Started Knapping this Afternoon

[mullet]

 Bishop, another little tip. If you are using ground wire, it's soft. Put one end in a vice and grab the other end with vice grips and twist it so it spirals a little bit. This will make it harder and last a little longer.

[Bishop]

im pretty sure its just copper grounding wire, bare copper wire from the Home Depot. i will put it in the vise and give it a twist. whats a better option, copper nails maybe?
Bishop

[mullet]

 Nails are real good. It tok me coaxing my Home Depot man into stocking them.

[Sparrow]

 I been knapping for 20 years,making my own shoot arrows for about 10 years,now I am making my first bow,what I've heard guys call going full circle.(Always been "Primitive") This is starting to be alot of fun. Those points will come,just keep whacking them rocks.  Frank

[Bishop]

I made some pressure flakers today, a couple regular sizes and a couple smaller sizes, also hammered some of the copper wire flat and made a couple notchers, used the tips you all gave,  will try them out in a couple days...hope they work...

Bishop

[Otoe Bow]

Hey Eddie, you say your Home Depot carried copper nails now?  What are they normally used for, besides Knapping?  I can't find them anywhere and get strange looks when I ask.

Otoe

[Bishop]

Im having the same problem Otoe, they seem to be associated with wooden boat building, the only other thing i have learned is that they are kind of expensive compared to regular nails. ive hit every home center, farm supply, hardware store and co-op i know with no luck. prob have to get them online.

Bishop

[jamie]

copper nails are also used in high end roofing and gutter projects. need to go to a real hardware store that would cater to a local specialist. better yet seeing as your on the computer you can just get some online. i finally made one last year wheni started working some of the texas concrete. i used a piece of antler and put a 1" section of the nail in it. when it wears down just replace it. i think its already been said but its best to hammer it to a point then use a file to clean it up

[Hillbilly]

I buy a pocket full of copper nails every time I'm at a knap-in. Most people who sell knapping supplies online carry them.

[Otoe Bow]

Does any knappin' go on at Pappy's classic (I can see the responses to that one already  ).  It's looking better and better each day that I may actually be able to make that trip.  If so, I may make that my big purchase for the trip.   

Otoe

[RG]

There will be knapping at Pappys Look at What is this thread in this same Title there is some rock I can get alot of but I dont know anything about the rocks for knapping

Ron

[FlintWalker]

Hey Guys, the old fellow I buy my leather from has a box full of copper roofing nails in his shop.  The other day he ask me if I needed some for knife handle pins.  If I can get a few, I'd be happy to send some to whoever needs some.  Saw Filer

[cowboy]

I've never tried nails. Early on I found an old power pole down by the lake and stripped all the ground wire off it. They must have used stiffer wire waaay back when, I got about six foot of it and think it will last me for life. Tried the same size ground wire from the Depot, was too soft - kept bending on me. Didn't try twisting it though .