Karen
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2006
Posts: 145
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Post by Karen on Aug 3, 2009 16:52:18 GMT -5
My husband is interested in learning flint knapping. I have seen kits available that have tools, books, and videos. The introductory kit here (top left) is the one I was considering, flintknappingtools.com/kits.html. Is this the best way to go? Thanks! |
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller 
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,494
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Post by Sabre52 on Aug 3, 2009 17:14:24 GMT -5
Karen: Link doesn't work for me, at least. A good place to start id by googling flintknapping on You tube. Lots of videos and links to equipment plus they show ya how to use all the stuff. Several of our members are good knappers too. Agatemaggot is very proficient and a wealth of information......Mel
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Post by akansan on Aug 3, 2009 22:02:45 GMT -5
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,494
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Post by Sabre52 on Aug 3, 2009 22:38:13 GMT -5
Karen, I looked at the kits and the more expensive ones look pretty good. Kind of depends on the material your hubby wants to work. For obsidian, especially working from slabs or preforms, you don't need quite as much stuff as you can pretty much pressure flake the whole thing.For working flint from spalls, flakes or cobbles ( much tougher stuff!) you will need as many boppers as you can get for percussion preforming and you'll wear them out fast. It's also much more difficult to pressure flake flint so you'll definitely need an Ishi stick for added leverage. Heat treated flint or agate is supposedly much easier to work but I've never tried it.....Mel
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jcinpc
has rocks in the head
Member since April 2009
Posts: 722
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Post by jcinpc on Aug 3, 2009 23:14:33 GMT -5
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jcinpc
has rocks in the head
Member since April 2009
Posts: 722
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Post by jcinpc on Aug 3, 2009 23:32:16 GMT -5
here is some of his you tube stuff, he gets his coral from me and yes he started out with the lead filled boppers but soon changed his ways after a lesson from my friend Claude Van Order, Steve had only been knapping for about 3 years now. check out his videos, your husband will learn alot from Steve
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Post by Woodyrock on Aug 4, 2009 1:00:55 GMT -5
Another very good source of information is the paleoplanet forum. There is a wealth of information there, and many of the really good knappers are on the board.
I agree on the making your own tools, everything need is pretty simple, and anybody handy enough to knap shold have no trouble making the tools. Me, I am better at making the tools than the knapping, but then, I am just starting to learn.
The best way to learn, is to attend a "Knappin". There is one this month on Whidby Island, the week end of the 21st to 23rd. Call Joe Higgins at 360 720 1076 for more information. It would be good to drop in the knappin and see for yourself what you need, and how it is done. There will plenty of camping room with water, and electricty.
BTW, I am in Port Orchard. Drop me a PM for more local info.
Woody
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Karen
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2006
Posts: 145
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Post by Karen on Aug 6, 2009 11:30:45 GMT -5
Thanks for your help everyone. I'll have him watch the videos and see what he thinks about it. Unfortunately we already have plans of the weekend of the 21st, so wont be able to attend the "Knappin," though I wish we could, it soulds like fun.
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lparker
fully equipped rock polisher
Still doing too much for being retired!
Member since March 2008
Posts: 1,202
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Post by lparker on Aug 6, 2009 12:50:27 GMT -5
If you decide to go with the tool kit...I know Mark and he sells good tools. If you tell him Lee Parker sent ya, he'll probably double the price  |
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Karen
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2006
Posts: 145
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Post by Karen on Aug 7, 2009 14:24:03 GMT -5
while I understand that it is probably better and more cost effective to make tools rather than buying them, we are completely clueless here. I think I will buy the kit for him to get him started and he can make his own "better, stronger, faster..." tools in the future when he has a clue as to what works for him. Lee, I will be sure to tell Mark that you sent me. I always say that two is better than one, and double better than single so I am sure that I will be much happier with my purchase if I pay twice the normal price! ;D
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Saskrock
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2007
Posts: 1,852
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Post by Saskrock on Aug 7, 2009 17:23:50 GMT -5
I made my tools or got them from friends so I have no idea of prices, but it looks like the kit has everything you need. Looks like a great gift.
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