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The needle comes in at about 15,000 years ago, I believe, but given a sharp and precise cutting implement, you can punch holes in leather and would be able to thread the sinew through without a needle. Similarly, with such a sharp implement you can make leather thongs for tying and binding.
Originally posted by punkinworks10
reply to post by KilgoreTrout
That's some pretty good insight into working leather. I'm kind of thinking the best tool for punching hides would be a bone awl or a sharpened animal claw. What you said about the sharpness of obsidian makes me also think of its use in terms of garment making. You have to have something sharp enough to cut the leather accurately, obsidian would be highly desirable.
Also for cutting woven cloth you need that super sharp edge.
Originally posted by punkinworks10
Originally posted by Hanslune
Originally posted by punkinworks10
I've worked with and made obsidian tools and they're super sharp, far more than any other flint - but fragile.
Good point by Kilgore on the unraveling and why many people used large pieces of cloth for clothing instead of 'tayloring'.edit on 3/12/12 by Hanslune because: (no reason given)
Originally posted by punkinworks10
Originally posted by Hanslune
Originally posted by punkinworks10
I've worked with and made obsidian tools and they're super sharp, far more than any other flint - but fragile.
Good point by Kilgore on the unraveling and why many people used large pieces of cloth for clothing instead of 'tayloring'.edit on 3/12/12 by Hanslune because: (no reason given)
Yes very sharp indeed, I taught myself very crude knapping skills as a child, and learned how sharp it was the hard way. I had an obsidian source 1/2 mile from home, it was the stone work on an abandonded motel. There were basket ball sized nodules in a retaing wall that fell down.