Knives

Knives have long been used as weapons, ornaments, tools of self-defense, and even eating utensils. The history of the knife dates back to al least 2.6 million years ago, as is estimated by the discovery of a specimen found in a dry riverbed in the Ethiopian region of Afar. Primitive knives, crafted well before the metal smithing days of more modern times, were made from stone, particularly lava rock. Later, they were fashioned from the bones of animals, and even wood. Knives were used as survival tools in the early days, and eventually became tools of war, as well.http://www.knives-america.com/history-of-the-knife.aspx

These days, knives are generally no longer used for human survival. They are still, however, sometimes used in combat. They are popular among street gangs and criminals, but people also utilize knives for less than sinister reasons, as well. Many craftsmen forge artistic knives that are not meant to harm people, but instead designed to be enjoyed for their beauty. Chefs use a wide variety if knives for chopping, slicing, paring, filleting and more. In most cultures, people use knives while eating to cut through tough pieces of food.

There are many different types of knives. Common varieties include the steak knife, butter knife, butterfly knife, bowie knife, Swiss Army knife, paring knife, bread knife, scalpel, utility knife and machete.

There are countless brands that manufacture knives of all sorts, ranging from kitchen knives to hunting and combat knives. Some of the major knife brands include Beretta, Cold Steel, Leatherman, Benchmade, Falkniven, Chicago Cutlery, Victorinox Swiss Army, Cuisinart and Dexter-Russel.http://www.overstock.com/search?SearchType=K&keywords=cultery&taxonomy=dep2&cid=128508&kid=47849412&fp=f