Knives: The Tool That Made Us Human
If it wasn’t for knives, I may not be here now - and chances are, neither would you.
That might sound like a bold claim, but when you look at human history, it’s the truth. The knife is one of the oldest tools ever created, and it has played a central role in our survival, growth, and progress. It’s not just a tool, it is a legacy.
The First Edge
The earliest knives weren’t made of steel. They were sharpened stones, flakes of obsidian or flint struck from larger rocks. Archaeologists have found stone blades dating back over 2.5 million years, used by early humans for cutting meat, scraping hides, shaping wood, and defending themselves.
In a harsh, unforgiving world, being able to cut gave our ancestors a serious edge—literally and figuratively. The ability to butcher game, process plants, and build shelter meant the difference between life and death.
From Stone to Metal
Fast-forward to the Bronze Age (around 3300 BC), and knives start to take on more familiar forms. People began casting blades from bronze, then later iron and eventually steel. Each step forward in metallurgy made knives tougher, sharper, and more reliable.
As the materials improved, so did the craftsmanship. Knives evolved from crude tools into personal items, often carried daily, passed down through families, or made for specific trades such as hunting, cooking, farming, even combat.
More Than a Tool
Throughout history, knives have been more than just utility items. In many cultures, they were symbols of status, honour, and independence. In some traditions, a young person receiving their first knife was a rite of passage.
Knives helped explorers clear paths, soldiers survive battle, and pioneers carve out new lives. They’ve gutted fish, harvested grain, defended homes, and carved everything from spoons to masterpieces. The knife has been at our side since the beginning and it’s never really left.
Why It Matters Today
As a modern knifemaker, I don’t take that history lightly. Every blade I make carries a piece of that long, hard-earned legacy. I see it as an honour to continue the tradition, crafting knives that aren’t just tools, but part of someone’s story.
We live in an age of convenience, but there is still something timeless about a well-made knife. Whether it's in your kitchen, your workshop, or your pack, a good blade connects you to something older and deeper than most people realise.
In the End
Knives didn’t just help mankind survive—they helped us thrive. Without them, we wouldn't have food on the table, clothes on our backs, or shelter over our heads. In a very real sense, the knife made us human.
So next time you pick up a knife - whether to carve a roast or shape a piece of wood - remember you’re holding the oldest tool known to man.
