What is cutlery? Get to know the creation of blades!

Did you know that cutlery is one of humanity's oldest ancient techniques? The art of crafting cutting tools has been among us for much longer than we think.

Over time, this technique gained new improvements, and today we have cutlery that combines the ancient primordial methods of the segment with countless technological advances. But, after all, do you really know the definition of cutlery? If your answer was no, just keep reading to find out!

What is cutlery?

Cutlery is, basically, the craft of those who produce cutting or piercing instruments, such as knives, pocketknives, swords, axes, daggers, stilettos, and scissors. These and other blades are the products of the professional cutler who, over millennia, has used various techniques and technologies – from the most traditional to the most innovative – to perfect their art.

What is the history of cutlery?

More than a life-facilitating input, the discovery of metals was so important in our history that it transformed our way of living and understanding the world, becoming part of our identity as a species and as a society. And it is here that our journey through the origins of cutlery begins: at the beginning of the Metal Age.

Yes, as you may already be realizing, our relationship with blades is very old and equally complex. The Metal Age is the last period of prehistory, and comes right after the Stone Age, so called because it is marked by the use of chipped stone in the manufacture of rudimentary weapons and tools.

With the discovery of metallurgy, a new range of possibilities and progress opened up for humanity. Metal, being a much more malleable and resistant material than stone, could take on much more sophisticated forms and functions. With new and better tools, we were able to perfect agriculture and hunting, establishing ourselves in organized societies, ever larger and more solid.

The first discovered metal

The first metal to be discovered was copper, about 7,000 years ago. Much softer and less resistant than the others, it allowed for the construction of the first specialized utensils and weapons. Subsequently, we mastered bronze, heavier and more resistant. Only with the use of iron (2,000 BC), however, did cutlery assume its more traditional forms, in which it would remain until the beginning of the modern age.

To mold metals and transform them into tools, ancient societies used furnaces at extremely high temperatures, with molds made of stone. It didn't take long for the first metal alloys to be developed, notably those combining iron and bronze. From the earliest days of the profession, the cutler or blacksmith held an important position in this society that progressed so much with their artifacts – with blades being some of the most coveted products.

Cutlery for war: weapons and history

In addition to resistance, metals showed another advantage over stone: they could be sharpened to the maximum without losing stability, creating a powerful weapon that could be used for both hunting and war. Sharp spears and swords, as well as shields and armor, completely transformed battles between groups.

Mastering cutlery, therefore, came to mean power – a process that intensified with the great civilizations of the Ancient World and consolidated in the Middle Ages, when numerous armies had the sword as their great instrument of attack and defense. The dominance of cutting weapons in clashes between armies only ended with the advent of revolvers in the 19th century.

Steel: modern cutlery and its technologies

Today, steel is the main raw material for the production of blades in cutlery articles. Resulting from the bond of iron and carbon, it exhibits immense durability with great hardness and sharpness.

By the way, did you know that there are different types of steel? Among them, we have carbon steel, alloy steels, Damascus steels, and stainless steels. Each has its specialized application, valuing specific aspects of the blade.

Another aspect of modern cutlery is its value as art. Increasingly refined and precise pieces are coveted as much for their cutting power and technical quality as for the beauty of their forms. As unique, personalized, and handcrafted items, they are considered sensitive and powerful works of art.

What are the types of cutlery?

There are 3 different types of cutlery, which are:

• Artisanal cutlery: a segment practiced especially with artistic skills and manual efforts, without any aid from operating machines;
• Cutlery as artisanal manufacturing: a segment ordered in sequential actions performed by various artisans;
• Industrial cutlery: a large-scale production segment, where different techniques, classified production, and automated machines are applied.

What is the cutlery trade?

The cutlery trade or the independent cutlery article merchant is the segment that sells piercing and cutting tools and utensils. The main instruments available in this branch are: knives, swords, daggers, pocketknives, machetes, etc.

When was the knife created?

The knife is the oldest utensil, created 1.5 million years ago by Homo Erectus. This cutting tool had its first physical configuration made of stone, for hunting and defense. From then on, the object never stopped being part of men's routine.

These are the main pieces of information about the history and creation of cutlery. Around this craft, a community of enthusiasts who appreciate blades for a variety of reasons has gathered. Collectors, specialists, artisans, survivalists, fishermen, adventurers, cooks, barbecue chefs… They all experience cutlery in their own way, constantly perfecting their processes.

So, did you enjoy our content? If you are interested in or are part of this cutlery lifestyle, this blog was made for you! Keep exploring our content and delving into the CIMO universe!