How to make a Maquahuitl, Part 3

[@seditioangelus4222]

If you ever made these aztec swords I'd be a customer just as I know many others would.

[@valbowski29]

Thanks very much for this wonderful, Im an Archaeology major and was spellbound, keep up the great work, I think its great that you explained both modern and indigenous technique. You obviously have a great deal of appreciation for past cultures.

[@petras8385]

You have a very soothing voice, sir.

[@crankko9437]

Wow it looks great !, more realistic than others, I am Hispanic, I see other videos but this is one of these that you can feel the artisan magic, we believe that the Aztecs hit the shields with the part without obsidian, destabilizing the opponent, when the opponent lost the shield they hit with a hammer type mov and pulling back with the obsidian part. and yes the weapons was two types one handed, and two handed.

[@paleomanjim]

Thanks

[@MarcelMota-qo7uo]

Aztecs were not Hispanic and the descendants aren't either they're still around

[@scumbold]

very good. A lot of time and skill went into crafting this historical replica. The last one of these was destroyed in a fire at the Madrid museum in around 1821 at the time of Mexican independence from Spain. No examples exist but thanks to the passion of craftsmen like this man we can still imagine and remember the roots of mezoamerican history. Having seen how long this took and the skill required I would probably not attempt it. Its great that someone has. Thank you greatly.

[@OnlyBadSalmon]

probably the best three videos I've ever watched on KZbin! this was seriously awesome

[@thecuriousnomad4712]

Thanks!!

[@DelNiceBeto]

The way the light shines through the blades is beautiful. I wouldn't be surprised if there were poems about it.

[@paleomanjim]

It is an awesome weapon, thanks

[@gradeape9681]

You sir.... ROCK! I stumbled onto your videos (I'm not sure how) and I am deeply impressed. A beautiful finished project that reflects all of your patience, care and hard work. WELL DONE.

[@Raxilla]

It was a lot of fun to watch an artisan make an ancient weapon from start to finish using (mostly) traditional techniques. I really enjoyed the video. Those 50 minutes really flew by. Thanks for sharing.

[@polemicvs]

Now that's a weapon! I can imagine that being unleashed on someone! Beautiful work of art Jim! Thanks for sharing with us!

[@ahuizotl8]

I congratulate and I feel honored that someone is trying to revive this weapon. The Huastecs used to hold their blades with natural rubber, the same one they used for the ball game.

[@TheAlbertrodriguez]

incredible! im an archaeologist in Chihuahua and im a knapper too, but here we cant find good raw material here, ii amire your work, and your videos teach me a lot of new things, im a huge fan! keep knapping!

[@Dumhorse]

It's such a fine weapon, I could have never imagined all the work that had to be put into making one.

[@paleomanjim]

Yes! I have made a lot of weapons but there is something really awesome about the Maquahuitl!

[@nephilimslayer6309]

Awesome series. Great job. Thank you for sharing this process. The final weapon came out great!

[@dvmah]

Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with us, i have been trying to make a Maquahuitl for a long time, but even though I'm from Mexico, i didn't have the slightest idea of how to make the obsidian flakes or glued them in the traditional way. I really appreciate your tutorial, and i would like to congratulate you for your work, your Maquahuitl is a beautiful piece of art.

[@paleomanjim]

Dvmah Saigo Thanks! The obsidian blade making is the most difficult part of the weapon to make, that is for sure. Some of the blades that the Mayans and central Americans made were of exceptional quality and must have been made by full time blade makers. Incredible skill they possessed!

[@MiWilderness]

The Maquahuitl looks great Jim. I almost thought you were going to take a whack at your cactus for a minute. Thanks, Roosevelt

[@HillbillysNdaBush]

Very Nice Jim...that wood is beautiful.... along with those super thin blades, makes for a scary weapon.Great craftsmanship. Thanks for sharing.

[@AOW222]

This channel is underrated that's a beautiful weapon

[@paleomanjim]

Thanks!

[@mrbluenun]

Just a quick note to say thanks again for the completely finished Maquahuitl. I guess the advantage of the longer weapons is if part of a blade was to snap there's still plenty to be able to continue to use it. Take care and many thanks mrbluenun

[@rivercarson5763]

Man, just because you want to be like everyone else and have a dull life with little excitement doesn't mean everyone has to be just like you.

[@WRHAP]

Wow. Amazing series. That looks like it could be part of a museum display.

