knapping

[gene roberts]

I  figured there were some pro flint knappers on here so i'm going to ask for your help. How do you get an arrowhead thinner?I am a beginner so all of your post will probably help thank you .

[Calendargirl]

Gene these guys are a wealth of knowledge!  Do you want a list of back issue articles that might also help?  Let me know and I will look them up for you.
Marie

[gene roberts]

yes i would like some of them please thank you for your help.

[Calendargirl]

Gene,
I sent you a p.m. but then thought others might want to see the list I have so far.
1.  Dave Robertson wrote an article in our first year of publication titled “Quarry Blanks”.  You can find that in volume 1 issue 3 page 19
2.  Mark Bracken, a well known knapper, wrote an article titled “Flintknapping Questions and Answers”  volume 5 issue 3 page 47
3.  John Whittaker wrote an article titled “Flint Knapping: Today’s Ancient Craft beginning of a series on the once and Future Craft”  Volume 10 issue 4 page 21  This is a series...
4.  Roger Warmuskerken wrote an article titled “Making that Flint Arrowhead: Getting the Point”  found in volume 11 issue 1 page 14
5.  Mike Huston wrote an article titled “ Flint and Feathers”  volume 15 issue 2 page 8.  This is more of a hunting story than a “how to” about primitive turkey hunting.
I hope that this helps you get started. 

also go to www.horsefeathersranch.com for books that can help you out.  The guys on the boards know which ones they like.

[gene roberts]

thank you sooo much,i start looking immediatly

[jamie]

i am definetly not one of the experts you asked about but im good. the most important thing to learn in flint knapping is how to set up your edge (platform) for flake removal. too sharp and it crushes too dull and you break the point. there are some great articles in the back issues. i think john mcphersons is probably the best of them. im sure marie could dig it up and tell you what issue its in. there are also some really good videos out there for free on the net  that will help ya out. if you can get together with others itll really help ya. peace

[Hillbilly]

Not an expert, either, but like Jamie said-platforms, platforms, platforms. Well ground and below centerline. The angle that you hold the point/pressure flaker or strike with the billet makes a lot of difference, too. Attack the thickest/worst problem areas first. Try to thin the ends first, then the center. Break lots of rock. Experiment with different angles, and notice what happens.Watch the flintknapping videos on youtube. Break lots more rock. Go to a knapin if you can. Watch and ask questions. Break more rock.

[gene roberts]

thank you so much guys,i will take your advise and use it.also i saw a new thread bout pressure flaking i'll look at that too.thanks

[MattE]

I think I mentiond this before,"another senior moment i suppose," but here goes again. Use the thinnest part of the spall for the back of your head. If you do this it makes it easy to thin the point end due to being able to run a flake completely across the work it being narrower.I know this may sound backwards but having the thick part toward the point makes it a lot easier to get a thin head.

[DBernier]

Gene, you did not fill in your location in your stats page. It helps us put people in contact with others in your area. Obviously we don't need your mailing address but at least your state and or town.

Dick

[gene roberts]

oh i'm sorry i'll do that right now

[gene roberts]

ok i'm done thanks for all the help