This paper presents the results achieved in the technological, typometric, morphotypological and, mainly, use-wear analysis (supported by an experimental programme) of the collection of Noailles burins from level IV of Isturitz cave. The data obtained revealed that this type of burin was a highly standardised tool; thus, it is a small morphotype, generally made from a very narrow bladelet, usually on an oblique and concave truncation. This created a sharp active zone (the dihedral) where the use-wear traces are normally located. Their distribution shows that these burins were used mainly for piercing, while the faintness of the traces suggest that they were employed with quite soft materials, such as dry hide. Experimentation demonstrated the effectiveness of these implements for piercing dry hide, and the use-wear on the experimental burins correspond to the traces observed on archaeological burins. It also showed that the Noailles burins of Isturitz Cave are incompatible with harder materials or tasks of longer duration or intensity.