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Why do you knap?

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bowtarist:
Sounds like a plans Lyman!!

Good story Lobo!! dp

Dalton Knapper:
There are probably some pretty good reasons why we humans are attracted to knapping. If you think about it, our hominid ancestors were beginning to knap 3.4 million years ago when they made chopping tools in the Olduavi Gorge. Add to that the refinement of stone tools 1.7 million years ago known as the Acheulean.  But, let's say that's not us quite because we are Homo sapiens. Regardless, we can fast forward to the Paleolithic people, who were indeed "us" and that dates back 50,000 years. They had refined knapping and made tools that stand today as fantastic examples of the craft.

What's the point? I am saying something that was absolutely elementary to culture as humans for some 48,000 before we even thought about any metal might just be something that has to some small degree become hardwired in our brains - knapping!

When I knap, I sometimes get asked, "Are you an Indian," or something to that effect anyway. My standard answer is, "No, but I get this from my ancestors." They usually look puzzled and I add, "They called them Cave Men." It is usually an "Aha!" moment for most folks. No matter where we came from or who our ancestors were, we all came from scores of generations of knappers. I think that has something to do with the universal appeal and curiosity about flint knapping.

Stringman:
My story sounds a lot like Lobo's. I don't do this for the money, but I do sell a few pieces now and then. My commitment to my wife is that this hobby funds itself. She's happy, I'm happy. I love to demonstrate this craft to John Q Public. He doesn't get to see this sorta thing very often and his rapt attention makes it worthwhile. Also, I strive to connect with the little ones. My hope is that a spark is planted, and that little rock I gave him means more than his score on Mario.

The reason I started... I wanted to make meat. Challenge myself with hand made primitive gear and take a stand against commercialism. After I realized the efficacy of stone tools I began to want to validate and memorialize the cultures of our past. Entire civilizations depended on stone tools, yet almost no one knows how to make them. I'm now trying to keep the art alive. So that my daughters generation can appreciate it the same way I do. A finely knapped point can only be made by hand. No computer yet has been taught to knap and that makes what I (we) do valuable.

Good chance that this skill will have a place in my life for years to come. Even if it's just to fill buckets with points to give away to the little ones. Hopefully, I will find the right person at some point so that it can be passed on in my area, but if not then I will have at least tried.

Knapper:
My story starts with my faith. As a Commander in Royal Ranger and the VP.  of our local Frontier Camping Fellowship out-post our goal is to reach, teach and keep boys for Jesus Christ. To mentor young men. FCF is pre 1840 life and camping, Mountain man life and a great way to reach kids. After getting involved in FCF and the whole Rendezvous theme. It was just a matter of time before I layed down (gave away) my inline rifle and compound bow and returned to hunting the old way.  Also part of our FCF theme is to have a trade. Mine became flintknapping. Which soon  lead to bow making and arrow making. To hunt and harvest with weapons made by my own hand. As is my enjoyment is not for money but to see the smile on a boys face as he makes a trade on the trade blanket for a flint knife or a bow. Or when he picks up a bow and quiver as a prize for a Seneca Run. I have yet to sale a point but what I have received for what I've made far out weighs any monetary amount. Ad Dare Servire- To Give and to Serve. For all those who have gone before me. Gods Speed.
Knapper

Stringman:
Well said, knapper.

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