Is obsidian good as a weapon?

The name is derived from the Nahuatl language and means “hand-wood”. Its sides are embedded with prismatic blades traditionally made from obsidian. Obsidian is capable of producing an edge sharper than high quality steel razor blades. The macuahuitl was a standard close combat weapon.

Is an obsidian sword practical?

It seems highly unlikely. Obsidian, while incredibly sharp, is also very brittle, and likely wouldn’t withstand the process needed, to shape the obsidian into a sword blade of usable length and durability.

Why can obsidian get so sharp?

Obsidian is a volcanic glass that is created when magma is pushed to the earth’s surface and is cooled very rapidly. This stops it from forming a crystal structure and also introduces a form of ‘compressive strength’ which makes the material even stronger.

How Sharp would an obsidian sword be?

Cutting edge Obsidian – a type of volcanic glass – can produce cutting edges many times finer than even the best steel scalpels. At 30 angstroms – a unit of measurement equal to one hundred millionth of a centimeter – an obsidian scalpel can rival diamond in the fineness of its edge.

Is black obsidian hard to touch?

Black obsidian is a dark and rough glass-like rock that forms after volcanic lava cools quickly. It is very hard when you get to touch it, and although it has some smooth areas, you have to be wary of its edges because they tend to be very sharp.

What are the dragonglass weapons in Game of Thrones?

Several main characters are seen arming themselves with, and using, dragonglass weapons: Samwell is handed a pair of dragonglass daggers. Arya gives Sansa a dagger to defend herself with. Lyanna Mormont stabs the giant wight in the eye with a dagger.

Why is dragonglass not as popular as steel?

Dragonglass is sharper than steel, but also more brittle. For this reason it does not make good swords because they might shatter, but smaller daggers are more sturdy and therefore more common. They are also very effective as arrowheads.

Is dragonglass still useful in the books?

Since magical properties of dragonglass are only required to fight against wights, which are all destroyed when Arya kills the Night King with the Valyrian steel dagger, it’s usefulness has expired.