A penetrating stab wound to the chest is examined at autopsy. The wound track is triangular with one sharp angle and one V-shaped squared-off angle. This wound morphology is MOST consistent with a stab from:
- A A single-edged knife, with the triangular end from the sharp edge and the squared end from the back (blunt spine) ✓
- B A double-edged stiletto blade
- C A serrated kitchen knife with an irregular cutting edge
- D A circular punch or spike producing a symmetrical wound
Correct answer: A. A single-edged knife, with the triangular end from the sharp edge and the squared end from the back (blunt spine)
Explanation
Stab wounds from single-edged knives produce a wound with one acute (pointed) angle from the cutting edge and one squared or fishtail-shaped angle from the blunt spine of the blade. Double-edged weapons (stiletto, bayonet) produce wounds with two acute angles. Serrated knives may show tissue tags or irregular wound margins. This distinction between single and double-edged weapons is of fundamental medicolegal importance in weapon identification.
Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.