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A different style ABO

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nclonghunter:
I have watched many Youtube videos with different ABO knapping techniques. I will not try to name the knappers but I am certain many of you know them. They all use an indirect knapping style by striking an antler or copper punch/flaker to remove a flake. I always wanted a third hand when trying to use indirect knapping so I came up with a method of holding the antler punch while I held the flint and striker in my two free hands. It is a method that I found to be powerful and accurate in working the edges. Antler punches can be quickly changed for different needs. You can also have several ready in case you do not want to reshape the one you are using.
I use a heavy thick piece of cow hide with a small cut or slit in it for inserting the antler punch. I also tie the antler punch in place with a piece of leather thong. Then lay it across my right leg with the punch pointing towards my left thigh. I use my left hand to hold a soft piece of leather that is sandwiched between a flat piece of sandstone and the flint. Place the antler punch on the platform and strike it with you striker. If all goes well you will remove a nice flake. I try to keep my fingers spread where the flake will be removed. I have had several coast to coast and overshot flakes with this method. Once you get all set and adjusted you can go along the edge platform and remove flakes in succession.
Give it a try, I hope you like it and are successful.......Good Luck

nclonghunter:
One more....

le0n:
^^ very innovative.

also, thanks for this is an extremely generous share.

Zuma:
Hey NC,
What you are doing is very fashionable 8)
Buuuuttt what I would like to know is how do you
equate your methods to ABO and for what reason?
Not trying to be a copper belly--
I just want to know WHY?
Zuma

nclonghunter:
Thanks Zuma, I try to always be fashionable...

My take on ABO is the type of tools used not the method because the true ABO method or technique is speculation. It is my understanding from listening to other knappers that ABO knapping is using antler, bone, stone and natural materials that could have been gathered from nature. The tools I am using are antler, stone and leather which are all natural materials and would have been available at all times through history. Knapping events that I have attended have stipulated that it be ABO knapping only ( Schielle Museum in Gastonia, NC). The use of antler, stone and bone are accepted and are used in different ways or methods by knappers there.

If my understanding is twisted or incorrect I am certainly open to the true definition of ABO knapping if one exists but if it is only another's interpretation or belief of what it means then I will stick with mine.

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