History of Rigid Knives

Before the addition of carbon to metal knives, they usually bent too easily.

Rigid knives originated as tools for hunting and butchering animals for food and skins, as well as defense against predators and enemy tribes, according to MadeHow.com. Humans used softer material for the first metal knives.

Bronze and Iron

Bronze, the first metal used to make knives, did not provide much of an advantage over stone because it could not hold an edge, according to HistoryofKnives.com. The use of iron began in about 1,000 BC and resulted in a sharper and more durable edge in knives, but they still bent easily.

Carbon

The Vikings added carbon to iron, making steel. This resulted in a harder, sharper, and more rigid knife blade, according to MadeHow.com. Better techniques for forging steel spread among different countries and more knife designs developed for different uses, such as folding knives for eating.

Steel

According to HistoryofKnives.com, makers of knives continue to use carbon steel because of its flex and how it sharpens. Stainless steel, a more expensive alloy that contains other elements, resists rust and corrosion. Still, the performance of a knife depends on other factors like the quality of its manufacture and how well the owner takes care of it.

References

• History of Knives: Pocket Knives
• Advameg, Inc.: Hunting Knife