Some Stone Knives

[Black Hand]

I've dabbled in both knapping and pecking/grinding - lots of work indeed. Still have a scar up the back of my right thumb from a flake I was knapping...

 

[inthex]

There are a of of knapping videos on youtube. It's really a process of controlled rock fracture. And patience!

PD

And in my case, learning when to say when. Sometimes just a little thinner results in two halves.

 

[inthex]

I've dabbled in both knapping and pecking/grinding - lots of work indeed. Still have a scar up the back of my right thumb from a flake I was knapping...

Don't want to highjack Pete's post but may be interesting if someone would start a post on knapping nightmares. I don't think many people could get as good as Pete without a box or two of bandaids.

 

[Dixieshedhunter]

For years I had a Knap-In here in western VA. Twice I have hauled folks to town and the hospital. Usually spalling accidents with coarse stuff. Rocks can cut ya'!

PD

 

[BillinOregon]

Watching the world-class knappers at the Glass Buttes Knap-In, I was always amazed they didn't bleed more, as several knapped with bare hands -- not even leather palm pads. Actually, the larger risk over time is silicosis from inhaling those incredibly fine and sharp silicate particles.