The Barlow knife's origins trace back to England in the late 1600s when it was first made by the Barlow family in Sheffield, a city renowned for its cutlery industry. The knife was designed to be affordable, durable, and practical. Its distinctive features include a long, oval-shaped handle made from materials like bone, wood, or horn and one or two folding blades that fit snugly into the handle when not in use. The bolster, a thick piece of metal at the handle's end where the blade pivots, was oversized to provide extra strength and durability...

"...Read More"

The 1920s saw a significant advancement in outdoor cutlery with the introduction of the folding hunter knife. Compared to the rudimentary clasp knives of the era, the folding hunter boasted multiple blades, up to four, and groundbreaking locking mechanisms. This design shift, driven by hunters for a more versatile tool, revolutionized the field of outdoor knives. Larger than its pocket-sized counterparts like the toothpick and trapper, the folding hunter was specifically designed for handling larger game. Its distinct aesthetic featured a tapered, upswept handle with bolsters on both ends, offering ergonomic comfort...

"...Read More"

The peanut knife pattern is believed to have originated in the United States during the late 19th century. Its name is derived from the knife's distinctive shape, which resembles a peanut or a legume. The pattern, originally believed to have been a small gentleman's knife, quickly gained popularity primarily among farmers, outdoor enthusiasts, and everyday individuals who needed a compact and versatile pocket knife.

The peanut knife is characterized by its compact size, typically measuring between 2.5 to 3.5 inches in length when closed...

"...Read More"

The sowbelly pattern is a type of double-ended jack knife known for its handle shape rather than its blade setup. This pattern originated in the early 1900s and stayed well-liked until the 1940s when it was overshadowed by its relative, the stockman knife. Sowbelly knives can have various blade combinations, although often sticking to the traditional stockman knife style. Despite being overshadowed, its unique shape has made it easily recognizable and earned it a notable place in the history and knife collections today. The sowbelly knife typically adheres to the stockman blade configuration...

"...Read More"

The exact origins remain shrouded in a bit of mystery, though some argue for its emergence in the late 19th century. This coincides with the American West's expansion, where cowboys, ranchers, and farmers craved versatile tools for their rugged lives. However, earlier evidence, like single and two-blade pocket knives found in the 1856 steamboat Arabia wreck, hints at a broader trend of multi-purpose folding blades, possibly influenced by European designs like the Swiss Army Knife.

Regardless of its definitive starting point, the Stockman rose to prominence thanks to its practicality...

"...Read More"

Contrary to its name, the trapper pattern was not exclusively utilized by trappers and likely found more prevalent use on farms. The historical origins of the trapper pattern present challenges in tracing, with the initial version believed to have emerged around 1900, attributed to either Case knives or the precursor to KABAR, Union Cutlery. This distinctly American pattern is characterized by equal-length clip point and spey blades...

"...Read More"

Exploring the world of knives opens up a fascinating array of designs, each serving different purposes, from the quick-opening automatic and assisted knives to the classic Bowie and handy multitools. This article showcases the unique traits, uses, and histories of various types of knives, appealing to both enthusiasts and those looking for practical tools.

"...Read More"