Essential Safety Gear

Gear Purpose
Safety Glasses Protects eyes from sharp, flying flakes of stone.
Leather Gloves Protects hands from cuts. A leather pad for the leg is also essential.
Closed-Toe Shoes Protects feet from falling flakes.
Respirator Mask Protects lungs from inhaling fine silica dust.

Basic Terminology

Term Definition
Billet A tool (antler, copper) used for percussion flaking.
Flake A piece of stone removed from the core.
Core The main piece of stone being worked.
Pressure Flaker A pointed tool (antler tine, copper nail) used for fine, detailed work.
Platform The edge of the core where it is struck to remove a flake.

Knapping Techniques

Technique Description
Percussion Knapping Striking the stone with a billet to remove large flakes.
Pressure Flaking Applying pressure with a pointed tool to remove small, precise flakes.

The Process of Making an Arrowhead

Step # Action Notes
1 Start with a large flake or spall. This will be your preform.
2 Use percussion to thin and shape the preform. Create a basic triangular shape.
3 Switch to pressure flaking. Refine the edges and create a sharp point.
4 Create notches for hafting (optional). Use a small, sharp pressure flaker.