Ripple Effect

[knapperhead]

I'm getting ripples or waves on the face where I remove flakes, mainly with obsidian.
Is this from hitting too soft or hard or is about the angle?

[aaron]

I think those come from lack of support mostly, don't let that thing move when you hit it and keep pressure on the flake-to-be.

[caveman2533]

I would say to hard and fast.  Ripples are often seen from excessive speed of the crack and too much force. Isolate your platforms more and slow down the blow see what happens and report back here.

[JackCrafty]

Large or deep ripples are common toward the end of the flake.  It's a support issue, like already mentioned.  Try holding everything more firmly.

[knapperhead]

thanks for all the tips. support makes sense because i usually free hand knap.

Patrick, how long did you leave your ice pick? i just bought one and i'm about to cut it down.

[JackCrafty]

I cut about 2" off the tip.