Finding a Handcrafted Obsidian Knife on eBay
Obsidian knives and other flint-knapped knives were prized by Native American cultures such as the Aztecs and other cultures around the world for their painstaking, handcrafted beauty and functional purposes of cutting and scraping. If you are a collector of these one-of-a-kind knives, you can search the worldwide listings on eBay to quickly find a wide array of new and used obsidian knives. Understanding the features typically seen in an obsidian knife will help you make a smart purchase.
Features of a handcrafted obsidian knifeObsidian is a type of igneous rock formed by volcanic activity. Obsidian has been long prized by Native Americans as a substance that can be formed into a knife blade or tool through a rock flaking process known as flint knapping. Handcrafted obsidian knives can be older heritage pieces or ones that were recently made by artisans who have learned the craft of flint knapping. Obsidian knives share these features:
- They have a flaked, flint-knapped blade, shaped through a process of flaking away the layers of obsidian using a metal tool until a thin blade is exposed. The obsidian rock will show a unique flaking pattern that tapers to the blade.
- They are extremely sharp, even sharper than surgical steel scalpels.
- These knives are bound to handles that may be made from wood, antler, or animal bone.
The Aztecs were well-known for their expertise in crafting obsidian knives to be used in everyday life, from hunting to cooking to warfare. These knives were known as a tecpatl and share these features:
- Double-edged blade
- Elaborately carved handles of stone, antler, or bone
- Use in hunting, warfare, and cultural ceremonies
Several features and conditions contribute to determining the overall value of an obsidian knife, for both functional use and collectible value. Consider these features and conditions when comparing eBay listings of obsidian knives:
- Age and origin: If the obsidian knife can be verified as an antique or period piece from a historical era or culture, it may fetch a higher value.
- Craftsmen: Many obsidian knives of recent times are crafted by several flint knappers who have mastered this art. Because these artisans produce a limited amount of them, the knives may fetch a higher value.
- Materials: The handle material used for the knife may also impact and raise the value. The use of deer or elk antlers or interesting animal bones, such as jaw bones, produces a unique knife that may fetch a higher value.