broke point

[criverkat]

I keep having this problem every time i try getting a point thin.This piece i had a bad stack and i was trying to get rid of it and well you see what happened, but its this size points i am having trouble with. Any advise would be appreciated this is the tenth one i broke and they could all be twenkies 

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[cowboy]

Is that pressure or percussion? You can break em easy enough either way. Priority one is set up your platform just at or below center - second priority is to get your angle right befor you strike or push with pressure flaker (ishi stick). Not doing either one of those right in the begining stages can break or create steps and stacks causing a break later.
 I'd suggest getting with someone who can show you or at least a good book (with pictures). Only one I've ever looked at was "the art of flintknapping" by: DC Waldorf.

[FlintWalker]

Striking too high on the platform.  Not isolating the platform. Bad aim  Poor support.   Could be a number of things.   Show us the flake that was removed at the moment it broke. That'll help fihure out what went wrong.

[criverkat]

well it was percussion,and pressure for setting up platforms and i have lots of books and videos as my points get thin its hard to tell were above and bellow center is with this piece the stack started out as a week platform and that second swing did not help i set up a  platform behind my stack abraded it well and took a swing "snap"
as far as the pont of inpact flake, well when it snaped so did i

[StevenT]

I can't say anything different from what has been suggested and don't mean to change the direction of your thread, but have you heard of a booger-picker tool? To make one, all you need to do is hammer a small mail into a small (4 inch or so) piece of broom handle. Drill a small hole in the dowel first so it doesn't split on you. After you hammer the nail in, cut the head off and file the end into a shape like a flat blade screw driver only make it flat and sharp. You can then use it to pick off some stacks, flakes that hang, etc. It won't help with your platform making and striking skills, but it sure comes in handy.

[Hillbilly]

What Shannon said, plus maybe pinching it too hard. I broke tons like that until I figured out to hold very gently, just enough pressure to keep it from flying out of your hand when you hit it. Try to support the piece evenly and lightly.

[criverkat]

 hillbilly that could be it cause cause i do squeezed pretty tight never really thought of that i will defiantly try to ease up on my grip

THANKS DAVID

[Hillbilly]

Usually if you squeeze it tight after you start getting it thin, it'll snap right where you're holding it.

[sailordad]

Usually if you squeeze it tight after you start getting it thin, it'll snap right where you're holding it.

been there done that more than once
ben knapping a year now,still do it.wrecked a real nice one the other night just about had it finished too
oh well,gotta do that from time to time just to remind myself to not squeeze it too tight

[stickbender]

     Well Hillbilly, that could be my problem then also.  Only it snaps off at the opposite end, where I am hitting.   Got some new words, though......
                                                                                 Wayne

[Bone pile]

That's end snap Wayne,if you have to hit on the base of the point,fluting or thining,try pressing the point into something to absorb the shock.I've shot tips across the room.....more than once
Bone pile

[stickbender]

     Thanks Bone pile, I will try that.  That's exactly what it is doing, either, just falling off, or flying across the yard.

                                                                          Wayne