Flintknapping

Flintknapping is the name of a process whereby rocks are worked and shaped into arrowheads, knives and other stone tools through either pressure flaking or percussion. That is, certain rocks can be thinned and sharpened by pressing thin flakes off the edge or by striking the edge of the rock with some sort of hammer and making a sharp edge. Ancient peoples used antlers and wood to pry off flakes on the edge of stones to make tools and weapons. They also used hammerstones and heavy antler to strike off flakes in the same manner. Not all rocks are suitable for this process. Only flint, or chert, or volcanic glass or some agates will flake properly. Modern man has kept this process alive, and flintknapping is a hobby worldwide for many people.

I have been flintknapping for about seven years, and I am becoming fairly proficient at making points and blades. It is one of the most difficult skills I have ever tried to master. I have some examples of my work that I will display here on this website. I hope you enjoy looking at them.

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Primitive Indirect Percussion Device

September 30, 2015

This device is a primitive version of the device shown elsewhere on this site. Native Americans could have constructed this device because it is made from all natural materials: hickory, sinew, rawhide, deerskin and antler. The antler is placed on the edge of a stone flake and struck with another antler, knocking off a thin flake.

Indirect Percussion Device

September 30, 2015

This is a device that helps to flintknap arrowheads and knife blades. You line up the copper point on the edge of the stone and strike the top of the white baton. A long, flat flake will be removed. The point in the picture was made using this device.