[Gavin Kisebach]

Hello everybody,

I've just got a quick question here; I searched for it but came up empty on previous threads.

Does anyone know when and where serrations started appearing on knives? I guess I should separate that into "sawbacks" like those pioneer swords from the 19th century and actual serrated blades. The primary question here is about actually serrated primary edges. Is this a product of the industrial age; or were serrated blades used in the medieval or even classical periods? My wildest guess is that serrated knives are a post-industrial invention.

[Josh Maxwell]

Technically you could look at the notches created by knapping flint knives as serrations. But if you don't than I'd guess the notches carved into the base of parrying daggers.

[Eric Fick]

<---Not a Greek Expert, However, I seem to remember something about the Xiphos having serrations.

can anyone with a background in Greek history/arms give input? If indeed this would be an example in the bronze age.

[Peter Johnsson]

There is a curious short sword/dagger of bronze on display in the British museum. It is of Greek origin and belongs to the classic period (iron age), but it is made of bronze. Seems to have been cast in one piece. In style it looks just like a Xiphos: same type of guard, grip and pommel. The blade is a waisted leaf shape. It is short. From memory I´d say the blade is about 20 cm. Cross section is lenticular and rather sturdy.
It is said to be a votive dagger or sword, or possibly something that has been cast to mount in the hand of a sculpture.

It has sharp serrated edges, however...

Very strange object. I have not made up my mind on what I think it is. But it looks much more dedicated and refined than any votive object I´ve seen. And the edges are sharp.

It is published in "The Spartan Army" by Nick Secunda, Osprey Publishing, page 31.
The text tells it was purchased in Crete in 1898.

[Jeroen Zuiderwijk]

[Eric Fick]

DOH, a bronze weapon in the iron age. Again, not my area of study.