Iron knife is truly an epitome of utilitarian culture of the Chenchu, an indigenous forest-dweller who, chiefly, live in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the Nallamala Hills. Iron blade, wooden handle, and a leather sheet bordered that is buckled for easy carrying are the three most primary elements of it. The blade is sharpened with a narrow end that works perfectly for cutting--whether it is cleaning game, sweeping plants, or preparing food. Two bent, inward wood pieces are riveted onto the thin part of the blade, providing a strong handle with which one can hold or grip comfortably. This ergonomic design goes a long way for any tribe mostly engaged in hunting and foods in dense forests.

The knife is bound to be used in the daily clothing of Chenchu; the blade lies protected within the leather sheath while it is 'off-duty' and strapped to an active belt. To the Chenchus, who fall under the category of a Particularly Vulnerable Trible Group (PVTG), these handmade tools are used for survival, and most are made in indigenous techniques that descend the generations. The knife may be symbolic or something associated with ritual significance for hunting. It tells much about the self-sustaining life of the Chenchu people fully tied to the forest.