In modern times, one item that is in every household and carried by every hunter, fisherman and outdoorsmen, hikers and campers, is at least one knife. Knives have become so commonplace in our daily living, they are seldom even given a thought...but, every single one of us uses them every day.
Going all the way back in time to the Stone Age, the Bronze Age and the Iron Age, knives have been the essential tool for survival utilizing a form of quartz, flint, and honing the stone into a useful tool, weapon and utensils for sustenance.
 With the advent of civilization over a period of time and the discovery of another use for fire, man contrived the annealing process in metallurgy to form iron and bronze, initially, into knives. As evolution advanced, metal alloys were used when knives were forged by mixing various elements to make the blades stronger and less prone to breakage. Damascus steel being one of the most prized possession of collectors as the metal of the blade is turned over and over to procure the strength of the blade, the more turnings the better, each one ending up as a true piece of art, as you can see above.In every culture the knife was an icon. In the Native American culture, their gods were depicted with knives, as well as every authoritative figure of kingdoms and various cultures throughout history, the knives held special messages that represented bravery and prestige. On the battlefield, swords were paramount and an essential weapon for a victorious outcome to the warrior. In every historical account of the battlefield, there is not one account of battle that the sword is not mentioned.
 Being a symbol of status, bravery or a victor's spoils, the pride in knives was evident and shown through their decorations. The handles would commonly be crafted from antler or bone and inlaid with gold, silver, semi-precious stones, ornate beadwork, or handcarved such as in the art of scrimshaw, depending on one's status in the hierarchy of a culture. Knives held a different status centuries ago than they do today because of technology and the invention of guns as the more efficient weapon, thus replacing knives and swords on the battlefield. When visiting Pigeon Forge, Tennessee there is one store that stands out as the place with the best selection of blades. "The largest knife store in the world", Smoky Mountain Knife Works, is actually located in Sevierville and will not disappoint the most avid knife fan nor their family, as it is not for only the collectors or rugged outdoorsmen. There is a section of cookware and cutlery for every job in the kitchen, and there is another area for all of you Rock Hounds and beaders, as well. It is well worth the time just to see the waterfalls and rugged decor, including a lifesize display of a backwoodsman with a beached canoe, everywhere you turn there is something of interest for everyone in the family.
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