eType Editor

Originally published March 28, 2024

Of course those of you with a sharp wit knew that this week's item was a pocket knife! Knives have been around for as long as humans have been around, but the convenient, folding pocket knife seems like it would have come along later than it did. e earliest itera - tion was made during the Iron Age and was found in modern day Austria. It dates back to around 600 BCE! During the Viking Age, folding knives were the more popular option and many were outtted with a closure that would keep the folding knife open. As time went on, pocket knives in dierent forms were made for varied uses and were found all over the world. One of the most notable places knives were made was in Solingen, Germany. is town is situated on the Wupper River and its proximity to iron mines made it an ideal place for producing metal goods. is earned the city the nickname of the "City of Blades". In 1889, W.R. Case of New York began producing knives. His company is still around today and staying true to their knife-smith - ing history! Many a young boy has been gifted with a special knife that not only has a folding blade, but contains other helpful de - vices such as scissors, wood saw, cork screw, toothpick, tweezers, nail le, pliers, mini-screwdriver, etc. is type of knife is called a Swiss Army knife, aptly named as it was founded in Switzerland. e company that manufactured them, Victorinox, was founded in 1884 and by 1897 the design for the Swiss Army Knife was patented and took the world by storm. Another example of a company standing strong through the test of time and still producing these highly recognizable tools today. Now, what's the story behind this?