I'd like to know just how sharp a knapped blade can be gotten. Is an expertly knapped obsidian/flint/other blade comparable to a high quality, sharp steel blade?
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The obsidian and flint has a much sharper and finer edge than the best steel. The edge is fragile and brittle though, like glass.
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I think the obsidian can be sharper.
Back in my youth, I took an electron microscopy course in college. In order to cut the specimens into thin enough slices, we made glass knives (not unlike obsidian). Took rectangular, 1/4 inch thick, bars of glass, cut a square section off of the end, then scored that diagonally and broke it again on the diagonal. The result (usually) was an edge of glass that was incredibly sharp. It was only good for a relatively short time, though, and you tossed it out when you were done with that round of sectioning.
Back in my youth, I took an electron microscopy course in college. In order to cut the specimens into thin enough slices, we made glass knives (not unlike obsidian). Took rectangular, 1/4 inch thick, bars of glass, cut a square section off of the end, then scored that diagonally and broke it again on the diagonal. The result (usually) was an edge of glass that was incredibly sharp. It was only good for a relatively short time, though, and you tossed it out when you were done with that round of sectioning.