Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Flintknapping => Topic started by: Spotted Dog on August 03, 2015, 04:23:45 pm
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I really want to learn this. I can do larger things like I posted in Primitive Skills. But can't get the small points down. I always break them
or just can't get it. HELP ! please.
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Are you able to show pictures of your smaller points that you have attempted? Seeing what you have attempted to do will help with describing what you could do differently or better.
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(http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab104/ofiebakoa/DSC01852_zpsdcygsfxz.jpg) (http://s854.photobucket.com/user/ofiebakoa/media/DSC01852_zpsdcygsfxz.jpg.html)
Here are some ruff points.
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O M G !!
Just kidding. Not to worry Your points look just about like all of our firsts.
One cool thing is that you have a wide variety. Shows you have been
collecting or studding point types.
The main thing in knapping is (platform).It is a way that you control the stone.
A flake in silica based material follows a pre determined course (atomic structure).
When you create a platform it's sorta like putting a head on a nail. That surface is
aligned with the direction you want to drive the nail. Big difference is when you
attempt to remove a flake, you need to direct your platform to follow a ridge on the
lower side of the work piece. (off center). Of course the amount of force is important too.
Just think platform and keep bustin.
Zuma
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(http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab104/ofiebakoa/DSC01854_zps1bkhcvco.jpg) (http://s854.photobucket.com/user/ofiebakoa/media/DSC01854_zps1bkhcvco.jpg.html)(http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab104/ofiebakoa/DSC01853_zpss7pn0wuf.jpg) (http://s854.photobucket.com/user/ofiebakoa/media/DSC01853_zpss7pn0wuf.jpg.html)
Ok here is one I started from a large preform. I went out in the garage and worked on it this morning.
I think only part of my problem is I have too much junk stone. Twisted and fractures.
What do you think ?
How do you create a platform ?
Dog
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Looks good to me. Here are platforms that you have already created. The stone looks better than what i have to work with.
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Ok . That is something I never knew. I understand a video of Will Lord I watched now.
At least I think so.
This was a good piece I bought 10 years ago a just walked away from it.
I want to be able to make Neolithic points and more simple Native American points
and blades.
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Have you looked up AllergicHobbits videos on Youtube? He covers some good stuff on his spalling videos. Your work looks better than mine!
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The bigger things are easier for me. The small stuff sucks. My fingers and hands have serious nerve damage
They don't like to grip small stuff. I worked as a heavy mechanic/welder for 35 years and kinda broke this
old dog down a bit. Some of ya'll have tats. I gots scars.
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I can shape and sharpen, I have a hard time thinning!
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(http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab104/ofiebakoa/DSC01856_zpsbngnjh0g.jpg) (http://s854.photobucket.com/user/ofiebakoa/media/DSC01856_zpsbngnjh0g.jpg.html)
Ok I just knocked this one out. Thin and sharrppp.
Patients is what I need too. But I'm not a doctor. :o
You guys have already helped an old dog !
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As for the really small pieces, I have trouble with them because I have difficulty holding them securely while taking flakes off. Bigger pieces, 1.5 inches and more are easier simply because I can hold them better.
As for technique, I think the technique for small pieces is the same as that for bigger ones, but scaled down to size. That last one would make a fine hunting point, and the Native Americans used a lot of points like that. If I were to trying to put a pretty pattern on it, I would use pressure flaking on a pad no more than 3/4 inch wide. You-tube has hundreds or thousands of videos on flint knapping covering every aspect and current method of knapping. Watch a lot of them. For those really small pieces I recommend pressure flaking. Search for pressure flaking on You-tube.
Platforms are the places you find or prepare so they are right for taking flakes off. They need to be located so the flake can follow a ridge and take the ridge off. The platform needs to be strong enough to take the flake you are intending to take.
Where are you located? Somebody on here may be close enough to meet you and give you a few pointers.
WA
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That bigger piece looks pretty good, very good, for a beginner. Keep it. Don't ever give it away. Always keep a sampling of your work for future reference and appreciation.
WA
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I live in the Kansas City Missouri area.
Thank you for the tips.
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There are some top of the line area in your general area. You may find some of them on the flintknappers' map on flintknappers.com.
WA
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(http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab104/ofiebakoa/DSC01865_zpsrr3ynufy.jpg) (http://s854.photobucket.com/user/ofiebakoa/media/DSC01865_zpsrr3ynufy.jpg.html)
second try at a preform. I see where I can clean it up .
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Here's a link to my youtube channel if you want to check it out:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Dj6JqOd5Naz6Nguw3c0aQ
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Looks like you got the hang of things. Just keep chipping away and you will get better the more you chip.
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Thanks guys. I am reading and watching all I can. I need to get some good rock. Where do you suggest.
The 2 pieces I just made I got the stone many years ago at Ft. Osage knap in. They moved it from there .
I have no idea to where. Made some new tools. Need an Ishi stick and hammer.
who said you can't teach an old Dog new tricks :laugh:
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The easiest way is post on the Trade Post. Plenty of people willing to trade rock for other goodies, usually.