Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 46, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 December 1891 — Evolution of the Knife. [ARTICLE]

Evolution of the Knife.

“This case full of instruments which we have newly placed on exhibition is designed to show the development of the tool which we call the knife, beginning from the earliest times,” said Prof. Mason at the National Museum. “First, you observe, is the fragment of flint, which the savage split by banging it on top with a stone hammer into a number of flakes. The smaller ones were used for arrow points and the bigger ones for knives, their edges being split off so sharp that you might almost shave with some of them. Next you see the flint inserted into a handle of split wood or bone, and. as further improvements, the fastenings of this primitive knife in thp handle by the rosin of trees and by cord of one sort or another bound around to secure it. The most beautiful knife in the collection is this exquisitely molded blade of greenish jade, belonging to the stone age, handled with a walrus tusk. You can hardly find a more admirably formed weapon among the proifucts of modern cutlery wares. Most curious of the modern tools here is this sailor’s knife, square at the end instead of pointed, to prevent stabbing in a row, or the dangerous falling of the weapon from aloft. Its blade drops out' of the end of the handle when a spring is touched, so that Jack can hold a rope with one hand and open the kflife for service without the need of tenfingers.” Washington Star.