Aztec Macuahuitl Obsidian Sword

This replica showcases one of the deadliest prehistoric combat weapons known, the Macuahuitl, or Obsidian Sword.  This weapon had its origin in Pre-Columbian Meso-America, and was at its height of use during the Spanish conquest of the 1500's.  There are no surviving examples today, but during this time of Conquest the Spanish drew many descriptions which are available for study today.  This model depicts a type seen in the Codex Mendoza, the Codice Tudela, and the Codex Ixtlilxochitl in the Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris, France.
  This model is 33 inches long, and is in the range of the shorter versions of the two handed styles. The main body is made in Mohagony, which is grooved to fit the glued in Obsidian flakes. There are several styles that can be found depicted in the descriptions, and some of these are made from long thin Obsidian blades made from prepared cores.  A prototype was made here first with this design, and it was so deadly sharp that it was hard to keep anyone around it safe from injury.  Although it will upset some purists, this model has had the molecular edge slightly touched with a wetstone.  This way it is sharp(like an arrowhead) but will not cut skin when touched like a scalpel blade flake will.  Pictured above is Aztec King Nezahualcoyotl(from 1500's Codex Ixtlilxochitl) with similar blade flake model.