It's so intertwined with firefighters in media (well, US TV of the 70s on up) that I assumed it had been around as long as the axe, originally carved from stone

It's so intertwined with firefighters in media (well, US TV of the 70s on up) that I assumed it had been around as long as the axe, originally carved from stone and flint :-). Surprised to learn that it was only invented in 1948. It'a a classic multitool.