On the television show it goes like this- “By analyzing the depth and width of the wound, and the serration marks on the skin, we were able to determine that the weapon used was a hand-forged stag rifleman’s Knife with a 4 1/4” Handle, only manufactured by an online dealer called Swamp Fox Knives. Find out who ordered that knife, and we’ve got our murderer!"
How far from real forensics is this?
It is not totally clear cut, but some useful information can be gleaned.
The depth of a stab wound may exceed the length of the blade due to compression of soft tissues so a wound 6" deep could be made by a blade only 5" long. Of course the same wound could be made by a blade 9" long that did not fully penetrate to the blade’s full depth.
Corresponding bruise marks at the edge of the wound may indicate a hilt on the weapon.
Wound patterns are different for a single edged vs double edged weapons. Serration of the blade is evident by the damaged done.
Overall, such analysis may more easily exclude a particular knife more easily than identifying the exact knife used.
True dat.
They can find the person by looking at the national knife registry :dubious:
Relevant recent thread:
That was my inspiration for this thread.
Semi-obligatory XKCD reference.
How far do you think any crime lab would get identifying wounds made from these knives? In particular, what about this one, which I just happen to own?
What about a pointed stick?
So to speak.
Other than knives made specifically as weapons, the only two-edged utility knife I’m aware of is a duct knife. Does anyone know why they’re usually two-edged?
First I heard of these, but the Home Depot page for one says “Its double-edge blade is ideal for making blind cuts in flex duct.” Or for another brand, “The stainless steel blade is dual-sided: one serrated and one regular for added versatility.”
Shut up.
Questioning the truth of tv csi is pointless. The example i point out is that no matter where they look, they find relevant evidence, and it takes less than a few hours regardless of size. Imagine sifting through a bag of lawn trimmings to find the one blade of grass that matters.
It’s totally unrealistic! I mean, in real life they’d have interns for the lawn trimmings!
Focusing back in on the topic, how good are real forensics experts when it comes to identifying blades used by examining wounds?
If killers would stop using those cheap-ass knives that always leave a small bit of broken tip in the wound, they’d get away with more murders.
Need answer fast?
Splinters, duh.
People who own knives like those tend to not kill others with them. (No true killer argument)