[@paleomanjim]

Thanks, I really like this weapon too....has a great feel in the hand

[@afrosamurai3847]

I know an old video but still amazing work man, I may even decide to build my own after seeing your set of videos, truly a very unique weapon and I can only imagine very intimidating to see on a battlefield.

[@docwilkey]

I watched your complete series and I really liked it. You did a great job and I love the grain on the wood you used. This is the first one I saw other than in old Spanish paintings of Aztec warriors

[@nootje1111]

You are an artist! Thank you so much for your time and effort to make these video's. I learn allot from your channel. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@guloguloguy]

I think/thought that many of the Pacific Islander peoples also made, and used similar primitive weapons. (Hawaii, New Zealand, New Guinea, etc.) What an amazing weapon technology! = totally handmade, from naturally found local materials, and only requiring some knowledge, and skill in rendering the materials into the proper form. Another EXCELLENT Video!!! Thank You!!!

[@Rickgrant1984]

hey man ive been watching your videos and have learned alot! just wanted to take the time to thank you as you took the time to post the videos. i have been knapping for a few months and im hooked! ive got a good supply of Texas flint but the honey hole aint easy to get to, provides a good work out along with the hobby. anyway im having a good time with this hobby thanks for the influence.

[@paleomanjim]

Unlike a sword that was used for stabbing, the Maquahuitl was swung more like an axe in a chopping motion. Also, as depicted in the Mayan Codex these weapons were used in conjunction with a shield. The end with no blades was probably used to push the shield away in an effort to get in a good swing. The blades are extremely sharp, but also very fragile, so the soldier had to protect the blades during battle.....

[@XianJaxxon]

really great set of videos. It's great to see a practiced hand at work.

[@paleomanjim]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks

[@Angum0055]

Very awesome its very neat to see the craftsmanship that went into making one of these.....your videos are always fun to watch ..... :)

[@bigsmoke8816]

I know this video is old, but I must say that your Macuahuitl has to be one of the most beautiful and accurate reproductions I've ever seen. Usually with reproductions you see ugly flint flint knapped squares being haphazardly glued to a plank of wood, making it look as tho the Mezo Americans were these barbaric tribes with crude weapons thrown together with whatever they could find, where as in reality they were a very intelligent people.

[@paleomanjim]

Absolutely, the people of the past were highly skilled and true masters of their crafts. The blades the Mezo Americans made were at a level of quality that I was never able to reach, it would take years of constant blade making to match them. The same goes for bifaces, some of them show incredible skill. The Macuahuitl project was a lot of fun and I learned a lot, thanks.

[@paleomanjim]

Good question. It is thought that they may have used some type of gum instead of resin as an adhesive to secure the blades. Pine pitch adhesive works ok and secures the blades very well, but it would be difficult to replace damaged blades. The soldiers must have replaced many broken blades after each battle. A good gum would seem to be preferable for easy blade changing and would probably be strong enough as well.....

[@opalprestonshirley1700]

That is one beautiful weapon simply a great job. I have seen them many places but have never seen one made. Great video thanks for sharing.

[@paleomanjim]

The soldiers using the Maquahuitl were highly skilled and trained to use this weapon. They held a shield in one hand and the Maquahuitl in the other. They may have used the face of the weapon to strike or push the shield away to get an opening where the blades could be used to strike body parts. Blades were probably carefully selected to have edge angles near 40 degrees or so, providing a very sharp but durable edge. The weapon was capable of severing arms, legs and..... necks.

[@hingding100]

Smart and talented man. I found these videos really interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@paulmax3185]

Very nice work. Thanks for sharing. I find that using fire to burn of loose fibers from my cordage works best. It looks better and helps prevent tangling when wrapping something. Thanks for all the info videos!

[@richardrichricky]

Awesome tutorial , for a second there I thought you were going to decapitate that good looking cactus...lol....Thanks for sharing,beautiful work...Rich in Tx.

[@armorkingg1]

Excellent videos! worth every minute. This was exactly was I was looking for. Currently making a 1/6th version but now will have to look into a 1:1 :D Thank you very much for sharing this information sir.

[@paleomanjim]

Traces of pine pitch, native bees wax, copal, and many ahesives made from orchids and other materials have been found on meso artifacts. I know the mountains of Mexico do have pine trees although I am not sure about further south. I spent a few days in Guatemala and dont recall seeing pine trees, not sure though....

