CELTIC SIDE OR POUCH KNIFE C.100BC-200AD

1/8” length with elegantly recurved wedge section blade.  Tapered tang for securing to a bone, antler, or wood grip.  Knife styles varied according to the fighting techniques of their respective cultures. As with Vikings later, Celts preferred a small slashing knife. Increased size translates to a slower attack and with a moving target, decreased accuracy. This blade form derives from the overhand back slash capable of tearing a man’s throat to the spine but at the price of the loss of primary frontal protection. You had to get it right or do it clandestinely. Excavated and professionally conserved with Plexiglas display easel. Rarely encountered.