Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Flintknapping => Topic started by: mcginnis6010 on February 29, 2012, 09:08:06 pm

Title: need help on my first knap of obsidian
Post by: mcginnis6010 on February 29, 2012, 09:08:06 pm

This is my very first attempt at knapping. I was going for an arrowhead but I think I've made a lot of step fractures. I need advice
 Here's some pics.

Title: Re: need help on my first knap of obsidian
Post by: mcginnis6010 on February 29, 2012, 09:10:03 pm

Another pic.

Title: Re: need help on my first knap of obsidian
Post by: mcginnis6010 on February 29, 2012, 09:11:30 pm

Side view

Title: Re: need help on my first knap of obsidian
Post by: Tower on February 29, 2012, 09:48:15 pm

Looks like you need to build some platforms to the thick areas & do more primary thinning. When I'm thinning a spall I attack the thickest parts first.

Title: Re: need help on my first knap of obsidian
Post by: madcrow on February 29, 2012, 10:03:16 pm

That looks like black butter.  Set up the platforms, grind them good, and don't hit it too hard.  The flake will shoot all the way across.  If you want some practice first, bet a few beer bottle bottoms and make a few points, the black butter and obsidian will work the same way.

Title: Re: need help on my first knap of obsidian
Post by: mcginnis6010 on February 29, 2012, 10:27:59 pm

Thanks guys ill work on it some more tonight and post more pics.

Title: Re: need help on my first knap of obsidian
Post by: mullet on February 29, 2012, 11:21:42 pm

 Also to add to what madcrow said, don't hit it too hard. Those circuler lines in the rock are what's left from shock waves from hitting it too hard. Try antler or real light copper boppers.

Title: Re: need help on my first knap of obsidian
Post by: Sparrow on March 01, 2012, 02:02:51 am

What Mullet said.  '  Frank

Title: Re: need help on my first knap of obsidian
Post by: YosemiteBen on March 01, 2012, 01:22:13 pm

try you tube - allergichobbit has some nice vids on thinning thru indirect percussion. those have really helped me in my thinning journey. abrasion is very important in setting up platforms. otherwise - stike softly and build a good platform.

Title: Re: need help on my first knap of obsidian
Post by: Baldmoose on March 01, 2012, 04:09:30 pm

Okay, if you want to learn to knap.... i would watch  paleomanjim's videos on the tube... he has a series of i think 10 videos which will take you through the whole process of making a point...

Title: Re: need help on my first knap of obsidian
Post by: Baldmoose on March 01, 2012, 08:06:30 pm

dont get discouraged if it doesnt turn out.... it took me ALOT of rock before i got it down.... the only advice i can really give if to just keep busting rock..... youll get it....  there this video on the tube where some lady does a real good job of making points out of glass bottle bottoms.  cant remember the name of it but it hhad pracical primitive.....

take your time, build good platforms.... stike light.... youll get it.