The essential drivers on knife choice and selection have changed over time, required function was always historically the driver. With limited tech and materials a simple largeish fixed blade is the easiest to make/use and can be pressed into service for other uses - hence flint knives, parangs, hunting/butchery, and of course as weapons.
Axes are a different case and their functions are more limited and specific - to cut wood, use as a weapon. Flint axes were in use for a long time and I would think Otzi's copper one was a source of pride and value, far to good to be used as a knife and need constant resharpening.
With increasing tech and less urgency, more sophisticated smaller knives for lesser functions and an eye to ease of portability.
Fixed blades still have a functional role, where stability and "hygiene" are needed -e.g carving and food prep, but the folder has the advantage of portability especially where they are used much less frequently - e.g. a pen knife for sharpening your quill, for occaisional cutting small diameter materials that do not need a heavy/large blade, odd whittling, and therefore need to be pocketable and available as and when the need arises.
They can then also become multifunctional with extra blades, functions etc, making them of more practical daily use than a single fixed blade.
Axes are great tools but not overly portable and not always acceptable in public areas. Given their limited roles, unless there is a clear need and willingness to carry them, then a fixed blade can be pressed into service battoning for a small fire. Yes this can be done with a folder, but with more difficulty and risk of damage to the folder.
But the one other driver is Man's weakness - Ego, and the unquenchable aquisition of toys he does not really need. For this he needs a fixed blade to parade, and/or a folder of fine materials and functions to demonstrate.
When we are going out with a gas canister/petrol stove and enough tent pegs, there is, arguably, absolutely no need for a large fixed blade. A folder will suffice for almost everything, including the need to whittle a bit of wood, and a small kitchen knife if preferred for food prep.
For most of us who do not live or camp very far from civilisation, or in extreme climates, a folder will suffice. However, many of us still wear or carry our larger fixed blade "just in case", try to delude ourselves that this is part of "proper" bushcraft or try to find other justifications etc etc.
So in answer to the original question, who fooled us?, The answer is Ourselves!
Axes are a different case and their functions are more limited and specific - to cut wood, use as a weapon. Flint axes were in use for a long time and I would think Otzi's copper one was a source of pride and value, far to good to be used as a knife and need constant resharpening.
With increasing tech and less urgency, more sophisticated smaller knives for lesser functions and an eye to ease of portability.
Fixed blades still have a functional role, where stability and "hygiene" are needed -e.g carving and food prep, but the folder has the advantage of portability especially where they are used much less frequently - e.g. a pen knife for sharpening your quill, for occaisional cutting small diameter materials that do not need a heavy/large blade, odd whittling, and therefore need to be pocketable and available as and when the need arises.
They can then also become multifunctional with extra blades, functions etc, making them of more practical daily use than a single fixed blade.
Axes are great tools but not overly portable and not always acceptable in public areas. Given their limited roles, unless there is a clear need and willingness to carry them, then a fixed blade can be pressed into service battoning for a small fire. Yes this can be done with a folder, but with more difficulty and risk of damage to the folder.
But the one other driver is Man's weakness - Ego, and the unquenchable aquisition of toys he does not really need. For this he needs a fixed blade to parade, and/or a folder of fine materials and functions to demonstrate.
When we are going out with a gas canister/petrol stove and enough tent pegs, there is, arguably, absolutely no need for a large fixed blade. A folder will suffice for almost everything, including the need to whittle a bit of wood, and a small kitchen knife if preferred for food prep.
For most of us who do not live or camp very far from civilisation, or in extreme climates, a folder will suffice. However, many of us still wear or carry our larger fixed blade "just in case", try to delude ourselves that this is part of "proper" bushcraft or try to find other justifications etc etc.
So in answer to the original question, who fooled us?, The answer is Ourselves!
and I have seen some truly excellent craftsmanship.
