Microscopic characteristics of hacking trauma

The purpose of this study was to determine if it is possible to associate m achetes, axes, and cleavers with the microscopic parallel striations they l eave on the cut surfaces of the bone. Hacking trauma was experimentally inf licted on pig bones using machetes, axes, and cleavers. Negative impression s of both the cut surfaces of the bone and the weapon blades were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The results of this investigation indic ate that it is possible to correlate a class of hacking weapons to trauma i nflicted on bone by these weapons.