Dacite or Novaculite?

[david w.]

Which one would be easier to knap?

[PeteDavis]

Both work very easily. The Dacite will break easier (more brittle). So try both!  PD (amateur)

[david w.]

Ok I will try both.

[Blacktail]

since i am a western guy i would say dacite...some people say that it chips just like obsidian..but i think that is a load of crap..its a little tuffer..when you chip obsidian and dacite alot you know the differance....but chips very well...about novaculite i have very chipped it...but from what i have seen it looks like a good rock to chip if cooked right...john

[david w.]

The novaculite I would get is heat treated so i would think it would be very easy.  I have never knapped obsidian so I would know how to compare it

[Blacktail]

david,i would do as pete and try both if you can...even if you turn it into gravel you will  still learn some thing...its all about fun.

[david w.]

Ya I will get alittle bit of both.

[billy]

HEy David,

I've knapped both.  I think heated novaculite is actually a little more brittle than dacite, but that's my opinion.  I've noticed on both that you need to set up platforms carefully and grind them well when percussion flaking.  Because they are both kinda brittle you don't need to hit the platforms hard to  detach large flakes...if the edges are prepared properly. 

[mullet]

 I've chipped both, also. Personally I like Dacite. Novaculite depends too much on how good or bad it was heat treated. And it is a B#$&H knapping raw.

[Sparrow]

 Dacite is my absolute favorite. It will make the finest hunting heads you could want.Not the prettist color, I'll grant you,but it knapp's easy and is tougher than obsidian.Very Sharp too !  And it's good to go right out of the ground.No cooking needed.  Frank

[Justin Snyder]

I like my obsidian that knaps more like dacite. 

[david w.]

Thanks for all this help it looks like I will get more dacite

[Hillbilly]

Yeah, they're both good. i like dacite. And Justin, I like your obsidian better than the glass buttes stuff myself.

[koan]

Ya Justin, I like yours too...its easy for me to break into tiny little pieces and decorate my driveway with... .....Brian

[Ryan_Gill_HuntPrimitive]

my vote is for dacite too. hard to beat for functionality- Ryan