Turkey Tail Point Use Experiment

A Turkey Tail is Born

November 16, 2006

Original Measurements Length:  11.7 cm Width: Rear Width:  3.1 cm Middle Width:  4.8 cm Mid Tip Width:  3.2 cm Tip Width:  1.5 cm Thickness: Rear Thickness:  1.0 cm Middle Thickness:  1.1 cm Tip Thickness:  0.9 cm

Above is a picture of the Turkey Tail point that I knapped out of a piece of tabular Texas chert.  Traditionally they were made from Cobden chert, and Hornstone, but I didn't want to waste those scare resources for this experiment.  See this Turkey Tail Replica I made from Kentucky Hornstone.

Above is a picture of the Turkey Tail point hafted onto a hemp cordage.  The cordage was hand woven with three strands of hemp and looped to fit over my wrist.  No fancy knots were used, just simple knots to keep the cordage attached

Right is a picture of the Turkey Tail point in my hand and held in a position ready for use.  I'm able to swing the Turkey Tail point from a hanging/ resting position on my wrist, right up into my hand into this position ready for use.  It seems very comfortable in this position, and feels "right" in my hand ready for skinning or cutting use.  I was encouraged right away by this observation, as it seems to indicate that the cordage hypothesis has some merit even before use begins.  Far right gives you a view of how the cordage attaches to the wrist.

Use Journal

11/16/06 - Current

While not a significant observation, it is worth noting that this point and cordage assembly have been in my pocket almost every day since it was made.  Even though I have not used it for any primitive tasks yet, I thought it was important to keep it in my pocket to see if long term storage in a pocket or pouch has any effect on this blades sharpness.  To date this blade is as sharp as the day it was made.