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skilfully executed figural motifs. Most examples are, however, used as penknives (Božič 2002; Božič and Feugère 2004, 38–39).
simpler and feature a varying number of circular ornaments on These small knives can be of various shapes, usually with metal
the body. They can be quite small compared to ceramic inkwells, or bone handles that can, for example, be figurative or hexagonal/
with a diameter of under 4 cm, whereas Samian inkwells can come octagonal in section (Božič 2001c).
close to, or exceed, 10 cm (Eckardt 2018, 109–112).
For one specific type of knife this association has been argued
Metal inkwells are found in funerary and high-status rural contexts particularly plausibly by Božič (2001c). It is depicted on the Atimetus/
more frequently than Samian inkwells, which seem to be associated Epaphra relief (fig. 1) and is also found in female graves, calling
with military/urban sites and commerce and industry in particular the former interpretation as a shaving knife into question. This
(Willis 2005; Monteil 2008). type is typical of the second half of the 1st / first half of the 2nd
century CE (Božič and Feugère 2004, 39). It has an iron blade with
a curved point. The handle is made of iron or copper-alloy or, less
Further reading and images:

Alonso et al. 2019; Bajusz 2004; Božič and Feugère 2004, 35-37; Damiani
2021; Eckardt 2018; Fünfschilling 2012, 186–194; Giumlia-Mair 2021; Monteil
2008;Päffgen 1986; Wasgestian and Quarg 1986; Willis 2005

Also see: fig. 2 (Pompeii still lifes); fig. 3 (Berlingen); fig. 12 (S. Egidio);
fig. 13 (Manius Servius Primigenius); fig. 15 (Codex Amiatinus).

Selected ancient literary evidence:
Pliny the Elder (NH 35.41–43) describes the production of ink and Vitruvius
(7.10.2) how soot was used for ink. Persius (Sat. 3.10–20) describes ink
that is clotty or too diluted. Cicero (Q. fr. 2.14 [15b].1) mentions well-mixed
ink. Horace (Epist. 2.1.235–237) uses staining ink as a simile.
Fig. 48: Penknives of the type shown on the Atimetus/Epaphra
altar, from London (UK), Winchester (UK) and Berlingen (Belgium),
Penknife (scalprum (librarium)) from Božič 2001c, 28 fig. 1 (after Kaufmann-Heinimann 1998,

Biddle 1967 and Roosens and Lux 1973), courtesy of D. Božič.
When the tip of reed pens wore down, they would need sharpening.
For this purpose, small knives were used (whetstones may also have
been used to sharpen pens, see Anth. Pal. 6.64–65). Small knives often, bone, and has a very characteristic lunate cut-out. Most
can serve numerous purposes, and when excavated they are often examples measure between 10–17 cm. They have been found in
thought to be shaving or grooming knives. But for a number of finds various places throughout the empire, mainly in the northwestern
their association with writing equipment suggests that they were provinces, often in funerary or military contexts.