An Experiment In Edge Damage

Part I of Essay
When a stone flake is used in specific applications, such as sawing or whittling, distinct wear patterns are formed. In addition, unique patterns are also formed by the surface on which the tool is used. Wood, meat, hide, and bone all leave dissimilar scars on a lithic de ....

Part II of Essay
.... local deciduous tree was used as the wood subject. The exact species of the tree is unknown; however, it was a very hard wood and a light brown/tan color. Initially, medium pressure was used on the flake and it was moved in bi-directional strokes across the stick. After about thirty strokes, the use edge angle prohibited the flake from cutting further in to the stick. The cut was roughly three millimeters deep and three quarters millimeters wide. It could be determined that a tool, in this particular shape, could not be used as an ....