THE KNIFE
“MAN'S OTHER BEST FRIEND?” Text: Anna Kernell / Photo: Emelie Voltaire
When hiking and adventuring out in nature, the knife can be your most important tool. But when you leave civilisation, it truly challenges the dog's position as ”man’s best friend”. In fact, the knife is one of our oldest hand tools, and now that summer is looming, it's time to brush up on our knowledge of this handy companion. The knife has a long history. As early as 2.3 million years ago, in the Stone Age, humans made the first knives from flint, bone or obsidian. They were vital tools and had many purposes: killing, dismembering and eating animals, for handicrafts and as weapons. Although materials technology has taken enormous strides, the basic design has largely remained the same: a cutting edge, a sharp point and a grip to hold on to. As we learned to use and process different materials, knives became more efficient and sophisticated. They first existed in bronze, then iron and once we learned how to add carbon:
steel. Carrying a knife has been a fundamental part of life for most of human history. Men and most women would always carry this indispensable tool, which also served as a status symbol that commanded respect. Those who could afford it would have their knives decorated and embellished to show wealth and displayed them proudly. It was common to get your own knife when you reached adulthood and was often the most expensive thing you owned, so it was tenderly cared for and followed you throughout your life – and in many instances even to the grave.
The mass production of knives began in the early 1800s and from the middle of the century, blades were made of carbon steel, which was standard up until the 1930s when stainless steel became more common. Even though we use knives in much the same way today as two million years ago, the biggest change is probably that, in the past, the knife would never leave your side, while today you can't just walk around with a knife on your hip. Nowadays, you’d only bring a knife with you for specific purposes, for example on camping or fishing trips. In 1988, The Swedish Knife Act came into play.
The Swedish Knife Act It’s against the law to carry a knife, stabbing weapon, cutting weapon or other dangerous object in public places, in areas around schools, or in vehicles in a public place, unless having such a weapon may be considered justified or appropriate under the circumstances. This could be a craftsman who uses a particular knife for work, or a hunter or hiker carrying a knife for a specific purpose.
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