When you first lay eyes on an old knife it seems so every day and uninteresting. But the charms of a vintage folding knife are not just its wide variety of sizes, shapes, and blade. Every knife has its own personality and beauty, therefore making every knife a work of art. Think about it like this; a farmer goes out to the fields he has worked every day for 40 years or so, has also carried his trusty folding knife to work with him. Making that knife practically an extension of himself. It was not that long ago that the contents of a man’s pockets were 99% of the time: Wallet, keys, change, and his handy pocket knife.
The first folding knife was made for roman soldiers in the first century AD, but eventually fell to its stronger and more fearsome sheathed cousins; the dagger otherwise known as the fixed blade knife. Sometime in the late 16th century, the folding knife began to regain its popularity amongst militia members as a staple tool for everything from carving, to eating on the go. But it’s most popular user, by far was the early American colonist; everyone from the everyday farmer, to the town doctor carried their personal cutting implement. When one decides to purchase a new knife, or to go the way of the vintage folding knife it’s a bonding process that is different for every man. A man likes to test his tools, and a folding knife is no different. Does this feel right in my hand? Is it the right size and weight? And is this going to be something I’m proud to carry? These are all questions that just have to be asked, unspoken as they may be.
Since the days when man began using crude tools, he has always taken pride in the sharpness of his blade that he has worked tirelessly to achieve. This has not strayed one bit for thousands of years. Even today men are constantly whipping out their knives and saying “Feel the edge on this one.” We have even developed the knife’s best friend and worst enemy; the diamond hone. Nothing can ruin a knife blade more than an abrasive stone revolving at 2500 rpm, and an inexperienced knife owner.
When choosing a vintage folding knife from sea of options, try looking at them with a sense of history. Look for that bit of patina on the blade; think about the fact that every scratch has its own story to tell. Who owned this knife before it ended up here? Do a little research about different knife brands and you will find that you have opened your eyes to a world that you may never have imagined.
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Topics: Hunting