[@paleomanjim]

I get most of my obsidian from Oregon. The obsidian on this video came from Davis Creek rainbow pits. The rainbow obsidian works fairly well for blade making so long as you dont go against the grain or bands of the stone....

[@axegod5150]

i really wanted to see you take a swipe at the cacti you were standing next to at the end... very nice work man!

[@FlintSpall]

That looks great.I thought you were going to do a demo on one of your catus.Great project,Thanks for sharing.

[@paleomanjim]

Yes, Shields are well represented in the codex and were no doubt a critical component of this weapon....

[@paleomanjim]

Thanks Dan, I have really enjoyed watching your videos as well. Yeah, I spent quite a few nights dreaming about this weapon also, almost a Maquahuitl madness or something. I am planning on making at least 2 more, one I'll carve a design on and the other some sort of paint scheme. ....jim

[@KnightlyNerd]

Very well done! I have to admit i'm very skeptical of Deadliest Warrior's test with this kind of weapon; in that test, the blades just seemed far too brittle to be of any use in a long campaign. I assume that the blades were knapped or sculpted with a very robust edge geometry to ensure practical usability. In addition, the lost Madrid specimen suggests a much more manageable and subtle weapon with a much finer point of balance, unlike the "sharpened baseball bat" we've come to expect from representational manuscripts. Once again, beautiful work!

[@paleomanjim]

Thanks! I saw the test done on Deadliest Warrior. The blades were not even close to being prismatic blades and not up to the standards of blade making that the Meso Americans utilized. I suspect the real Maquahuitl's were far better constructed than my replication as well. The authentic maquahuitl's were no doubt very effective weapons....

[@crazycaravan4773]

Maybe they had different fighting tactics to use the sword than to swing it full force

[@c.c.c.7756]

@@crazycaravan4773 Youre in oblivion. These puppies properly made would chop off a horses head with one clean swing. I never heard of any other sharp instrument capable of doing such clean decap.

[@crazycaravan4773]

@@c.c.c.7756 yeah you're right maybe there has to be a way to keep the obsidian shards still intact with one swing at a horses' neck

[@c.c.c.7756]

@@crazycaravan4773 medieval records exist from native an spanish cultures.

[@paleomanjim]

Yucca is a very useful plant. The white flowers bloom in spring and can be added to salads. I have eaten them, not much taste, but a good survival food if needed. The roots are good for soap. Agaves or century plants are similar, useful for fiber or roasting the root ball or making Tequila! Back in my twenties I tried to learn all the wild edible plants (for survival purposes) but I finally gave up, so many different types! Useful info though....

[@paleomanjim]

I collect my obsidian from Oregon and use a hammerstone to preform it into a core. Then I use a chest crutch I made to remove pressure blades from the core, as shown in part 2 of the series....

[@mbhsug]

I'm sure you know the episode where Bernal Diaz describes how a warrior of the Tlaxcalans almost chopping off the head of a horse. Archaeologists have not found a single one Macuahuitl. But you've take it out of the darkness of history, drawn out into the light. It is wonderful to see this legendary weapon. I am very happy!

[@paleomanjim]

Thanks, I had a lot of fun making them. I think the horse story is probably true, especially if the warrior was using one of the long types of Maquahuitl....

[@frankiehernandez6232]

One of these weapons were found but sadly the last known one was destroyed in the Madrid fire many years ago.

[@mbhsug]

Frankie Hernandez Very sad!

[@jotape5681]

Pretty nice reproduction! i specially like how the obsidian blades are inserted leaving no gaps between, which i like the most in contrast with other examples that intentionally leaves huge gaps.

[@paleomanjim]

Yes, I would also like to see how effective the blades are but I have not tried testing it. No doubt some of the blades would need replacement after striking bone....

[@acs123ism]

The fine flint powder and chippings can be used for sandpaper and resin glue

[@gotrocksinhead]

I understand the obsessing over a project.. I hope we get to see the other ones you plan on making! Also, thanks for pronuncing the word maquahuitl. I would have never figured out how to say the word correctly. I forever would have said something close to "macaroni-el and my wife would be continually raising her eyebrows at me... even more then usual.

[@jbridered]

Awesome job! I was thinking your were gonna chop that cactus in half.

[@paleomanjim]

Very few modern knappers have made blades or cores. My recent video series shows how to make blades and cores, including the core preform. Check out Blade Core Basics Part 1......

