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why copper?

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Chad:
So I found a stream filled with stone (flint or chirt idk), seemingly pretty good for knapping. I broke of some and got a pretty sharp edge on the rock. I really don't know if it's good but my gf found a half finished arrow head in about 5 mins of being there, so the Indians there must have appreciated it at least a little. So I'm going there later this week to pick some up and try knapping for the first time. Ok enough rambling here's a question of probably a million I have.

Why copper??? Can I make a bopper/billet out of any metal? I saw Zuma's  post about making it from Lowes since I'm on a  tight budget this seems most logical for me because I hear they do wear out. Just so were clear and I'm a serious cheapskate so I'm looking for the cheapest way to get the simplest knapping set together.

Thanks! You guys have been an incredible help with everything!

JackCrafty:
You can make a bopper out of any relatively soft metal: mild steel being the cheapest.  That means you can use the steel rods or a cheap ball peen hammer from the hardware store.

Chad:

--- Quote from: jackcrafty on September 23, 2014, 12:31:00 am ---You can make a bopper out of any relatively soft metal: mild steel being the cheapest.  That means you can use the steel rods or a cheap ball peen hammer from the hardware store.

--- End quote ---

got a great answer in 5 minutes, primitive archer is such a great resource!
Thanks Jack , much appreciated!

Sasquatch:
Hammer stones are even cheaper than that, actually they are cheaper than dirt. Nothing better than free if you are that big of a cheapskate.  ;D. But I recommend saving the three dollars and making one out of a copper cap and a wooden stick. Watch some YouTube videos. Like paleomanjim

cowboy:
I use hammerstones for the big stuff but like my copper to work em down. It's soft and heavy and grabs at that moment of impact. Seems to send a softer blow that travels farther. No wonder it's so popular I reckon :).
 Actually think I got lucky one time at work. Was in El Paso at a metal mart to pick up stuff for the job. They just happened to have a rack full of copper rems "remnants" from full length copper rounds they'd sawn. All dust covered and in a corner I almost didn't see them. Anyway, wound up buying one of each at market value for copper, half inch to around two inch and everything in between.. No more than I knap nowadays i'll never have to worry about buying or building another bopper..
  In answer to your question: Good luck with the river rox, I hope they make beautiful points and try all boppers, stone to steel. build your own experience ~ that's half the fun!

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