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Flint Knapping .......How to

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BOGG

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I have some very large pieces of some realy good flint stones and I would like to knapp? off some clam like pieces for my flint and steel set. I've beat the manure out of one and got some good pieces from it but have alot of chunks left to work with. T hroughs some big sparks
I dont no a thing about knapping, All I want is the clam shaped pieces. can someone tell me how to do this or a link that will help.
 
google flint ridge..They might have what you're lookin for..as a matter of fact google flint knapping...you'll find a bonanza of info...
 
Track of the Wolf, and others, have books and videos on flint knapping. Picture is worth....
 
YOu are going to need a billet made of elk horn or something else that is both hard, but not as rigid as a steel hammer to throw those clam sized chunks. Hit that preform with a steel hammer, and all you will get will be are smaller chunks. You probably found that out. Flint fractures at a 270 degree angle. the secret is to hit the rock preform at the right angle to send the force along the right fracture line. It takes a lot of practice, even with a tutor sitting next to you, and showing you how to hold every thing correctly, and how to hit the rock. You will want a heavy piece of leather to cover your leg, and at least one leather glove on one hand to hold the rock so you don't get rock splinters in your hands and legs. You also want to wear eye protection. You will still occasionally git shards in your skin- the neck and face, but also forearms, and hands. Check out the sites suggested and read and watch everything available. Then see if you can find a flint knapper in your area of the country that is willing to help you learn. There are a couple of " knapp-ins " held each year around the country, where people sit around and make little rocks from big ones. They are great folks, and some have become very skilled and turn out awesome points, and other tools. YOu can also pick up shards for your flint and steel kit at these events. Dixie Gun Works also sell flint shards for this purpose. You can check other suppliers, like Track, or log Cabin, or Cains, etc. to see what they have.
 
Would you be intrested in selling a chunk or two.
I've aways wanted to try knapping myself but was not able to find any good pieces.
Here is a place that you find some tools, tapes and books that may help you....

[url] http://www.flintknappingtools.com[/url]/
 
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P6043555.jpg

I have about 15 pieces like these.
 
Looks like nice stuff.
I would suggest attending one of the primitive skills events and learn first hand rather than from a book or video. Some are really good and some are...well, not so good.

The closest event to PA that I am familiar wiht is MAPS Meet in Thurmont MD. I know some of the instructors and they are top notch.[url] www.mapsgroup.org[/url]/
 
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BOGG Flint or silicate like materials fracture in conchoidal (shell like ) fractures. Like when a BB strikes a piece of glass and blows a cone shape out of the back . Normally this cone is about 60 degrees . You have to adjust this angle to the surface of stone which you striking . I've been flint knapping for around 30 years and sometimes it still is a manure shoot . e-Mail me , I can give you some book titles that helped me ! wild eagle
 
:redface: :redface: Well I don't need any more info. I know I will pay for this but I'm going to do it anyway. I read that heat treating the flint befor working it was the way to go. So I set my grill on it's lowest setting and walked away. I can back two hours latter to turn it up just a tad, BUT I did'nt have to cuz I turned it all the way up to light it and did'nt turn it down.
Now look what we have. unreal Could have been a big safty problem. I know that rock will bust see it in our camp fire and herd the old cowboy storys. Now that I did a very stupid act Maybe someone won't, so I posted Another stupidest thing on my very big list.
Are thay still good? and Don't kill me on this MR.Tundrwolf.
P6053557.jpg
 
Well, at least you have lots of shards to use with flint and steel. :thumbsup:

Heat treating flint makes it softer, so's it will break easier. That will make it break easier when you strike it with a steel too, so heat treating flint intended for gun flints or flints for fint and steel sets is not a good idea.

You don't need those huge clamshell style shards to use with a flint and steel. IMHO, they are too bulky.

Some of those pieces can be salvaged for gunflints.
J.D.
 
Heat treating is done by burying the flint in sand then building a fire atop and letting it burn down. It must heat slowly and cool slowly and not get over 700 degrees.
I make flints and do not heat treat.
 
I'd go with JD on this one, if you want to make blades or points heat treat, if you want fire strikers of gunflints work it unheated. I have made some nice blades and arrow points with unheated flint as well...
 
now i'll tell ya i know ya cant shoot to straight bogg ol buddy but ya haint gotta bar b q rocks !!i could probably feed ya a deer stk here an there :rotf: .reminds me of this feller i knowed once who bought this used flint lock that wouldnt go off ....wait thats another storie >>>------>
 

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