[@paleomanjim]

Yes. I cannot wear gloves and do quality work. Feeling the stone is essential to me for successful flake removals. When the stone is supported and help properly cuts are very rare, and usually limited to minor small finger cuts. I have never had a cut severe enough to require stitches....

[@bmfowlks]

Beautiful work. I love all of your videos!

[@mrbluenun]

Many thanks for the upload and the amazing number of 'knives' from the core. I have only tried this once but just could not get the 'trimmed knife blades' to go anything like the same snap and length. Guess it just takes years to practice and realise when you can or can't start to split multi edges?

[@WelderRDT]

Great video series, Jim. Nice history behind that weapon, as always, good replication job...

[@rafaelsax560]

Thanks for the answer, It passed through my mind that this adhesive (Rabbit poop, resine and coal) could easily be replaced if put next to some heat source, but since I have not reached that stage in my Maquahuitl construccion, I cant confirm if it reaches a point were it cant melt again, or if its to prone to melting (campaigns in the arid part of the basin and the hotlands of Veracruz, anyone?). I remember hearing they may have used Guano, that mayhave different useful properties.

[@paleomanjim]

The codex shows most Maquahuitl's with eyelets. My guess is that the eyelet was used to hang the weapon from when not in use, just a guess though. That is how I store my Maquahuitl's so as not to damage the blades. It they are leaned against something or flat on the ground the blades can easily be broken and sharp undamaged blades are critical for this weapon....

[@kullcraven]

Wicked weapon dude. You can wet your finger with saliva, to stop the pitch from sticking your your finger, during smooting it out. The same thing as when smoothing out a silicone bead around a counter top or something. Works great for both applications. I seen this weapon used on deadlist warrior, i believe crazy weapon. Breaks up abit when used, but deadly

[@Gohot229]

Interesting as can be, I think you could teach.... Amazingly, it was of interest to know how to work Yucca. Also, If I'm not mistaken, the yucca has a root/bulb/tuber that can be pounded into a mashed potatoe like food source, just boil and mash. If I were back in my twenties I would like to go back out in the wild for a bit and do a little survival ala Native Indian. Thanks for the three videos, nice cactus garden by the way, My favorite....San Pedro... : )

[@TheMattwasherein1992]

great video series man! really learned a lot and gave some great ideas for future projetcs. Cheers

[@zarconiusbarthalemew7195]

Very cool weapon. Most definitely a decorative piece IMO. The blades seem so delicate if you ever used it they'd likely break. Pretty crazy looking though. Well done!

[@paleomanjim]

It depends on what the blades strike. I am sure the blades would easily penetrate flesh down to the bone with no or minimal damage. As soon as the blades made contact with bone there would no doubt be some breakage of the blades, although since living bone is wet the sword might penetrate the bone as well and sever the limb. Either way the victim would be seriously wounded, probably fatally in those days....

[@TalksWithDirt]

Amazing! Did any other societies in history make these? I'm thinking of all the work that went into this weapon. You need a person to make the blades, the bat, the pitch, store the blades, carry them on a campaign, replace broken blades etc etc. These were expensive weapons. Proportionally more expensive then firearms.

[@Amazeran]

It's an absolute beauty. Since I saw the video for the first time, I wanted to make my own. Mine would include carvings and I'm afrait this would take so much time I'll never do it. Nevertheless, great job!

[@paleomanjim]

It is a big job, took me around 40 hours to make each one, but a good journey

[@laucorn123]

Looks awesome man! :D I bet that thing looks great on display.

[@paleomanjim]

laucorn123 Thanks, I have them displayed on the walls, great home protection too!

[@moleman1961]

Very. Ice work! I would love to see a demo on some meat to get an idea of what sort of damage this could do and how much abuse it could take! Great series!

[@andrewnable]

Very clever blades. The blades would probably shatter when striking skin/flesh! mammal skin skin/flesh is incredibly strong, and surprisingly difficult to cut. I would like to see the weapon created without the use of modern tools (hot air gun, oven, vice, tin can !! etc) I have been attempting to make Reindeer bone needles, using only flint tools! still working on one tine, three days later only just making headway !!! Aboriginal tools = way more skill/time... Nice one Jim; deadly weapon!

[@williamprm]

Excellent! This is extremely well done.

[@paleomanjim]

Thanks, glad you liked it, I had a lot of fun making those and it was a learning experience for me as well

[@charleschristopher9178]

Have you ever tried using a newspaper's ring clamp to hold your thin blades for further working? I find the leather lined jaws and easily adjusted pressure of the grip handy for holding many small and/or delicate items securely and safely while I work on a part of them.

