The Knife - For Outdoor Fanatic

Your knife is the most essential item when camping. It has been one of man's most important tool in ages. 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. The oldest known knife artifact aged to be 2.6 million years can be found in the dry riverbed located in the Ethiopian Afar Region. Knives have developed into the device it is today since its first formation from volcanic rocks. Fundamentally, knives are considered a survival tool. The oldest knives were formed by means of knapping, the propagation of force separating the sharp flakes of the rock. 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. As the blade developed more as a tool for eating alongside the spoon and fork, its purpose for hunting dwindled.

Up until about 10,000 years ago knives were made of wood, bone, stone, flint or shell. By this time, copper was found and was used as the main material in making knives. In the past 5 millenniums, steel took the place of copper. Today, with advancing technology, knives are made from ceramic, carbon fiber, or titanium.

Knife collections have become a massive business for some collectors. They search for knives with the rarest, distinctive, and extraordinary features. They are categorized into hunting, military, camping, multi-purpose, sports, fishing and pocketknives. For finding most of the extraordinary pieces, auction sites are the place to be.

To maintain the knives condition in good working capacity, regularly clean them and store in separate leather sheaths so that they won't rust. Once in a while, apply oil so that it won't get stuck in its cover. If a knife is well maintained, as old guys would say, it still "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.

A friend of mine collects knives. He has every kind you can imagine, but the most impressive one is the one he had custom made with inlaid turquoise and coral in a pattern that he designed himself. He too uses his knives in his collection, especially when he goes camping but not the customized one, of course!

You can find the best craftsmanship and sturdy quality hunting knife at www.safehomeproducts.com.