| The knife is one of the oldest known tools in | | | | somewhat larger. These knives are often |
| mankind's arsenal. Throughout history, knives have | | | | referred to as folding knives (folders) as they are |
| not only been essential for survival but have | | | | a bit larger than the traditional pocket knife, with |
| proven to be one of the cornerstones of | | | | their larger blade folding back into the handle when |
| civilization itself. Many civilizations have risen and | | | | not in use. Many of these knives will have spring |
| fallen at the hand of the knife (and it's very close | | | | assisted opening, locking mechanisms, or other |
| relative the sword). From its earliest form, the | | | | means to allow them to open quickly and stay |
| knife was developed out of necessity, and its | | | | open (or closed for that matter) during heavy |
| evolution may be traced through the paths of | | | | use. These knives are usually intended for more |
| history and technology. With a history nearly as | | | | rugged use such as hunting, sporting and even |
| old as mankind itself, it's no wonder why so many | | | | military use. Some varieties will come with |
| people have such a fascination with knives, | | | | carrying pouches and belt straps to keep them |
| especially when it comes to collecting pocket | | | | securely attached to their owner during periods of |
| knives. | | | | high activity. |
| The first known knives were developed during | | | | Another popular variety of knife is the Swiss |
| the Stone Age. These knives were made of flint, | | | | Army Knife. These knives are pocket sized |
| which could easily be chipped and scaled to shape. | | | | knives and contain many different blades that |
| Later forms of the flint knife were ground to | | | | allow for a variety of different uses. These knives |
| their desired shape. The advancing of technology | | | | contain anything from toothpicks to spoons and |
| brought with it new materials for knife making, | | | | forks to screwdrivers, and there is even a model |
| including bronze, copper, and the iron based | | | | available with a built in USB flash drive (for all the |
| materials from which most modern day knives | | | | knife wielding computer geeks out there). These |
| are made of. | | | | knives are easy to find and can prove to be a |
| Mankind hold a special bond with the knife. Over | | | | lifesaver in a variety of situations. There are |
| the ages, knives have been adorned with ornate | | | | many different sizes and styles available, and the |
| designs which added a touch of beauty and | | | | wide variety of designs and features makes this |
| reflected pride in the skills of the knife maker. | | | | type of knife good for anyone collecting pocket |
| Even in modern times, the knife must not only of | | | | knives. |
| lasting performance and quality, but also have an | | | | The true nostalgia of the knife can still be found |
| appealing design and finish that gives the owner a | | | | today from a variety of custom knife makers |
| sense of pride in ownership. | | | | that make a wide variety of styles. From the |
| One of the most versatile styles of knives to | | | | earliest times, most knives were custom made, |
| come out of this long history is the folding knife, | | | | hand forged works of art. Although modern mass |
| or pocket knife. Pocket knives are popular | | | | production techniques have made custom knives |
| because they are compact and can be easily | | | | less common, there are still a few knife makers |
| concealed, they often consist of multiple blades | | | | who prefer to hand forge their knives. These |
| which provide more versatility, and their | | | | knives can be a bit pricey, but the craftsmanship |
| fold-away blades make them safer than straight | | | | employed in their creation makes them well worth |
| blade knives when not in use. The pocket knife | | | | the money. Many custom knife makers use |
| also holds a lot of nostalgia. Many a knife has been | | | | advanced metal working and forging techniques |
| handed down from generation to generation. It is | | | | that make these knives true works of art. |
| not uncommon to see knives handed down from | | | | Damascus Steel is a very common blend of metal |
| father to son, then to grandson and on down the | | | | used in the creation process. Modern day |
| line. This nostalgia, coupled with the pocket knife's | | | | Damascus Steel is a combination of different |
| versatility has made collecting pocket knives a fun | | | | grades of metal which, when combined together, |
| and rewarding hobby for both young and old. | | | | form very sharp, high quality blades with wavy |
| There are many different styles of pocket knife | | | | patterns in the metal. Other advanced |
| that you can add to your collection. The most | | | | metalworking techniques allow the knife smith to |
| basic pocket knives are probably the most | | | | add vibrant colors to the materials without ever |
| nostalgic style, and they are the most readily | | | | using an ounce of dye or paint. Many custom |
| available. These knives usually have between 2 | | | | knives are even etched with intricate designs in |
| and 4 blades, and are usually relatively compact in | | | | the handle or even encrusted with jewels such as |
| size. You can usually find these knives in the | | | | diamonds or emeralds. Even though many of |
| display cases at sporting good and hardware | | | | these knives can cost upwards of thousands of |
| stores. Some of the better brands for these | | | | dollars, if you are serious about collecting pocket |
| knives are W.R. Case, Schrade, and Kershaw. You | | | | knives, they are definitely worth the money. |
| can often times find good quality commemorative | | | | There are almost an infinite number of styles |
| knives in this style as well. Harley Davidson and | | | | available when considering collecting pocket knives. |
| Winchester make some of the more desirable | | | | Whether you have been collecting for years or |
| commemorative pocket knives. If you are | | | | are just starting out, you are sure to find |
| thinking about collecting pocket knives, this is a | | | | something new and interesting all the time. The |
| good style to begin with as they are usually less | | | | rich history of the knife means that there will |
| expensive and easier to find. | | | | never be a shortage of good collectible knives |
| As you get into the heavier grade knives, you will | | | | anytime soon. |
| find that most only have a single blade and are | | | | |