Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Flintknapping => Topic started by: Barefoot_Jake on April 11, 2013, 03:33:28 pm
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Hey yall I am trying to find and make my own set of flint knapping tools and i have a lot of stones around my house that we use for the roof gutter water so it doesnt make a hole in the ground. Theres alot more than these, these are just some of the better rocks I could pick out. So guys tell me are these rocks any good? is the composition of them right ive watched some videos but im no expert on picking out rocks. Thanks
tell me if you need better pics, this is one
(http://i.imgur.com/KixmUFX.jpg)
and heres the other side
(http://i.imgur.com/FMJTmcu.jpg)
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Look good to me, but I'm no expert either. I use all kinds of different rock for percussion. My knapping pit has enough abraders and hammer stones for probably 10 people to use. ;D Give em a try, dpg
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The second from the left looks good to me. But close-ups would be better. Also, pound them against some concrete and take a picture of the impact areas. If they don't fracture and crush instead, then they should be fine for hammerstones.
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Those all appear to be quartzite, which isn't bad for a hard hammerstone. Ideally you want a soft hammerstone for flaking purposes and those tend to be a softer material than quartzite. The hard hammerstones are good for initial reduction but tend to produce thicker bulbs of percussion. Soft hammerstones produce less thick bulbs of percssion and are better for final flaking. The ones we find here in Arkansas that are soft may typically be cobbles of a hard sandstone. Try one and see how it goes. If your hammerstone isn't wearing some and producing flat surfaces after moderate use, you may seek some softer stones. Like I said, try some of these and see. You can get good results with most stuff as long as it is softer than the stone you are whacking, so don't worry much and see what you can do.
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I agree with Dalton on that. You don't want a polished stone . And some flatter / thin round ones work good for final past work. You'll get it down after working them.
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I agree with Dalton on that. You don't want a polished stone . And some flatter / thin round ones work good for final past work. You'll get it down after working them.
Small flat pieces of slate?
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No fine grain sandstone like this. (http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u455/Tris_Smith/knapping/DED8B726-A643-4915-BCBA-685F2622C181-2271-00000432D02933C3_zps191496c8.jpg)
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I agree with Dalton Knapper the softer stones will produce a better flake, just like copper does better than steel. I have the same issue here in Florida its really hard to find any good hammer stones. Maybe work a trade with some one on here that is in an area where they are abundant. If I find any I will pick you up one !