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Copper Question!

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Knotty:
Hey everyone!
It's been a while since I last posted a thread since I'm getting better from a bad intestinal infection..

Anyway,
I was wondering why Copper is pretty much the only material I see in Flintknapping tools..
Is there a Scientific reason for that?
Would any other metal (such as silver) be suitable?

Just a question I had in mind, I hope you guys can take the time to answer me 😊

Thanks in advance!

nclonghunter:
Hey Knotty, I do not know the true reason but I believe it has the correct tensile strength or hardness. It needs to slightly grip the rock to pull a flake off. Too hard or too soft does not work as well. i also think that copper has different hardness and some will work better than others. Cost of metals with correct hardness may be a cause also.

Antler is also suppose to have a gripping texture or sufficient hardness. I have noticed some of it is harder and softer as well and the harder antler seems to work better for me.

For the little knowledge I have of metals, that's about all I can offer. Maybe someone with more info can help out here.

Knotty:
Awesome , thanks!

If anyone would like to contribute to the answer, please do!

mullet:
I read somewhere that it mimicks the gripping properties of antler but holds up longer between having to dress it. I've tried brass and it is too hard, along with steel and bronze. Aluminum is too soft. Horseshoe nails and old, antique nails are made with a softer steel and work pretty good.

Knotty:
Alright great, thanks for the answers! 👍

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