need help on my first knap of obsidian

[mcginnis6010]

This is my very first attempt at knapping. I was going for an arrowhead but I think I've made a lot of step fractures. I need advice
 Here's some pics.

[mcginnis6010]

Another pic.

[mcginnis6010]

Side view

[Tower]

Looks like you need to build some platforms to the thick areas & do more primary thinning. When I'm thinning a spall I attack the thickest parts first.

[madcrow]

That looks like black butter.  Set up the platforms, grind them good, and don't hit it too hard.  The flake will shoot all the way across.  If you want some practice first, bet a few beer bottle bottoms and make a few points, the black butter and obsidian will work the same way.

[mcginnis6010]

Thanks guys ill work on it some more tonight and post more pics.

[mullet]

 Also to add to what madcrow said, don't hit it too hard. Those circuler lines in the rock are what's left from shock waves from hitting it too hard. Try antler or real light copper boppers.

[Sparrow]

What Mullet said.  '  Frank

[YosemiteBen]

try you tube - allergichobbit has some nice vids on thinning thru indirect percussion. those have really helped me in my thinning journey. abrasion is very important in setting up platforms. otherwise - stike softly and build a good platform.

[Baldmoose]

Okay, if you want to learn to knap.... i would watch  paleomanjim's videos on the tube... he has a series of i think 10 videos which will take you through the whole process of making a point...

[Baldmoose]

dont get discouraged if it doesnt turn out.... it took me ALOT of rock before i got it down.... the only advice i can really give if to just keep busting rock..... youll get it....  there this video on the tube where some lady does a real good job of making points out of glass bottle bottoms.  cant remember the name of it but it hhad pracical primitive.....

take your time, build good platforms.... stike light.... youll get it.