This week sees the final edition of our exciting historical tour of the cutlery drawer – as we consider the history of the knife. Unsurprisingly, humans have been using knives longer than any other instrument. Homo-sapiens used knife-like tools as far back as 2.5 million years ago! The Oldowon was a knife-like implement, made from stone, which dates back that far.
Oldowans were first discovered in Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania – hence the name Oldowan. Their discovery was significant because it exhibited the first signs of a cultural behaviour among our earliest ancestors; marking a milestone in the evolutionary history of humans.
Fast-forward a few millennia to the Middle Ages. At this time, while knives were more commonly used for eating, if you visited a friend or relative for dinner, you would be expected to bring your own knife. Back in those days, people would carry their knives with them at all times in a sheath attached to their belt. When using the knife, they would pierce their food and use the knife to raise the food to their mouths. I think it is fair to say, we are all far more civilised eaters these days – unless it happens to be your first trip to KFC after lock-down. Then, all bets are off!