Iowabow, I don't know if my technique can help or hurt. On my final pass with the Ishi stick or any pressure flaker I hold it at about a 30 deg. angle to the point. I only apply enough pressure to detach the intended flake. That is I allow the flake to detach on it own. I've heard some people talk of applying pressure & then tweaking the flaker, snapping the flaker to detach the intended flake. For me that leaves a bulb on the edge that can screw up a point. I hope this helps you.