The Knife

“MAN'S OTHER BEST FRIEND?”

Text: Anna Kernell / Photo: Emelie Voltaire

When hiking and adventuring out in nature, the knife can be your most important tool. But when you leave civilisation, it truly challenges the dog's position as ”man’s best friend”. In fact, the knife is one of our oldest hand tools, and now that summer is looming, it's time to brush up on our knowledge of this handy companion.

The knife has a long history. As early as 2.3 million years ago, in the Stone Age, humans made the first knives from flint, bone or obsidian. They were vital tools and had many purposes: killing, dismembering and eating animals, for handicrafts and as weapons. Although materials technology has taken enormous strides, the basic design has largely remained the same: a cutting edge, a sharp point and a grip to hold on to.

As we learned to use and process different materials, knives became more efficient and sophisticated. They first existed in bronze, then iron and once we learned how to add carbon: steel.

Carrying a knife has been a fundamental part of life for most of human history. Men and most women would always carry this indispensable tool, which also served as a status symbol that commanded respect. Those who could afford it would have their knives decorated and embellished to show wealth and displayed them proudly. It was common to get your own knife when you reached adulthood and was often the most expensive thing you owned, so it was tenderly cared for and followed you throughout your life – and in many instances even to the grave.

The mass production of knives began in the early 1800s and from the middle of the century, blades were made of carbon steel, which was standard up until the 1930s when stainless steel became more common.

Even though we use knives in much the same way today as two million years ago, the biggest change is probably that, in the past, the knife would never leave your side, while today you can't just walk around with a knife on your hip. Nowadays, you’d only bring a knife with you for specific purposes, for example on camping or fishing trips. In 1988, The Swedish Knife Act came into play.

The Swedish Knife Act

It’s against the law to carry a knife, stabbing weapon, cutting weapon or other dangerous object in public places, in areas around schools, or in vehicles in a public place, unless having such a weapon may be considered justified or appropriate under the circumstances. This could be a craftsman who uses a particular knife for work, or a hunter or hiker carrying a knife for a specific purpose.

The outdoor knife

In nature, the knife plays the same essential role today as it did in the past. For hunters, fishermen and adventurers alike, a good knife is a must-have, a versatile tool that comes in handy in many situations. Choosing what knife is right for you depends on what you intend to use it for and where you intend to go on your adventure.

Folding knife or sheath knife?

A folding knife is flexible and compact. When folded, the blade is protected inside the handle, which makes it easier to carry around than a knife with a fixed blade. This is extra convenient for those who spend time in urban environments. A folding knife is great for hiking: it handles the most important jobs and you can keep the weight down in your pack. However, they’re not as strong as sheath knives and therefore not suitable for heavy work.

For survival purposes, where you need to be able to build windbreaks, chop branches and even hunt, a fixed blade knife is the obvious choice. They’re designed to withstand a lot of stress and can handle heavier work without problems. If you choose a knife with a full tang and a blade length of 9 to 15 centimetres, you’ll be able to handle most things that come your way. Sheath knives are a very simple design, without attachments or other features, so in many cases are easier to work with and handle than a folding blade. Most folding knives require two hands to open, while a sheath knife can be removed from its sheath with one hand, something that could be crucial in emergency situations.

Michael

Almqvist, multipleawardwinning knife maker

Stainless steel, carbonsteelanddifferentdegrees ofhardness–howdoesone choose the right knife?

Which type of steel one prefers varies a lot. If you’re a hunter, you usually don’t want steel that’s too brittle, as it risks chipping when you cut bone, for example. Extreme sharpness is usually not the most important thing for them either. The outdoorsy type is probably looking for more of an all-rounder knife, where reliable and robust design is key.

A high-carbon steel blade is easier to sharpen and get really sharp but doesn’t, on the other hand, retain its sharpness as well and can rust quite easily if you don’t look after it properly.

A stainless-steel blade (which ought to be called stain-resistant, because all steel can rust) is often a little harder, especially if it’s a so-called powder steel. They can withstand severe stresses but can also be a little difficult to sharpen for the inexperienced.

What constitutes a good outdoor knife?

More factors come into play here than just the type of steel, including size and weight, the shape of the blade and handle. In outdoor contexts, a folding knife shouldn’t be underestimated. But in general, as a knife maker, I’d recommend a knife with a maximum blade length of 10 centimetres, stainless steel and a shaped handle that resembles a fish body. That is, a flattened oval shape, but preferably with a small finger guard close to the blade.

How does your favourite knife look?

As a knifemaker, I have to consider the constant balance between form and function when designing and producing a knife. You don’t always have to sacrifice one for the other, but it can happen. I have always been inspired by the Sami knife craft where reindeer horn and masur birch are commonly-used materials. The engraving on these knives adds a lot to the aesthetic value but is also a difficult art to master. So, horn knives (as we call them when they’re not made by a Sami) are among my favourites.

Another beautiful material that I like to use is mammoth tusk. Available in different colour scales, depending on where they have been in the last 10,000–20,000 years. And yes, it’s 100 percent legal to use as the mammoth is extinct and not protected by the Cites regulations.

If you want to have a look at Michael's exclusive knives, go to www.carlmichael.info

Some timeless advice

• If the knife blade has a straight spine with a sharp edge, you can use it with a fire striker. • A colourful knife stands out a bit more in the forest's green-brown palette and is a bit more difficult to lose. • Remember to wipe your knife before putting it back in its sheath. • Do not cut or chop with your knife against stone – it will last longer. • Keep the knife sharp by regularly sharpening it with a fine, flat diamond whetstone.