[@charleschristopher9178]

Not "newspaper's ring clamp", "jeweler's ring clamp". I've got to make a habit of reading my comments before hitting the post button; predictive text is making me sound like an idiot.

[@paleomanjim]

Thanks for the tip....

[@paleomanjim]

Just have fun with it. Take it easy, go slow, watch and think about what you are doing, put the flakes back on after you remove them and study each one. Try not to get frustrated, flintknapping takes time. Some days you will do great, others not so well. But over the days and weeks you will improve. Again, just have fun with it and enjoy the journey!....jim

[@MrBagginsEsq]

Sir I think this is a wonderful activity to do. I've seen adults with hobbies that would make the normal person shudder. At least this man likes wholesome fun. Don't complain at him. As I have heard so many times from so many people on youtube if this ain't your thing than don't watch the (optional: insert swear word) video!!!

[@amphetamean66X]

Smaller one is nice too because once it's cut the skin you can grind it down and cut them open even more. That's the purpose of the weapon not to mention if it's wider you can use the blunt edge so that you can then take a captive and later sacrifice them. As you said too you can also throw it if it's shorter.

[@paleomanjim]

Laya Monarez Yes, the Codex depict this weapon in many sizes from small ones to some as large as the user, maybe 6' of more! I think each design had a specific function in battle.....

[@paleomanjim]

This one is probably around average in length, based on Spanish writings and Codex drawings. Sone were shorter, some longer up to 6'.

[@eriklee8323]

Beautiful maquahuitl !!!! I'm going to have to get a few pieces of that wood to make something with it awesome grain patterns.

[@paleomanjim]

Erik Lee Yes, Bocote is beautiful wood, extremely hard dense and strong too......You will enjoy working it!

[@jeffthecheff]

thanks for this series, i thoroughly enjoyed it.i would not want to be up against that in battle!

[@thefinalday5858]

this really does look more like the one in that "photograph" with the samurai armor absolutly brutal

[@MrBouncer1]

enjoyed the video would like to see a video of you making a mineral springs type point out of some of that fine novaculite or texas flint

[@gotrocksinhead]

Great vids! I watched this before bed and I dreamed about maquahuitls all night. I dreamt I kept getting cut up just by touching the weapon. wierd... You are a true artist and craftsman! Couldnt like these vids enough! Thanks. Dan

[@saltysergeant4284]

It's amazing! Great work! Thanks for so much great information!

[@paleomanjim]

Thanks!

[@dr.swiffelswaffel8445]

Now that is cool, brutal but cool. you should make a video of you testing it out

[@paleomanjim]

Yes. I have used the fine chert flakes on a stone metate to grind bifaces, great abrasive!

[@operatorrt]

Amazing work! Thanks for sharing. Definitely I can't make those blades, lol - last time I tried knapping I got a Charlie horse on my left leg so bad I could not walk for weeks

[@paleomanjim]

Yep, there are hazards with this hobby, I shed a lot of blood at times, but nothing too serious, thanks

[@pizzaface117]

hey jim, have you already made a video on how to find flint rocks? i live in the mid-atlantic region, and I wanted to know if I could find one.

[@pantera677]

le quedo muy bien el macahuitl con todo respeto un gringo muy azteca saludos desde mexico.......

[@IPIay01]

They came out beautiful

[@rafaelsax560]

I do have a few questions though, regarding the glue you used to paste the blades: Is there any sources for the use of that specific glue, is that the one you found most suitable? and the second one is, if one of the blades were to chip, how difficult would it be to replace it? Lastly, how strong is that glue? would it resist a full blown impact to the neck of a horse, for example? Anxious for your response :D!!!

[@TheArchery97]

Hello, im an extreme beginner to flintknapping and have just bought a knapping kit and learned the safety rules, i am 12 years old and i was wondering if you could give me some advice. Thanks for your amazing videos!

[@gotrocksinhead]

Watch Jims beginning flintknapping vids. The best starter vids ever!

[@MonMalthias]

Would it be possible to set some yucca cord impregnated with pitch into the grooves holding the obsidian to act as a wedge to further secure the blades? I'd imagine that volcanic glass, whilst holding an extremely fine edge, would chip and shatter quite easily. The cord as a wedge could also absorb some of the shock of impact. One could imagine a dovetail into which the cord is set at first, followed by the blade. Then again, it would be difficult to machine such a groove with only stone age tools.

