hafting

Hafting is the technique of attaching a blade, point, or tool edge to a shaft or handle to form a single, functional implement. The assembly typically includes a haft (the shaft or handle), a blade or point, and some form of binding or adhesive to secure the edge to the shaft. Hafting enlarges the effective edge, provides leverage, and enables the tool to be used without directly grasping the cutting edge.

Construction and materials vary, but common elements include a wooden or reed shaft, a stone, metal, or bone blade or point, and binders such as sinew, plant fibers, hide glue, or pitch resins. The edge may be held by binding alone, by a socket or split haft, or by wedging a blade into a groove and fastening it with cords, adhesives, or a ferrule. Sealing compounds and resins help prevent moisture intrusion and looseness, increasing durability in tools subjected to impact or cutting forces.

Techniques used to haft items include lashing, binding with cords, and the use of adhesives to fill gaps and secure the blade. Some hafts rely on a mechanical fit, such as a groove or socket, while others depend on wraps and binding to trap the edge in place. The choice of method depends on material availability, tool type, and intended use.

Across archaeological and ethnographic contexts, hafting is a central technology in weaponry and woodworking. Evidence includes hafted stone points on spear shafts, edged tools with bound edges, and residue analyses that identify binding materials and adhesives. Experimental archaeology reproduces hafting to study performance and durability in historical toolkits.