Michigan Flint knappers meet.

[bjrogg]

Jeb PM'd me info on this meet in Chelsea Michigan. I would have loved to made it on Saturday I couldn't go because we had a previously planned party at our house. I didn't get a real lot of sleep but Sunday morning dark and early my brother and I headed for the meet. It was well worth the lost sleep. There was a very nice group of extremely friendly knappers there. Beautiful points everywhere. I should have taken more pictures but I always get caught up in the moment and don't take as many as I should. Here are some points, I'm really kinda kicking myself I didn't buy some they are beautiful and very reasonably priced. Keep reading along cause there's more to this story
Bjrogg

[bjrogg]

More points

[JEB]

Brian, it was nice to meet up and knap with you and your brother. This year was one of the largest gatherings we have had and it was really busy there on Sunday.  Saturday it was knapping city. Very few public folks walking around so we could knap all day long.

There were some very talented people there showing and selling the items.  You posted some of Mike Cooks points and he is one of the best.  I am fortunate to get invited to his knap ins for lessons although it doesn't do me much good. I still make lots of gravel.

Hope to meet up with you guys at Marshall for some knapping and shooting.  My wife won a self bow at Elm Hall last year so she will be able to come and shoot with me.

[bjrogg]

When I first got there I asked Doug a very talented young knapper if he knew Jeb. Well nobody knew Jeb but they all knew Jon and pointed him out to me. I've never met this man but have chatted with him and communicated by PM with him on several occasions. Sometimes your imagination is better than real life but not in this case. Jon was so happy to meet myself and my brother. He generously gave me cactus for handles and blanks for blades. I told him he didn't have to do that and he told me to listen to his elders, I did. He asked me if I worked spalls and I told him yes, I actually have almost zero experience with slabs. He gave me and my brother a milk crate full of beautiful obsidian that he and his wife collected on there winter rock collecting vacation. He kept slipping more things in my milk crate through the day when he thought I wasn't looking. He wouldn't take anything for them. Not only did he do this for my brother and I, but any kids that came by were not only given stone or points but asked if they would like to try and patiencly coached on the basics of knapping. Jeb it was an absolute honor to meet you and I hope to meet you many times again. I pray for you and your wife and wish her the best in her struggle with cancer. I am always amazed by the generosity and integrity of the people I meet from this forum, can't wait to see you all at Marshall
Bjrogg
PS all of this stuff was given to my brother and I, and there could still be a few things Jon slipped in I didn't find yet. He would take nothing for it not even a perform I was working on there. My brother bought his coffee cup full of points to show Jon and insisted he pass them out to kids at future meets. He would never have a accepted them for himself but would gladly give them to kids. Thanks again Jon

[JEB]

Thanks for the kind words but most important thanks for the prayers for my wife.  We go back to Mayo in June and hope for some more good news.  It was encouraging to see the youngsters there on Sunday.  Most were attending the archery shoot but they still wandered around the hall  wondering why all these old guys were mad at rocks   and were beating them up    . lol   Kudo's to the parents for bringing them and doing family things together.

Doug who goes by the name Kidknapper  is one of the best, especially for a kid that is 21 yrs old. I remember him as a youngster running around Chelsea and taking lessons from Mike Cook who brought him to the knap in.   

[bjrogg]

It was a great time and my brother really enjoyed it. I think he's even thinking about Marshall and he was very impressed with everyone he met. Just found another one. Thanks again
Bjrogg

[Sasquatch]

those points are perfect! 20-25$ for those was a good price! Considering that how much you will pay for a 3 rivers hunting point.  Were those JEBs points? Great gifts also.

[bjrogg]

No Sasquatch those points where Mike Cooks. He has several you tube videos and was just one of the many very talented knappers there. Yes I was just thinking about buying stone and am really kicking myself for not buying some points. Steve, Doug many other really talented knappers diffenitly a good meet.
Bjrogg

[Parnell]

I was thinking the same thing about the price on those points...a good deal.
Some real beauties.  I love those petrified palm wood pieces.  That stuff is super cool.
Looks like you made out like a bandit!  good stuff

[bjrogg]

Yes Parnell I'm still wondering why I didn't buy some points. What a idiot I am sometimes. Yes I did make out like a bandit, but I didn't steel anything it was all though the generosity of Jeb. I really can't tell you how much he impressed me watching him with the kids. He's a real class act.
Bjrogg

[JEB]

I wished I would have brought my beginner knapping kits to give out. I felt bad for the girl. She asked her dad for a couple of Steve's knapping tools he was selling and he told her she didn't "need any of that stuff".  Should have mentioned it to Steve and I am sure  he would have given the girl the bopper and pressure flaker. 

I will bring some to Marshall in case we get some beginners wanting to give it a try.

 

[bjrogg]

Jeb I think you planted a seed. I think it might have a pretty good chance of growing some day. It might take some time but it's planted.
Bjrogg

[PNewton]

Pretty cool story BJ. Jon is a top-notch guy.

[bjrogg]

He certainly is and your alright to Paul.
Bjrogg

[Flakescarred4life]

WOW!! Those are some gorgeous points!!! Very nicely priced indeed! I need to find a knap-in located in AZ! I have never personally met another knapper and would kill for some one on one time with an experienced knapper. Plus, the ability to see (in person) some purdy points, instead of the crap I bust out