Author Topic: Question for the knappers out there  (Read 1765 times)

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Offline Joec123able

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Question for the knappers out there
« on: April 27, 2013, 03:38:02 am »
I just wanna know, why do flint knappers use copper for there flakers or what ever what's wrong with using steel or other metals. I'm not a flint knapper one day I hope to be able to create these beautiful points but I just wanted to ask this question.
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Offline JackCrafty

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Re: Question for the knappers out there
« Reply #1 on: April 27, 2013, 07:50:52 am »
The reason flintknappers use copper is because it works better than other metals.  Why?  Other metals feel "slippery" when in contact with the stone.  Copper is the least slippery.  You want your tools to make firm contact with the stone when removing flakes.  This firm contact allows you to be precise when you apply force.
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Offline TRACY

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Re: Question for the knappers out there
« Reply #2 on: April 27, 2013, 09:37:51 am »
In all seriousness, try using various pieces of metal from steel, brass, aluminum and then try copper. When I first started I tried the above method just to "know" for myself. I do like the brass spalling hammer that I have though. Good luck.


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Offline iowabow

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Re: Question for the knappers out there
« Reply #3 on: April 27, 2013, 01:50:48 pm »
Modern knappers use many metal types copper happens to be one of the many and I would say is the most common. Boppers are often made of copper for the reasons already stated but some knapper use metal (steel in many cases) for punching and other processes.
« Last Edit: April 27, 2013, 01:58:07 pm by iowabow »
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Offline Will H

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Re: Question for the knappers out there
« Reply #4 on: April 27, 2013, 10:24:32 pm »
Like the others have already said copper has more bite than harder metals. Therefore it hangs on to the platform and flake a bit longer producing better results and a smaller bulb where the flake detaches.
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Offline papoints

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Re: Question for the knappers out there
« Reply #5 on: April 28, 2013, 08:53:38 am »
I like to use soft nails for pressure flaking.  I tend to run better flakes with them than copper nails and I get them to hold their edge longer and better.  It depends on the material though- copper works better for me on stuff that is more obstinate.  I guess this  is my first post so hello everybody.   :)

Offline JackCrafty

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Re: Question for the knappers out there
« Reply #6 on: April 28, 2013, 04:18:16 pm »
Welcome.  :)
Any critter tastes good with enough butter on it.

Patrick Blank
Midland, Texas
Youtube: JackCrafty, Allergic Hobbit, Patrick Blank

Where's Rock? Public Waterways, Road Cuts, Landscape Supply, Knap-Ins.
How to Cook It?  200° for 24hrs then 275° to 500° for 4hrs (depending on type), Cool for 12hr

Offline mullet

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Re: Question for the knappers out there
« Reply #7 on: April 28, 2013, 09:37:18 pm »
Copper is softer and tends to mimic moose or white tail billets. You also don't have to "dress"
your tool up as often as you do antler. By dressing I mean smoothing, sanding your antler billets after you beat them up or filing copper boppers or pressure flakers for the same reason.
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Offline crooketarrow

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Re: Question for the knappers out there
« Reply #8 on: April 29, 2013, 06:24:36 am »
 mullets Right it softer and the rock grips the stone better.
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Offline Joec123able

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Re: Question for the knappers out there
« Reply #9 on: April 29, 2013, 11:22:23 am »
Alright thanks everyone that makes perfect sence
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