Why collect hunting knives? Well, I believe that the it tells quite a story going back to times before recorded history. Ancient man depended on the hunting knife to simply survive. It played an important role in just about every task involved in the daily routine.

Looking back at America before it was the United States of America, you will observe that the American Indian depended more on the hunting knife than any other tool. Why was this? It seems that the bow and arrow would be more important as it possesses a long range to reach out and kill food and defend against the enemy.

The bow and arrow was a tool that actually only existed due to the hunting knife. The knife was used to carve the bow from a flexible limb. The arrows were also cut, straightened and perfected by the hunting knife. Sinews were cut from animals to bind the bow in place for use.

The settling of the white man caused a massive change to the American culture. The coming of many more races and people also changed thing significantly. However, the Indians were the true original Americans and only they knew the secrets to surviving in the new harsh world.

The colonists learned to use the hunting knife by observing, and finally, learning from the Indians. This tool became a huge necessity for them as it was for the Indians. Why would something so primordial be such a requirement for the colonists when they had much more advanced technology such as the musket?

It was true though, man needed his hunting knife. It represented the roots of man's ability to create and build things. It was the basic of tools and weapons, but was very important to the survival of its wielder.

To this current day, man still depends on his hunting knife for a variety of tasks. Those who spend time hunting, farming, ranching and many of the outdoor occupations and tasks require it. Even with today's technology and updated tools and weapons, it is still required.

There is an attack on the hunting knife and frankly any item that could be construed as a "dangerous weapon". There is very little logic to it and it is obvious that those that want to take away the rights of knife owners are simply reacting with panic and unfounded alarming emotions.

Many people have removed themselves so far from reality and the need to always remember how to survive and create. They have allowed their cushioned lives to remove them from reality. Many people do not comprehend the necessity of the basic tools and the need to maintain an understanding of how to due the basic tasks such as hunt, harvest and defend.

The rugged, independent man and his tools such as the hunting knife have become a symbol of hostility and fear for the current day person. The easy living and overwhelming amount of entertainment have severely dulled the human's reasoning, understanding, instincts and logic. The idea of survival is preposterous to them. They are offended by the idea of reverting to "savage" ways.

A person should be encouraged to collect the hunting knife and understand it as a means of existence for the above reasons alone. Do not forget where man's roots began. Do not put the basics out of the mind simply because they are too uncomfortable to perceive.

The hunting knife is an icon. There are many different forms and advancements. This is such an exciting knife to collect due to the vast history behind it. And, as time rolls on, it grows in historical value as well as monetary value.

When collecting the hunting knife, try to explore the history and use of every particular style that you add to your collection. This is important as a collector will want to be able to discuss his collection. Expand your compilation by adding different types, handle materials, blade materials and brands. This will add quite a bit of value to your collection.

Display your collection proudly. Look for shadow boxes that are reasonably priced. Create small plaques that tell a bit about your knife, where it was purchased, from who, how old it is and maybe a brief description of some of the materials used to create the knife.

Never forget, the hunting knife is an icon of man's creativity, unbelievable ability to survive and his inspiring advancement through history.