Everyone has heard of a pocket knife before. It is a knife that can collapse into itself for easy, convenient, and safe portability. Throughout the years, it’s grown into more of a practical tool than a deadly weapon. What many may not know, however, is that the story of the pocketknife is thousands of years in the making and dates back further than the Roman Empire.   

Pocket knives (or jack knife) are said to originate somewhere in the Germanic regions of Europe and dates all the way back to between 600 and 500 BCE. They were fairly primitive in their construction, in which they consisted of a very plain handle – usually made from metals such as copper, iron, or steel – and an unwieldy blade attached via a simple hinge.  

A multitude of technological advances emerged throughout the world when the Roman Empire rose, and while pocket knives remained the same regarding form, the quality of materials and designs improved. In fact, several cultures developed their own versions of these compact folding knives, such as the Vikings who created their own “swiveling folders” with iron blades and carved bone handles around the 8^th to the 11^th century. It is said that these kinds of folding knives were a popular tool throughout both the Viking and Medieval periods, specifically among craftsmen and in agrarian communities. Used primarily for hunting, pocket knives were extremely useful during these time periods.  

Since the 1800s, pocket knives have seen exponential growth in both style and technology with hundreds of different styles and materials, dozens of different blade steels, and countless knife makers and designers around the world. They have evolved far beyond their original foundation while remaining the core of their utility. There’s a world of heritage and progress that has gone into the making of every single pocketknife, and whether you’re looking for a simple camping knife or the most extreme tactical knife ever made, you can find it easily.  

Happy adventuring, friends!