Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Flintknapping => Topic started by: gstoneberg on March 03, 2012, 12:03:26 am
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I received my new ishi stick and pressure flaker. They're wonderful. Except I'm still getting used to just how much force that ishi can exert. Wow. I had a decent point going, was amazed at how flakes were running. Had a stubborn bump I was trying to get off and really leaned into it...
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7203/6801766798_0eb9cd37fc_z.jpg)
I was shocked. First point I've broken with pressure. So I went looking for a new spall, and spotted a bag of little obsidian slabs I got from Bubby. As usual, I broke the point, but had enough left to practice pressure flaking. Surprisingly, I got a point out of it, though small.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/6947874341_31a4aa55a7_z.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6947873945_a28e6eb49d_z.jpg)
It had beautiful flake scars at first, but by the time I finished they were all gone. The more I learn, the more realize I need to learn. Cool hobby.
George
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Cool new tool there. Nice point for sure ;)
Cipriano
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Nice point, George. Looks like it would make Mark Bracken proud. :)
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Nice point and cool tools!! The ishi stick that you got, does it have a little bit of flex to it or is it completely stiff.
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An Ishi stick to a point is like oil to an engine. It makes things easier.
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nice one George, Bub
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Nice point and cool tools!! The ishi stick that you got, does it have a little bit of flex to it or is it completely stiff.
It has flex to it for sure. It really helps it push into the point. So far I'm really impressed with it. The pressure flaker is the same stuff, but shorter so it doesn't flex at all. Both use the same monster copper nails. I bought replacement nails, but I suspect the originals are gonna last a long time. They seem to be really hard.
Thanks everybody. I'm sitting here at 4:30 in the morning wondering how crazy I would be to head for the shop to get some knapping in...
George
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Ahh, good George - got your primitive delrin in :). I can't hardly think of knappin without my ishi.
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My wife got me a little hand flaker for christmas, so I use it as an ishi by sticking it in a bamboo peice that I found... Have funn with your new toy....
Micah
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Very cool stuff George...just how long is your Ishi (man that just sounds wrong... ::))
I need to get my hands on one...can you pm me where ya picked it up at? Thanks!
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Looks like 21" Lee:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6949317023_3aba9a8065_z.jpg)
You can see the pressure flaker and the spare nails I picked up too. I'll PM you the info.
George
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Excellent, thanks George and that is one impressive "Pile O' Heads" laying there...that's gotta feel pretty dang good!
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George, Please PM me also if you do not mind. Need to work on the tool kit. ;)
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Looking good G! I got the same tools and just hammer the nails on the anvil to a point with some filing. After having my Ishi for a year or so, I realized that there is an Allen wrench in the end :(.
Tracy
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O really, under that little cap? Thanks.
George
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The directions say to just pull it straight out George. DO NOT TWIST the cap for the wrench.
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No, it's the last inch of the Ishi stick. Just pull on it and it will start to separate. May have to twist it a little to get it started . Beats looking for the Allen key in my bag.
Tracy
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I saw the ends of both the ishi and the pressure flaker could come off, never thought they might be an allen wrench. Great idea. Thanks for letting me know.
George
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That's great george! Now you need to put some bike innertube on the end and try reall getting into the flex of the stick. It's amazing what a difference it makes. Not for small points of course...I broke a couple just like you did. But on larger pieces it makes ALL the difference!