Purpose
There is a distinct difference
between function and purpose. The purpose of an object is its primary use.
To illustrate: The PURPOSE of a skinning knife is to remove the
outer covering of a dead animal, fast and effectively. It can also
FUNCTION as vegetable cutter, can opener,
it can be used to scrape mud off boot heels and to slash at an assailant.
The first question you have to ask
yourself or your client: “What is the primary use / purpose of this
knife?”
Skinning, caping, cutting
vegetables, opening letters, repairing fishing nets, stabbing, cutting
steaks, filleting, pruning trees, the list is as long as there are uses
for a knife, and for each use there can be a purpose made knife.
What does a knife to be used for a
specific purpose look like? Blade shape, handle shape, how the two are
joined, and the position of the handle in relation to the cutting edge,
the size of the blade and handle are all points that needs to be
considered.
This is a prime example of a
purpose made knife. It's purpose is to cut herbs and vegetables. It can
also function as a pizza cutter, and if you stick the handles in the
ground at your front door, it will scrape mud of shoes quite effectively.
Insert picture of herb knife
here
The purpose of the knife will also
dictate the materials used, the degree of finish applied, and to a lesser
extend, the presentation.
A further step a designer must
consider is the actual use of the knife in a real life situation. Ask the
client to demonstrate the cutting actions he uses and try it yourself.
Take note of the grip used. Some cutting operations require a variety of
grips and holds, for example: somebody doing whittling may cut towards
himself using his thumb as support for the object being carved and in the
next step he might turn the knife around and cut away from his body.
A hunter who wants to cape a
trophy animal will sometimes grip the caping knife as one would hold a
writing pen.
The various grips will determine
the shape of the handle. If the user cuts on a surface such as a cutting
board when slicing vegetables or bread, the handle may need to be raised
in relation to the edge by having a broad blade such as used on chefs
knifes. If a lot of pressure is applied, an Ulu shaped knife might be the
answer.
The purpose of the knife will also
determine the relative strength, flexibility, and hardness and ease of
sharpening required.
Some knife makers and
manufacturers go to great extremes to prove the indestructibility of their
knives. A knife designed and made for a specific purpose need not be
subjected to extreme tests. It should last a lifetime if used within the
parameters of that purpose.
But what if the purpose of the knife is that it will
be a collector's piece, destined to be locked up in a safe or display
cabinet? Does this influence the design decision? No, it does not. Even if
you use advanced
techniques and embellishments such as engraving or scrimshaw,
the knife must still be fit for purpose.
