In this article I will address one of the ideas within the knife community, one that I have encountered frequently and on which I hold a strong opinion.
So, if you’re a knife enthusiast (which I’m guessing you are if you’re reading this!) you might have heard a variation of this claim:
“Collecting knives is a new thing. In the good old days people bought knives to use; they didn’t care about aesthetics, they just care if it worked”
This is an idea put forth by people when they feel that someone cares too much about the design and looks of a knife, or that someone is too picky with the fit and finish of a knife. It’s a criticism of the times as much as the person, saying that we live in frivolous times wherein looks are more important than utility. Maybe you haven’t heard this sentiment yet, but I’ve heard it in various forms many times. I think you will too if follow the forums and Facebook groups.
So, why is it worth writing an article refuting this idea? Well, aside from it being just plain incorrect, more importantly, it also downplays the timelessness and historicity of knife collecting and enthusiasm. I would make a safe bet that as long as knives have been made, which is basically as long as people have been people, they have been appreciated not only for their utility but also as items with intrinsic and aesthetic value.
If there’s a shift in how we relate to knives now, I propose that it is because we are in a golden age of knives. People don’t care about aesthetics and fit and finish now more than they did in the past, they just have greater access to more and better knives than (not that arguably) any other time in history. For the majority of history exotic and aesthetically focused knives were mostly only available to the wealthy. Now, there is a plethora of knives available at every price range in an unlimited variety of styles. The current knife market is absolutely unprecedented and allows for more discernment beyond utility.
I have included some pictures showcasing historical knives with an aesthetic focus, but there are many other great resources for more examples. I follow several Instagram accounts that often post great examples of historical knives and swords (as well as other arms and armor): Runjeet Singh, Met Arms & Armor, Peter Finer. There are lots of others, so I highly suggest poking around. There are also many sites dedicated to antique knives from museums and auction houses, so there’s plenty to peruse. I believe that anyone who takes the time to research into the history of knives will find that collecting them and an appreciation of them beyond their utility is an integral and long-standing part of the human relationship to knives.
