Crooked knives were used for a variety of things. They were the principal tools used in making bowls, spoons, ladles, and cups. These knives were trade articles, not confined to any one group of Native Americans. They can be found all across the United States.

The knife has a metal blade that hooks on the end with the edge being sharp from the hook to the grip. The extended butt is angled at about 45 degrees and often had an animal effigy carved on it.