Culter
Culter (Latin: culter) was a Roman type of utility knife. It was mostly made of iron, occasionally bronze. It could have a wooden, bone, or metal handle. The handle and blades could be decorated with various patterns. A loop for hanging the tool was often found on the handle. The blade shape could vary significantly in both form and size depending on its intended use.
A Roman knife. Found in Britain. The British Museum. 1st century AD
A set of knives. Roman Britain. London Museum. 1-2 century AD
Roman knives. Vindonissa Museum. AD 14-104Depending on its functionality and size, the knife could have different names, such as:
- Clunac(u)lum: a knife, dagger (used for slaughtering animals)
- Crepidarius: shoemaker's knife
- Falcastrum: sickle-shaped garden knife
- Falcula: small sickle or garden knife
- Falx, falcis: garden knife
- Novacula: sharp knife
- Scalprum: cutting tool (chisel, scalpel, garden knife, shoemaker's tool)
- Secespita: sacrificial knife
Roman bas-relief with knives. 2nd century ADKnives were widely used by all ancient peoples. The shape, functionality, and choice of materials varied depending on the culture. For example, besides iron, bronze could also be used for making the blade. To enhance strength, the blade could have reinforcement ridges.
The largest variety of knives has been found in Roman culture. They were used by both the civilian population for domestic purposes and in legionary camps. They served ritual and medical purposes as well. There were also knives combined with other tools, such as spoons and forks. Additionally, folding knives were quite common.
Roman folding knife. Iron blade, bronze handle. Length 13.97 cm. Found in Vaucluse, Vaison commune, France. British Museum, London. No. 1851.0813.45. 1-2 century AD
Roman folding knife. Iron blade, bronze handle. Length 13.97 cm. Found in Vaucluse, Vaison commune, France. British Museum, London. No. 1851.0813.45. 1-2 century AD
Roman folding knife. Iron blade, bronze handle. Length 13.97 cm. Found in Vaucluse, Vaison commune, France. British Museum, London. No. 1851.0813.45. 1-2 century ADRelated topics
Ancient military campaigns, Spoon, Fork, Calix, Catinum, Pugio, Gladius
Gallery
A Roman knife. Roman Britain. London Museum. 1-2 century AD
A Roman knife. Roman Britain. London Museum. 1-2 century AD
A Roman knife. Roman Britain. London Museum. 1-2 century AD
A Roman knife. Roman Britain. Museum of Ontario. 1st century AD
A Roman knife. Roman Britain. Museum of Ontario. 1st century AD
A Roman knife. Roman Britain. The British Museum. 2nd century AD
A Roman knife. Roman Britain. London Museum. 1-2 century AD
A Roman knife. Roman Britain. London Museum. 1-2 century AD
Roman bronze knife with a ram's head. Stored in the MMoA. 1st century AD 
Roman knives. Vindonissa Museum. Image for postcards. AD 14-104
A Roman knife. Roman Britain. Museum of Ontario. 1st century AD
A Roman knife. Roman Britain. Museum of Ontario. 1st century AD
