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Knives

Hand Crafted Knives

A knife is a sharp-edged handheld instrument that consists of a handle attached to a blade. It can be used for cutting as well as a weapon. The origin of the knife dates back to two-and-a-half million years ago, as evidenced by the Oldowan tools.

Originally, knives were shaped by knapping or percussive flaking of harder rocks such as obsidian and flint. During the Paleolithic Era, Homo habilis made tools similar to the knife out of wood, bone, and other perishable materials that haven’t survived. Approximately five thousand years ago, as advancement in metallurgy progressed, wood, stone, and bone blades were gradually succeeded by bronze, iron, copper, and steel. The first metal knives were copper knives which were symmetrical double edged daggers that copied the preceding flint daggers. During the middle of the Bronze Age in Europe, the first single-edged knives appeared. These knives replaced daggers, which had actually evolved into swords. Today, modern knives are made from many different materials including such alloys as tool steels, carbon fiber, ceramics, and titanium. There is an active community of modern custom knife makers and collectors such as pocket knife collectors, Indian knife collectors, and inlaid knife collectors, whom often pioneer the use of new materials in knives. Here in the United States, The American Bladesmith Society promotes forged blades whereas the Knifemakers Guild promotes all custom knives.

Dagger

The term dagger which comes from the Vulgar Latin or a Dacian knife, is typically a double-edged blade used for stabbing or thrusting. During close combat, they often fulfill the role of a secondary defense weapon. A tang extends into the handle along the centre line of the blade. Daggers are differentiated from knives on the basis that daggers are intended primarily for stabbing whereas knives are usually single-edged and intended for cutting. Although, most knives and daggers are capable of stabbing or cutting something.

Daggers have evolved out of prehistoric tools. In the beginning, they were initially made of flint, ivory, or even bone and were used as weapons since the earliest periods of human civilization. The first metal daggers appeared during the Bronze Age, in the 3rd millennium BC, which predates the sword, and eventually developed from oversized daggers. Due to its limited reach, the standard dagger would not be very effective against axes, spears, or even maces; therefore, it was an important step towards the development of a more useful close-combat weapon, which later became the sword.

From the very beginning of Egyptian history, daggers were adorned as ceremonial objects with golden hilts and later on were made more ornate and with varied construction. Military and naval officers wore dress daggers as symbols of power, and more modern soldiers are still equipped with combat knives and knife bayonets.

Knives and daggers have always been considered secondary or even tertiary weapons. Many cultures mainly fought with pole weapons, swords, and axes at arm's length, if not already utilizing bows, spears, slings, or other long-range weapons.

Symbolically ambiguous, the dagger is associated with cowardice and treachery due to the ease of concealment and the surprise that someone could inflict with one on an unsuspecting victim. There are many documented assassinations that were reportedly carried out using one. The victims of such assassinations included Julius Caesar, who suffered 23 stab wounds from the irate members of the Roman Senate. Although some individuals believe the dagger symbolizes the determination of an individual to get courageously close to the enemy.

In the 20th Century, daggers achieved public notoriety as ornamental uniform regalia by the fascist dictatorships of Mussolini's Italy and Hitler's Germany, and dress daggers were used by other countries as well, including Japan. As far as its use as combat equipment, the dagger was carried by many infantry and commando forces during the Second World War. British commandos had carried a slender dagger, the Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife, developed from the knife or dagger used in Shanghai. In the Pacific, the United States Marine Corps Raiders in the Pacific carried a similar fighting dagger, and many others were fashioned for American forces and their allies from cut-down World War I Patton sabers.

Knife Sheaths

Knife sheaths protect the knife, protect the handler from accidents, and keep it convenient. In some states, a knife can only be carried in a knife sheath in order to comply with concealed weapons laws.

Today, knife sheaths are made from a variety of materials and can be worn almost anywhere. Leather knife sheaths still remain popular. A leather knife sheath is durable and wears well; however, it can stretch with age, and it doesn’t fair very well in certain conditions, like exposure to the cold or water. The leather knife sheath is very comfortable to wear, and it’s an excellent material for a Bowie knife or hunting knife as well as a beautiful home accessory to be displayed as home decor.

