[AS. cnif.] Primitive men used shells, flints, and sharp-edged stones for knives. These vere followed by bronze knives made of copper and tin; but knives made of iron and steel gradually took their place, as they were found to be more lasting and stronger. The best knives are now made of steel. In the manufacture of table-knives a bar of shear-steel is heated white hot and then hammered into shape on an anvil. This is called forging the blade. Penknife and razor-blades are made of cast steel. After forging, the blades are stamped with the maker's name, and then tempered by heating them red hot and cooling them quickly by dipping them in water. They are then ground and polished and fitted with handles.