We use knives everyday, from the ones in our kitchen to the ones we fondle lovingly when our boss is being a jerk. But did you know that most knives have unique and surprising histories? Here are five knives and their unexpected origins.

Machetes
Most common in violent action movies and horror movie mascots, the machete was actually invented for grass. That’s right – laborers in Latin America used it for cutting through underbrush. The next time someone comes at you in a hockey mask and a gleam in their eye, remember than his killing tool is no different than a glorified weed cutter. (For more see www.shanleyknives.com.au/products-page/machetes)

Butter Knives

They may look like innocent silverware, but the stainless steel of butter knives has a dark and nefarious history. Why do you think they invented a strong, malleable, re-usable rust-free weapon? Consider THAT the next time you’re in Walmart looking at Tramontina knives. (To learn more visit www.shanleyknives.com.au/products-page/tramontina-wholesale-knives)

Swiss Army Knife

This lifesaving multi-purpose knife was originally designed by the greatest minds in the army… to open tin cans. Soldiers needed something portable to get into their grub, and then it occurred to them that they could also use the blade’s edge in place of a screwdriver, and somewhere along the line the Swiss Army Knife was born.