Why were blade tools useful to Late Paleolithic people?

In the Late Paleolithic period, blade tools—defined as long, thin slivers of rock with straight, keen edges—were highly valued for their versatility and efficiency. Their utility to Late Paleolithic people stemmed from several key factors:12

• Precision and Versatility: Unlike earlier, cruder implements, blades provided sharp, unserrated cutting edges that could be used directly as knives or skillfully broken down into smaller, specialized pieces.12
• Hafting and Composite Tools: Blades were frequently used as components in composite tools. By cementing small, sharp pieces known as microliths into wood or bone handles, people could create tools with cutting edges longer than what was possible to produce from a single piece of brittle flint.2
• Maintenance: When blades became dull, they could be retouched through pressure flaking, a technique requiring fine motor control that extended the life and effectiveness of the tool.3
• Specialization: The development of the burin, a stout, narrow-bladed tool, allowed for the precise scraping of grooves in bone and antler. This enabled the creation of complex items such as needles, fish hooks, and projectile points, which were essential for survival in diverse environments.2