Obsolete Knives

Helleri said:
So you have and use them. But in a large chunk of the world a form of safety razor (as in not a strait razor) is still the standard... I think this kind of runs parallel to the last thing. Meaning just because someone out there still uses something or there are isolated pockets of devotees and purists, doesn't mean that the thing in question can't be considered obsolete. A strait razor is objectively obsolete by the strictest senses of the word. There are simply faster, safer, more convenient, lighter, cheaper, less involved, and technologically superior options out there for shaving. That is what being outmoded is. Obsolescence doesn't have to mean useless. Just not worth it over "option b" for most people, most of the time. There are people who collect vinyl records and listen to them over modern options. But my phone will store or have instant access to more music, of a an objectively higher fidelity, and long term non-degrade-ability then their entire garage will. Them choosing to go with the old fashioned thing doesn't mean that it is not obsolete.
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I would disagree strongly with your assertion on a number of points, but I'll not open that can of worms for the sake of keeping the thread focused.
 
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These Depression-era glass fruit and cake knives would be a good example. Commonly found in severely chipped condition, and their geometry is awful, though at the time they did their job nicely since carbon steel was still what was most commonly found in the kitchen. One might call them the predecessor of the modern ceramic knife.

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They're still used in a positive manner by marine biologists doing autopsies, too! Don't forget the bright side of the situation. :D

(the flensing knives etc., obviously, not the harpoons!)
 
I am NOT saying that this has absolutely zero value anymore, but I believe the need for the bayonet has decreased greatly over the years.

In the old days when the soldiers really only had single shot rifles that took a lot of time to be reloaded this had to be used to a much greater degree. Over the years, as the firearms became more modern the powers that be made us cut down our bayonets from what was almost like a short sword to what is now pretty much a fixed blade that can be attached to a rifle. With our modern war fighters carrying multiple 30 round rifle mags as well as having a high capacity sidearm, bayonet use is definitely shrinking as a necessity. Not that warfighters don't need an issued fixed blade, and not that it shouldn't have a secondary function of being able to be mounted on a rifle, but I think that the need is decreasing.

Good thread.

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Revolutionary war:
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WW2:
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M9 current issue:
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Since the development of sliced bread in the grocery store the knife designed specifically for bread slicing is effectively obsolete, although every kitchen knife set usually contain one. I have one but rarely ever use it.

And how about the electric knife. I have one, and it makes slicing a turkey a snap. But I use mine twice a year tops.
 
Spyder59 said:
Since the development of sliced bread in the grocery store the knife designed specifically for bread slicing is effectively obsolete, although every kitchen knife set usually contain one. I have one but rarely ever use it.

And how about the electric knife. I have one, and it makes slicing a turkey a snap. But I use mine twice a year tops.
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This is one I'd have to argue against. A considerable portion of bread still comes in loaves, buns, bagels, etc that need sliced.
 
speaking of electric knives I'm actually kinda shocked that no one has improved on it. With modern tech the way its going, I would have thought that they would be more common.
 
Really interesting thread everyone :thumbup:.

And I'm going to disagree about the bread knife as well. I grew up making homemade bread a lot with my mother, and my wife and I make homemade bread a few times a month as well. The bread knife gets used at least as much as our paring knives, and more than our steak knives for sure.

But I may be an anomaly.

I use a straight razor, and know at least two other men that own/use them. Oh, and my parents have an electric knife they use once a year as well :/.

Out of the ones I've seen in this thread, I'd say the sugar knife and the glass knife seem the most obsolete.

I wish plastic knives were gone though :(.
 
Spyder59 said:
Since the development of sliced bread in the grocery store the knife designed specifically for bread slicing is effectively obsolete, although every kitchen knife set usually contain one. I have one but rarely ever use it.

And how about the electric knife. I have one, and it makes slicing a turkey a snap. But I use mine twice a year tops.
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The best bread doesn't come sliced ;)
 
I didn't know about those glass knives. That is a really good example. Had not really thought about bayonets in that respect either. I am wondering now if there is anything these days that a bayonet does better then just a knife on the hip. I don't think one would be able to lunge with a rifle that has a bayonet at the end, with as much reach as a lunge holding a knife in one hand (at least not in a manner that lets them recover their balance easily).
 
Helleri, its more than just a lunge, but also the ability to cross-block with the body of the weapon, as well as strike with the butt. Of course a little M-4 will have less impact than an old wooden Lee Enfield or M14. Plus there is the psychological factor both for the soldier and the enemy. But todays modern battles probably don't see that as much. So its partly tradition I'd guess. No one has a better idea, and its not a hindrance enough to get rid of.
 
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