Flint Knapping Cheatsheet
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. |