We feature authentic beaded knife sheaths by Janice Osalita and Judy Shaner. The knife sheaths are handmade from brain-tanned deer hide and include fringe and a variety of different beads in intricate traditional Indian or Native American designs.

Native Americans have been handcrafting jewelry since they first drew inspiration from their natural surroundings and transformed shell and stone into wearable jewelry. Some of the oldest discovered pieces date from over 10,000 years ago. The skilled artisans at Alltribes continue the age-old tradition and create captivating works of art that will surpass your expectations!

Alltribes is one of the rare jewelry stores that has a workshop employing Native American artists creating extraordinary pieces of jewelry on site. While most of our silversmiths are Navajo, we employ artists from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some work from home, on the reservation, and some work here in our shop. Alltribes Native American Art and Jewelry blends ancient history, natural beauty, and unparalleled expertise flawlessly. We are conveniently located near Scottsdale, Mesa and Phoenix, AZ in the historic town of Gilbert. Unfortunately, due to Covid and other factors, we are unable to take walk in customers at this time. We are more than happy to offer curbside pickup if you are in the area, give us a call.

Our Jewelry

The design and quality of our Silver and Turquoise jewelry are unmatched and stand far above the rest. Turquoise conveys a special meaning as it has for centuries and in populations across the globe. Turquoise signifies healing, spirit and good fortune. With masterful techniques, our artisans incorporate this semi-precious stone into beautiful and intricate designs, drawing customers from around the world.

You can own a piece of Native American artistry without spending a fortune. Alltribes provides deep discounts because we don't purchase our jewelry elsewhere. Our in-house artists and silversmiths create custom pieces without the extra expenses of middlemen, shipping and tariffs.

Our Local History

Gilbert, AZ provides the ideal location for crafting our Native American jewelry. The Navajo and Hopi Indian tribes have inhabited nearby lands for many thousands of years. Their eternal respect for natural beauty and their innate talent shines through in every handcrafted piece of jewelry.

Our dazzling, Sleeping Beauty Turquoise comes from a nearby mine in Globe, AZ. This unique and exceedingly rare turquoise is renowned for its hardness, durability, and gorgeous color. Our artisans preserve the natural beauty of this precious stone, so you can admire its elegance for years to come. A hand buffed polish protects the stones and heightens its natural beauty.

Our Tradition

In addition to Native American jewelry, Alltribes upholds the ancient traditions of Native Americans by offering more than remarkable jewelry. We offer a wide variety of Native American Cultural Art including authentic Hopi Kachina dolls, pueblo pottery, Navajo Wool Rugs, hand-dyed leather belts, dreamcatchers, tomahawks and other Southwestern and Native American artifacts, to beautify your home and your life. It is our pleasure, to help spread knowledge about the Native American culture to the general public.

As part of our continuing effort to inform and inspire, we offer a vast array of in-depth knowledge for those who want to learn more about Native Americans and the Southwest. Our online knowledge center is free for all and includes some of the most interesting and complete information available online.

Alltribes has been serving our valued customers for over 50 years, so you can rest assured that when you have a question or concern, we'll be right here, ready to help. When you purchase something online today, you never know if the company will still be there, next week or next month.

Alltribes' reputation and longstanding experience ensure you get more than just jewelry – you get a wealth of seasoned knowledge and exceptional service…..that you can count on! We consider our customers to be part of our extended family and we're proud to say that our family now spans continents. We'd love to have you join us!

In addition to our local Native American products, we offer distinguished wares, sourced from Native American tribes across the U.S. Navajo, Hopi, Zuni and other Native American artists provide one-of-a-kind items that we proudly offer to you, at direct to you prices!

Alltribes is much more than just a manufacturer, store and knowledge center. We keep a jewelry workshop on site. If you want a custom design, our silversmiths will work with you to turn your dream into reality. Have an idea for something new? Talk with our artisans and discuss how to bring it to fruition. And should your beloved jewelry ever need to be repaired, we help with that, too.

Whether you're a Native American enthusiast, a collector, a designer or simply someone who loves beauty, Alltribes showcases a diverse collection of superior artifacts, sure to satisfy even the most selective customer.