Hafting

Hafting is a process by which an artifact, often made of bone, stone, or metal is attached to a haft (handle or strap). This makes the artifact more useful by allowing it to be launched by a bow (arrow), thrown by hand (spear), or used with more effective leverage (axe). When constructed properly, hafting can tremendously improve a weapon's damage and range. It is estimated that hafted weapons were most common during the Upper Paleolithic and Middle Paleolithic. It is one of the earliest examples of hominins combining separate elements into a single tool. The development of hafting is considered by archaeologists to have been a significant milestone. It was not only an improvement in technology at the time, but also a sign of the human mind's progression toward a world of complex tool-making.

Hafting weapons is perhaps best known for its use by humans in prehistory, but it is still practiced by enthusiasts today, and the handle of a tool such as an axe is still known as a haft. Many people still practice hafting using old-fashioned methods to determine the best way to attach a handle to tools, while improving the overall structure and function. Hafting has evolved, and the concept is still evident in the design of modern tools such as hammers and axes. The methods and processes of hafting have also varied and evolved.