Knife

Add to album

This iron knife was found at the site of the Roman fort of Camelon in Stirlingshire. It was used for cutting leather, sometime between 80 and 165 AD.

The blade is a half-moon shape, though corroded and fragmentary. The tang would have fitted into a larger handle. Such knives are still used by leatherworkers today.

People have made widespread use of animal skins in Scotland since the first settlers came here. Leather was cut into pieces using a variety of sharp tools over the ages. Curved knives were preferred, to minimise the risk of damaging the skin.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-037-724-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FX 301
• Date: Between 80 and 165 AD
  
• Material: Iron
  
• Dimensions: 125 mm x 60 mm
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Stirlingshire, Falkirk, Camelon
  
• Event:
• Description: Iron half-moon knife from Camelon
  
• References:
• Translations:
• Related Records: