Article by Fabiola Castillo
Knife is a tool with edged side used for cutting and slicing. Knives have been around for about three million years. Prehistoric knives were primarily rocks which were sharpened. The rocks which were commonly used then were the obsidian and flint. As time passed knives evolved to be made up of different types of metals; metals like bronze, copper, iron, steel, ceramics, silver and/or gold in some cases and titanium in much later times.
Cutlery
Knives play a primary role in food preparation and dining. To name some:? Table knife is a type of knife used for butter and cutting steaks; is an accompanying tool of spoon and fork in table setting.? Bread knife has serrated edge used for slicing breads. ? Boning knife, is a knife used to remove excessive bones from fish, chicken and different meats. ? Carving knives on the other hand are used to create different carvings out of fruits, vegetables and even meats. ? Oyster knife is a stunted, thick bladed tool used for prying open oyster shells
Utility
In a much practical sense, knives can be used in different activity. To name a few;? Butterfly knife (Balisong) is a folding knife of Filipino origin which is used as a portable weapon, cutlery and souvenir item in some cases.? Hunter's knife is used to finish of a game, cut meat from the animal and remove its skin.? Machete is a widely known large knife used to clear vegetations. It may also be used as a weapon.? Diving knife is an important part of a diver's equipment, used to cut tangled nets and used to protect against underwater predators.? Scalpel is a knife made up of a blade and its holder used to cut open through body cavity during surgery.? Carver's knives are short, replaceable blades used for wood carving.
Weapon
In combat, knife is regarded as an essential tool to defend oneself. Practically all knives can be used as a weapon but there are only few knives which are identified as true combat knives. These are;? Bayonets are knives which were common in the 19th-20th century combats where this knife is placed at the end of a gun to stab opponents when ammunitions are scarce.? Trench knife are shortened swords used for close combat on trench warfare during the World War 1.? Tactical knife is a military designed knife used specifically for close combat.? Shiv modified knife made up of anything which can be sharpened.