How Sharp Is an Obsidian Knife?

How Sharp Is an Obsidian Knife?

Cutting edge

Obsidian – a type of volcanic glass – can produce cutting edges many times finer than even the best steel scalpels. At 30 angstroms – a unit of measurement equal to one hundred millionth of a centimeter – an obsidian scalpel can rival diamond in the fineness of its edge.

Does obsidian make good knives?

The Benefits of an Obsidian Blade

An obsidian blade under that same microscope would be perfectly smooth and even. It's incredible how much more perfect nature can be by just not trying at all.

Is obsidian sharper than diamond?

Surprisingly, the edge of a piece of obsidian is superior to that of a surgeon's steel scalpel. It is 3 times sharper than diamond and between 500-1000 times sharper than a razor or a surgeon's steel blade resulting in easier incisions and fewer microscopic ragged tissue cuts.
Alexander Ross
Author

Alexander Ross

Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.