AFTE Store - Application of the Dynamics of a Knife Puncture to Identify Toolmarks in a Cervical Vertebra

Previous research has demonstrated that the cutting edge of a knife slices the cut material into two opposite pieces. In addition, it has been shown that the back of a knife not designed for cutting can cut. In applying this understanding to a knife stabbing case, the toolmarks found on the cervical vertebra of the victim were identified as having been made by one edge of the swedge of the suspect knife. This finding led to additional research on the dynamics of a knife puncture. It was found that the characteristic Y tear seen in a tire puncture is more than a tear but is also two cuts made by the left and right edges of the back of a wide blade knife.