The leaf-shaped knife is a traditional tool used by the Khonds, one of the predominating indigenous communities majorly inhabiting the state of Odisha, India. Keeping in mind the never-ending bond of the Khonds with their land, even the tools made by them are well-designed aesthetically, yet keeping in mind the practical use in their homes and farms. With an iron cutting edge more or less leaf-shaped on the lower edge with a very sharp edge and a pointed end for finer work, the blade has a much shorter handle made of bamboo that will assure a good firm grip on the cutting implement. Thus, the use of bamboo as a locally available material, in keeping with the sustainable view of the Khond tribe, goes to show their varied resourceful and eco-friendly attitudes.
This very special knife has moved down the ages and is used mainly for cutting vegetables from the hearth for cooking in rural kitchens. But rosemary is not a small knife as far as agriculture is concerned; it acts benevolently when harvesting of small crops, the pruning of plants, and other minute agricultural works are called for. It is that small yet sharp instrument which is always handy. Thus, the cube-shaped knife is made by local smiths or artisans within the community and is the expression of the indigenous systems of knowledge and craftsmanship of the Khonds. These knapsacks embody the merging of utility and tradition in their daily lives, where tools are considered vital not only for their functional purposes but also interweave seamlessly into the cultural fabric and economic life of the community.