Courtesy of the Mi’kmaq Cultural Heritage Collection, NSM 

Permission Roger J.  Lewis, Curator of Mi’kmaq Cultural Heritage  

Crooked Knife Mi’kmaq (19th century)

Did you know that Mi 'kmaq people created the first muti-tool. The Mi’kmaq people used a unique one-handed drawknife, known as a crooked knife, for various tasks like shaping paddles, snowshoes, and making bows and arrows. This early multi-tool, which each person handcrafted for themselves, was crucial for survival, providing food, shelter, and more. The blade is designed with a tip that curves up and to the left or right, ensuring clean cuts by keeping the blade in constant contact with the wood.