I think it is a preform that went very wrog for the maker, and I am sure the next words out of his mouth when he struck it for the last time ,just before he trew it ,was the same in every known language . OH SH------!!! With a little more work it could have been hafted to the top of a stick as a very mean weapon. Doug
My understanding is that a preform does not have edge work but this artifact does. I've been told that this could be a unique Covington knife just because of the edge work. My Indian was thinking outside the box.
The only way to know for sure if it was used as a knife would probably be looking for wear marks under a microscope. Im pretty sure people do that but im not an expert on the subject. I am pretty learned in knapping and i would lean towards an unfinished piece. Probably left this way because of the imperfection in the flint, one little whack and that thing would most likely explode. The edge work could be practice, set up for further chipping, or very possibly use as a knife. This is just my opinion based on years of chipping and watching people chip, ive got a pile of those laying around cause they didnt work out.
Interesting.
Rather than Cortex, if that was an inclusion in the core flint it might / did create a weak area in the piece.. . . . .SOooo,,,whatever name you give it, it's a one of a kind.