Kitchen, Serrated, and Custom Knives

Knives have been used as utensils, weapons and tools since the Paleolithic era of homo habilis when bits of bone and wood are speculated to have been chipped into shape. As technology and humanity evolved copper, bronze, iron, and eventually steel were used to make knives.

Buying a knife set is an exciting luxury for many cooks and chefs. A good chef knife is the most versatile kitchen utensil for anyone who is serious about preparing food. Knives are the backbone of kitchen utensils – preparing just about any mean requires a knife and cutting board. Professional chefs will have an entire collection of specialized knives that perfectly suit their skill level and the demands of a professional kitchen.

Serrated knives, cleavers, steak knives, paring knives and bread knives are some other examples of these sharp utensils. Each has its own task that best utilizes the differences in blade design and surface.

The kitchen is hardly the only place to find knives in use. There are many different styles of blades and handles for applications outside of the kitchen. Fixed blade and folding are the two main defining knife characteristics available on the market today. Folding knives are designed to be compact and carried in a pocket. Fixed blades are all one piece and usually designed for hunting or military applications.

• Survival: these blades are Bowie knives, hunting knives, tactical or military/combat such as the recognizable Ka-Bar used by the military.

• Automatic: switchblades and/or spring assisted blades usually feature a blade that pops out from the handle housing.

• Fantasy: swords, daggers, historical reproduction weapons all fall into this category. These are often custom made or bought from a specialist store.

• Throwers: specialized handle-less blades designed for accurate throwing at a target.

Knives have also been used as part of traditions and rituals in many different cultures throughout the history of humans.

• Sghian dubh: a small dagger usually worn with a kilt, tucked in the top of the hose.

• Sabatier: a French blade manufactured since the early 19th Century.

• Swiss Army Knife: manufactured since 1869 this multi-purpose pocket tool is iconic.

• Athame: a Wiccan ceremonial blade.

• Kirpan: one of the five visible symbols of the Sikh faith.

Superstition has also been a big part of the history of knives. There are many examples throughout history regarding the symbolism and traditions of the knife. In Greece, a black handled knife placed under the pillow is said to prevent nightmares. A knife placed under the bed of a woman in child labor is said to ‘cut’ the pain in half. Some societies’ burial rites leave a knife with the dead body for defense in the afterlife.

However knives are used, there are many available options on the market. There are also custom designs that can be ordered. Be sure to check out the rest of polkknives.com for more great information about knives. Our Learning Center has all this great information in one place and it’s also updated regularly so check back often!

 

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