Why?

[SportsmanAll]

Got me a good sized drill base today. But I am intrigued as to why the hand hold part is sharpened so well? Were drills of this design used as multi tools? I just don’t understand why all the edges would need to be so deadly sharp. Also would the size of this piece signify use on much larger jobs or tasks? Thanks.

 

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[1320]

Honestly can’t agree with you on this piece being a drill. Most drills were hafted.

 

[SportsmanAll]

I don’t see any signs of hafting. Plus this piece was in the same vicinity as the pic in question. Note the similarities.

 

[SportsmanAll]

Ah, I c u said “were” hafted....note this pic from the internet. All very similar and I doubt we’re hafted.

 

[Greg Lafla]

I think there are some things where it seems formed, it’s better to look good than work perfectly.

 

[joshuaream]

Got me a good sized drill base today. But I am intrigued as to why the hand hold part is sharpened so well? Were drills of this design used as multi tools? I just don’t understand why all the edges would need to be so deadly sharp. Also would the size of this piece signify use on much larger jobs or tasks? Thanks. View attachment 1600321

Given the size compared to the quarter, the drill bit would have been really long. Maybe just resharpened knife?

 

[sandchip]

I'm thinking along the same lines as Josh. A cross-sectional view of the break might help.

 

[Indian Steve]

I'm thinking a broke point that was repurposed into a hafted scraper.

 

[SportsmanAll]

Additional pics from different angles.

 

[1320]

Ah, I c u said “were” hafted....note this pic from the internet. All very similar and I doubt we’re hafted. View attachment 1600341

The majority of drills began life as a hafted something else i.e., a knife, a projectile. This is somewhat obvious in the examples that you’ve posted.

As others are saying, your piece in question is most likely something other than a drill.