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Culter

Евсеенков А.С.

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 14-104

Depending on its functionality and size, the knife could have different names, such as:

Roman bas-relief with knives. 2nd century AD

Knives 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 AD

Related 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