Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1818. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... THE CUTLER. The manufacture of edged tools is one of the first arts amongst men in every-state of society. Though the art of the Cutler, in a general sense, comprises all those articles denominated edge-tools, it is more particularly confined to the manufacture of knives, forks, scissars, pen-knives, razors, and swords. Damascus was, anciently, famed for its razors and swords. The latter are said to possess the advantages of flexibility, elasticity, and hardness. Knives and swords have been in use amongst mankind from the earliest periods, but forks and bayonets are comparatively of modern invention. Forks have not been invented much more than two hundred years: in early times they were not known, even at the entertainments of a sovereign; but the guest who sat nearest to a joint, held one part with his fingers while be carved the other with his knife. They appear to have had their origin in Italy, and to have been introduced into this country either in the latter end of Queen Elizabeth's reign, or in the beginning of the reign of James the First; but they were not very common till after the restoration. The first bayonets were daggers, which, aftet the soldiers had exhausted their ammunition, they fitted to the bore of their muskets. They were introduced into France about the year 1673; and among the English grenadiers in the short reign of James the Second. Many are yet to be seen in the small armoury in the Tower. The use of them, fastened to the muzzle of the firelock, was also a French improvement, first adopted about 1690, and which was universally followed by the rest of Europe a few years afterwards. Those articles of cutlery which do not require a fine polish, and are of low price, are made from blistered steel. Those articles which require the...
