However in some specimens, the recurved outline of the blade is not pronounced. The Etley exhibits a distinct and pronounced barbed shoulder that usually expands and the barbs have a tendency to point downwards and away from the blade towards the base. The barbs are usually rounded somewhat. The blade edge just above the barbs is usually incurvate until about one-half of the length of the point and then arcs in an excurvate manner to the tip. The maximum overall width usually occurs at the tip of the barbs.
Flake scars are flat, expanding and massive.
The blade cross section can vary from parallel-sided to triangular. Reworking due to use wear does affect the barbs which can vary from expanding to absent on highly reworked specimens. The Etley point type contains specimens of imposing size and technical knapping excellence. The Etley is found chiefly in the St. Louis, Missouri area including central and southern Illinois and east-central Missouri. The Etley could occur in lower frequency in the lower Ohio River Valley and a single blade was found in a burial at the Crib Mound site in Spencer County, Indiana.