instruments we have right now? Knives are not only functional they are also collectibles, and any chef will tell you that they have a favorite in their collection. The origin of knives is interesting despite their rudimentary design. Let us explore the evolution of knives from the Lithic Period till date.
Knives in the Lithic Period
Knives first emerged more than 2.5 million years ago, commonly known as the Lower Palaeolithic period, and can be seen in the Oldowan stone tool archaeological industry. These tools were really only made of a few chips of another stone and had limited functions. What is more mind-boggling is that these first tools predate Homo Sapiens! Due to the lack of sophistication of these instruments, knives were used as needed and discarded after. The Lithic age saw a variety of tool designs and techniques used to create knives.
Knives in the Copper and Bronze Age
Following this period, humans transitioned to new materials for their tools. The Copper and Bronze Age, which started in 5,000 BC, heralded in the use of soft metals such as copper, tin, and bronze. These knives were more durable than those from the Lithic period, although they were not as sharp and also became blunt quite quickly. The first metal knives were double-edged daggers with single-edged knives appearing 4000 years ago within the Bronze Age. This is also when the first sharpening methods were introduced. The main purposes of knives in this era were hunting, cooking, and carpentry.
Knives in the Iron Era
Approximately 3,500 years ago Homo Sapiens moved into the Iron Age which was characterized by advancements in mining and manufacturing. Iron was of course a massive advantage to the tools that existed at the end of the Bronze Age. Knives were first used as cutlery 500 years ago. The material was harder and could keep a sharp edge much better than copper. Knives have not progressed very much since the steel blade was invented, except for the innovation of the folding knife, but the design has improved dramatically to the beautifully crafted utensils available today – such as a Damas knife from our extensive range.
The Modern Knife
Today, knives have become indispensable – there is so much we need them for. From chopping and cutting our food, to arts and crafts and everything in between, we would be lost without them. Simple things such as cutting a wire or slicing fruit would be impossible if not for the modern knife. Nowadays there is a dizzying array of knives that perform a variety of functions. Hunters use a hunting knife, soldiers use a combat knife, and we use the everyday chef’s knife to prepare our food. The range of Damas Knives include pattern welded knives with hundreds of layers of steel, or our single layers knives perfect for working in the kitchen or cooking outdoor. You do not know what you are missing if you don’t have a high-quality utensil to work with.
In Conclusion
The evolution of knives is such a great story and is linked with the evolution of Homo Sapiens. Over the ages, knives have improved as humans developed new skills. Knives demonstrate how our civilization has advanced. With every age, these invaluable tools have grown with humanity changing and progressing as our need has changed and progressed. In short, what would our world be without them?