Length: 3 3/4"

Grade: 9

Description: Paleo snub-nose knife or heavy unifacial blade, knapped from a light tan to beige heavily patinated Fort Paynes chert. The piece shows classic early-period workmanship: broad, invasive flake removals across the face, a steep working edge along one lateral margin, and a thick, rounded “snub” distal end created through repeated step-fracture and use-wear. The opposite edge appears more cortical, indicating the tool was struck from a large flake and then selectively worked to shape the cutting margin. The form, heft, and flake pattern suggest a multipurpose implement used for heavy cutting, scraping, or butchering tasks by early Paleo groups. An excellent example of early utilitarian technology from Kentucky’s Paleo cultural horizon.

Provenance: Found on private property with permission near south cental Kentucky, Cumberland River Basin. Ex Gene Hynek Collection.