Obsidian knife Q

J

jkspade

Joined
Nov 16, 2003
Messages
9
I don't know if this is in the wrong section. If it is, could someone direct me to the right one. I wasn't sure if there was a section for knapping.

Anyways, I was wondering if an obsidian knife was functional as far as cutting is concerned. I see them, but I don't know if they are merely for looks/display only.
 
I think if they were not functional they wouldn't have been used for thousands of years before bronze and steel came about. Obsidian is currently being used by some surgeons in place of steel scalpels as it has a keen edge, much finer than any steel blade.
On the other hand, is it practical? Not really, unless you are familiar with the finer points of knapping to keep the thing sharp, and you realize the limitations of such a fragile blade. They do cut exremely well if they are fashioned properly though.
 
+1 on what Arathol said. I have knapped on and off for years. A obsidian blade is very useful in the right hands. I have used my blades in the kitchen and to field dress/butcher animals. In fact, a formal blade (made into a familiar "knife" shape) is not even required. I have simply used fresh flakes of obsidian struck off a core. As long as you remember that stone blades cannot take the torque or twisting a steel knife can, they work great. When a flake gets dull, bang off another one! If you are interested here is a good general knapping website, with links to other stuff:

http://www.flintknapping.com/
 
I have a friend who makes those kinds of things, and they're scary sharp! I haven't use any much, so I can't comment on durability, edge holding, anything like that. Very high cool factor, imo...
 
I have about 3 dozen original native American arrow & spear points, but none in obsidian. The ones I do have are mostly quartz & flint, and almost all of them will draw blood quick if you're not careful.

I do have two large ceremonial points made by a fellow in Georgia or Virginia, and I believe they are made of obsidian. They are literally razor sharp on about 80% of their edges, so I keep them in a Riker display box. They've "bitten" me twice, so I don't take them out anymore.

thx - cpr
 
The original serrated blade. If you cut yourself with a flake it seems to take longer to stop. Or, Maybe I'm just getting older. Regards, Loosearrow
 
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