[@paleomanjim]

The Meso Americans are known to have made gums and adhesives from various plants that were probably superior to pine pitch. Your are right, the edge of the obsidian blade are very fragile and the warriors must have taken great care to protect them in battle. No one knows for sure how the blades were secured, they may have been wedged into place.....thanks for the ideas....jim

[@MajoraZ]

Do you have an archive of the site you linked in the description? If not, and you happen to know the guy (You use his first name so i'm assuming you do), could you by chance have him re-create/upload an HTML document version of it from before the domain expired, or even send me a way to contact him myself? I have a huge interest in Mesoamerican cultures and i'd love to be able to read it.

[@montwolfman]

Thanks for posting. Very informative. Well done. I found a glassy black light-weight palm sized rock yesterday. Turned out to be Obsidian. Located close to an abandoned mine. I had no idea that Obsidian is sharper than surgical steel and is being used (or has been used) by Surgeons for micro surgery. This "sword" would inflict serious injury.

[@paleomanjim]

Obsidian blades removed by pressure from a core are the sharpest and most consistent for edge quality. Some surgeons have used them for surgery because the blades do less tissue damage than steel scapulas. Plastic surgeons have used them also because there is less scarring. Obsidian is just a cool rock!

[@arnaldohanatarashi]

paleomanjim what about glass? can you do pressure blades from a bloc of regular glass? It his hard to find obsidian where I live. I think the only sources in Europe are Sicilia and Canarias. My folks brought me a chunk from Sicilia but it is too small for blades, maybe it is large enough for bladelets...

[@alrikscyriel6208]

would it make sense to ad an obsidian Speer at the end? I know this didn't exist but i wonder why nobody tried this... An other question i have is why are there two bladed sides? You could block an enemies weapon if you had one blunt side and one bladed. I hope you were able to understand my very bad English and you know an answer to my questions.

[@kpolivo15og22]

awesome brotha just awesome knowledge appreciate the video's keep it up

[@c.c.c.7756]

Youre one dangerous amigo.

[@paleomanjim]

That happens with a Maquahuitl, thanks

[@capotwins]

Hey Jim, I was wondering is there anywhere that you can get a blade core like the one you had? Or do you have to make them? If so, is there anyplace you could point me in the direction of how to make one?

[@SignedSign]

wouldent those thin flakes brake off after one hit? considering there is a considerable amount of force when ya swing it and it comes to a sudden stop against your target.

[@ezzz42]

Also, a question jim, have you ever built a example that uve used for cut testing or durability? Or are u only intrested in display creations? One again magnificent

[@paleomanjim]

ezzz42 I am sure it would cut well. My guess is that one heavy blow from this weapon would cut a small hog in half... bones and all. I believe this was used in a very specific way with a pulling action during the mighty swing so that it creating a sawing action allowing good penetration. I have never tested one, just way too much work invested in making each one. I believe the story of the Spaniard who reported that an Aztec severed the head of a Spanish soldiers horse with one blow....Some of the Maquahuitl's were 6' long.....

[@ezzz42]

paleomanjim i understand that completely, Dont wreck your creations! lol, Reading the Spanish accounts is interesting to say the least. The shock that these men must have experienced when seeing them being used in battle must have been tremendous. Most of the Spaniards were expert swordsmen and they were all shocked that the Maquahuitl's cut better then their Toledo blades, which was some of the best sword steel of the time. Ive always wondered how the mesoamericans being such expert craftsmen never smelted iron or steel, they definitely had the furnace technology from there gold and platinum smelting to achieve the temperatures for it. they smelted a crude form of bronze i believe, but no iron or steel. I guess it comes down the the fact that with the abundance of obsidian around which is sharper then steel, they simply didn't need steel.

[@myspacebarbrokenevermindif9892]

+ezzz42 they didn't need steel? Obsidian is very hard, much harder than steel, but it is EXTREMELY brittle. Steel is hard AND very strong.

[@LovelyRising]

+The Sun Obsidian blades are also much finer - if you compare steel and obsidian blades under a microscope, the metal forged blades are riddled with pockmark-looking impurities to the grain, where obsidian is still perfectly smooth. No resistance whatsoever to a slice of the blade.

[@myspacebarbrokenevermindif9892]

LovelyRising yes it may be true, but i would still take up a steel blade rather then an obsidian one due to its versatility and reuseablity.