Holmer (1978) offers the following definitions:
   Northern Side-notched are triangular blade forms with slightly convex edges. The horizontal notches are moderately high on the sides, forming a slightly contracting base that is approximately the same width as the blade. The base is usually concave, although straight bases occur.

Type Site: Wilson Butte Cave (Gruhn 1961).

Temporal Distribution: C. 6800-6200 B.P.; Early Archaic.

   Hawken Side-notched are lanceolate blade forms with low, semicircular notches forming slightly contracting stems with flat to slightly Convex bases.

Type Site: various (Frison et al. 1976).

Temporal Distribution: C. 6500-4500 B.P.; Early-Middle Archaic.

   Rocker Side-notched are wide lanceolate blades with moderately high horizontal side notches forming a stem that is often semicircular in outline. Blade and basal edges form a smooth continuous curve.

Type Site: Cowboy Cave (Jennings 1980)

Temporal Distribution: 6500-5500 B. P.'. Early Archaic.

   Sudden Side-notched are triangular blade forms with slightly convex edges, high horizontal side notches and contracting stem with a slightly convex base.

Type Site.. Sudden Shelter (Jennings et aL 1980).

Temporal Distribution: c. 6500-4500 B.P.; Early-Middle Archaic.

   San Raphael Side-notched are triangular blade forms with high, horizontal notches and a parallel-sided, concave based stem equal in width to the blade. Holmer (1978:49) notes that these points are thin and fragile compared to other large side-notched variants and that they are relatively rare.

Type Site.. Sudden Shelter (Jennings et aL 1980).