File:3017 Bronze Age socketed knife (FindID 284469).jpg

English: Cast copper alloy socketed knife. The blade is tongue-shaped in plan and curved in section, there is a working edge on both sides. There are a number of striations on the inside of the right blade that are either wear or sharpening. The socket is cylindrical with a rounded top, the base of the socket splays out slightly. The aperture is circular with an internal diameter of 19mm. There are two parallel rivet holes 11mm from the base of the socket, a casting seam runs around the edge of the piece. The artefact has a rich green patina and is in excellent condition. Length 102mm, width (blade 27mm) socket 22mm, thickness (blade 4mm) socket 21mm, weight 71.98g Similar knifes, although very uncommon, have been found over much of the country with the majority been found in Scotland. One other example has been recorded on the PAS database CORN-87C1E1 which was found in North Lincolnshire. The bend in the blade is intentional, Evens suggests that such tools were used for woodworking, perhaps for hollowing out (1881, 209). However, the finder, who has experience in woodworking and coppicing suggests that it could be a knife used for coppicing. Evans, J, 1881, The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland Longmans, [pages: 209-10 ]