Multi-purpose tools in America had probably existed prior to the turn of the 20th century, on a custom-made basis, but they really took off with the advancements in mass production technology around 1900. Several well-known tools appeared on the scene about this time, by far the most famous being the Barnett Plier Knife. Produced by the thousands on modern equipment, the Barnett could be made so inexpensively that almost anyone could afford to purchase one. A market was created where none existed previously, and other manufacturers soon began offering their multi-purpose tools up as competition. It was a scenario that was to be repeated - albeit on a much larger scale - some 90 years later. |
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