Flint Knappin
 

Anyone here knap glass? I am trying too. Destroying some obsidian. I am going ot move to pane glass to try to figure out my correct angles and reduction.

As with anything in the primtive world. Its harder than it looks. But if tonto can pull it off, I am will give it a try. In my defense, tonto was probably chipping glass at 2.

It's hard at first, but much easier with our modern tools-nails driven into small block of wood and head snipped off, screws for serrations- than tonto had, once you get the hang of it. Use different colors of pop bottle/beer bottle bottoms. Teem and Heiniken heads are awesome

I can see this being addictive. Thats for sure.

I've been toying with the idea of knapping for quite awhile, is it something you have to learn first hand, or can you pick it up from a book just as easily?

I find it extremely interesting. I honestly plan on taking it up once I retire.

I have seen it several times at primitive get togethers. So I had an idea of the billets, and flakers, and rocks involved.

I am reading DC Waldorf's book "The art of flintknapping". It puts you on the path.

What I am finding is its a hobby of patience and observation. Tedious. But thats my thing. I love tedious processes like reloading ammo. In other words, if you go at it bashing and clashing, or try to take off to many pieces at once, its going to break. You can be so close to being done and ruin it with one misthoughtout precussion. You have to study the biface and plan an attack on a problem. Some guys make it look easy.

I have yet to make anything worthwhile, but this is what I have noticed. I want to reproduce ishi's long points, and would love to make obsidian knife blades. Maybe even reproduce the danish dagger.

Only thing I don't like is for real pretty pieces, it appears you need to learn how to heat treat. And thats a lot of work. I am only working with glass and obsidian now.

I hear some folks claim that antler tips are better than copper nails for flaking. They swear that moose horn billets are better boppers too?

There was an article on flint knapping in Backwoodsman magazine in vol 30 no# 3 May/June 2009. It was a great article and showed making arrow points from drink bottles. You can buy back issues by calling 1-866-820-4387. It is a great article.

I try to go to local MOUNTAIN MAN RENDEVOUS, _ usually couple a year within couple hour drive. This year, I'm going to Adirondack Museum, Blue Mountain Lake, Adirondacks. It's about 50 miles ne of Utica. August 15-16. The entire Museum grounds, several acres will be set up MM style. There are always several knappers at these, giving seminars. Just walk around the grounds and check fingers out. You can always tell the knappers. Looks like they have stock in Johnson & Johnson { bandaids } LOL