This lithic reproduction is part of an investment grade collection of lithic projectile points, a knife and a sword that was collected by Ben Ruhe in the early 1990s. All of these reproductions were made by Woody Blackwell , one of the world's most famous (and infamous) flint knappers. All of the points in this collection were made between 1989 and 1992 when Woody lived in the Washington, D.C. area (he served as a major in the U.S. Air Force). Ben Ruhe put together this trove of Woody Blackwell stone weapons and tools during this period. Ruhe, who also lived in Washington, D.C., visited his apartment, talked with him on the telephone, and received mail from him in which he discusses the various pieces. Woody is famous for his involvement in the fraudulent reproduction of early North American lithic projectile points. Because his knapping skills fooled almost all of the experts (see Peter Bostrom's web site), Woody has earned a reputation as one of the world's best knappers. This collection consists of 17 projectile points, 2 knives, and an 18-inch Tennessee-style "sword." All are notable for their exceptional craftsmanship. Copies of correspondence between Woody and Ben Ruhe (the owner of this collection), will be made available to the purchaser of the remainder of the collection. Dr. Mike Gramly, a geologist and archaeologist (Harvard Ph.D.) who specializes in Early Man in North America, has examined the collection and commented favorably on the craftsmanship displayed by Blackwell. He has no doubt whatsoever that everything viewed was created by Blackwell. Ruhe's extensive correspondence with Blackwell corroborates this.

This item is the second largest piece in the Blackwell collection. It is an Adena Oval Knife (Late Archaic to Woodland) or Paleo knife (Transitional Paleo) or Nodena (Mississippian to Historic 600-400 BP). This type is sometimes found in burials or used as trade preforms found in many cultures and time periods. It is made out of dramatic black and white novaculite. This is a very nice lithic reproduction from one of the best knappers in the world. Length = 219 mm (8.6 in) ; Weight = 234 gm