A1929.1

The cutting tool’s handle appears to be carved from a single piece of wood. The handle’s main axis also appears to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the wood. The handle has been carved into an intricate design and appears to have a bird and whale painted on with black, yellow, and red paint. There is a singular piece of white leather nailed onto the tool’s side with two small ferrous razor blades wedged into the bottom of the tool. The top of the handle has been carved into a curved design while the bottom of the tool is smooth and flat. A long oval has been carved in the middle of the tool for the user’s convenience when gripping the handle. There are also two small holes bored into each end of the handle’s design although the purpose of the holes is unknown. The object is 17cm in length, 6cm in height, and 2 cm in width.

There are obvious signs of use due to the tool’s worn and discolored wood. There also appears to be slight discoloration along the lines and veins of the wood. Although there are no significantly large cracks or breaks, there are numerous chips and scratches that can be seen throughout the tool. The small piece of leather nailed to the tool is also heavily discolored and worn from age and surface grime. The yellow paint on the bird’s beak and feet are visibly discolored from surface grime as well. There are also numerous dark scratches going against the wood’s grain along the bottom of the tool. The razor blades are the most vulnerable part of the object due to the fact that they are the thinnest and sharpest part of the object with the potential to harm someone if handled without caution. The nailed leather also seems vulnerable due to its worn appearance and thin texture. English words also appear to be written in pen ink on the tool’s bottom. The only word visible is “Helma” while the rest of the writing is too faded to decipher. There is also a small white tag with a catalog number and label pasted into the handle’s oval inside.