Flintknapping

-The art of making stone tools
Of all the history of mankind, nine tenths of it is written in
stone. Able to make tools from flint cobbles, our fore-bearers
gained an advantage over other predators. We not only rose to
dominate our environment, but we went on to alter it, for the
production and use of stone tools followed our progress well into
the age of agriculture. Even today, in the remote highlands of New
Guinea, there are humans who still practice this ancient craft.
Flint working is a universal part of our heritage. It is the one
thing that all races of mankind, the world over, have in common. If
you could trace your ancestors back far enough, you would certainly
find flintknappers among them.
How is it done?
The surface of a stone tool will exhibit a wavy appearance. These
scars are a frozen record of shock waves generated by a series of
blows dealt to the edge. Geologists tell us that flint has
a "concoidal fracture". This is best illustrated when a BB strikes
plate glass. A cone is removed opposite the point of impact. When
striking the edge of a piece of flint, only a portion of that cone
is removed. By controlling the angle, placement and weight of the
blows it is possible to fracture this material in a predictable
manner. In making his implements, prehistoric man used one or a
combination of three techniques which are known as percussion
flaking, indirect percussion, and pressure flaking.
Percussion flaking: Flakes are driven off the edge with a
hammerstone or deer antler.
Pressure flaking: Flakes are pried off with a deer antler tine or
copper pointed tool.
Indirect percussion: Flakes are removed by striking a punch placed
on the edge.
What kind of tools do I need?
Hammerstones were the first and simplest flint knapping tools. They
were just water worn pebbles that fit the hand well, used to break
up nodules and blocks of flint into workable spalls, and to rough
out blanks. Hammerstones are made of granite, quartzite or
greenstone.
The antler billet is used to thin, shape and sharpen the flint tool.
The ideal billet is made from the trunk of a moose antler. However,
smaller antlers, such as those from the white tailed deer, can also
be used.
Pressure flakers were made from the upper tine portion of the antler
rack. Many people use copper pointed tools.
Punches used for indirect percussion can be made from antler, or
antler tipped with copper.
Abraders are made from quartzite or sandstone. An excellent
substitute can be a broken carborundum grinding wheel. These are one
of the more important tools, necessary for grinding the edge to make
striking platforms.
Last but not least important are protective gloves, safety goggles,
and leather knee pads.
Can I learn to do this?
Anatomically, modern humans are no different than their ancestors of
10,000 years ago, so you should be able to learn this craft. Today
flint knapping has been rediscovered by those who are interested in
reviving ancient skills. In fact, a whole industry has grown up to
aid and support those who wish to learn. Books, tapes, tools,
materials and classes are now readily available. Please wander
through our site to learn more about these products and services;
this will help you get started.