A knife is a sharp-edged (single or double edged) instrument consisting of a thin blade used for cutting and fitted with a handle. The knife can be used as a tool or a weapon. Considered by some to be one of the most useful tools of all time, its origins date as far back as two-and-a-half million years ago, as evidenced by the Olduwan tools.
The earliest knives were shaped by percussion flaking from rock, particularly water-worn creek cobbles made out of volcanic rock. During the Paleolithic era Homo habilis likely made similar tools out of wood, bone, and similar highly perishable material that has not survived. As recent as five thousand years ago, as advances in metallurgy progressed, stone, wood, and bone blades were gradually succeeded by copper, bronze, iron, and eventually steel. Modern knives may be made from many different materials such as carbon fiber, ceramics, and titanium.
Knives gained prominence during the Middle Ages as one of the three major items of cutlery in the western world, accompanying the fork and spoon, and in this way much of the world's population is exposed to knives on a daily basis.
Throwing knives are a unique concept of Indian warfare and battle. Although most other cultures have used some form of knife technique when engaging in battle, the design and purpose of the Indian throwing knives are individual and unlike other uses.
The throwing knife is unique in the sense that it is extremely light in weight and a great deal smaller than traditional knives used for hunting and battle purposes. Whereas most swords are several feet long, Indian throwing knives are measured in inches based on the blade length. The handle is thin and sometimes decorated with tribal designs, and the blade is typically in a wide teardrop form although some are in other shapes with sharp edges like stars. The teardrop shape is often associated with the Indian culture, and the stars often associated with Asian fighting styles. These knives are notorious for their bright silver blades and black or silver handles.
During warfare, Indians used the throwing knives to defend themselves against invaders and enemies. This was a brilliant and radical development in self defense, as they didn't have to come close to the enemy in battle. The knives could be used to accurately pin a target from up to thirty feet away, allowing the Indians the opportunity to remain hidden while defending themselves, instead of putting their life in a line of danger. The knives were also used for practical purposes like breaking open hard shells on food such as coconut and melons.
