Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Flintknapping => Topic started by: knapperhead on January 10, 2014, 12:41:09 pm

Title: Ripple Effect
Post by: knapperhead on January 10, 2014, 12:41:09 pm

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?

Title: Re: Ripple Effect
Post by: aaron on January 10, 2014, 12:48:12 pm

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.

Title: Re: Ripple Effect
Post by: caveman2533 on January 10, 2014, 04:09:20 pm

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.

Title: Re: Ripple Effect
Post by: JackCrafty on January 10, 2014, 04:39:17 pm

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.

Title: Re: Ripple Effect
Post by: knapperhead on January 10, 2014, 04:43:38 pm

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.

Title: Re: Ripple Effect
Post by: JackCrafty on January 10, 2014, 09:25:28 pm

I cut about 2" off the tip.