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Differences in knapping obsidian and flint?

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D. Tiller:
Don't know if any of you have noticed this difference but I find that I have to use a lot more strength when striking flint and follow through to peal flakes off of a flint biface where as on obsidian its more like a tap with no follow through. Any of you notice this too? Or have you seen other differences?

David T

Sleddman:
There is a big difference.  Remember obsidian is vulcanic glass.  Just rember that you have to reduce the size and weight of your billet or hammer stone, copper bopper when striking obsidian. a small tap even with less weight may give you the same size flake as with much heavier weight will give you with flint or chert. Always make good platforms so you wont just crush a thin edge.  Good luck

Justin Snyder:
You need to try smacking some of that raw Texas chert if you think there was a difference in those two.  Some rocks are softer like obsidian, others are hard or super hard. Then there is the rock that Cowboy has.  Justin

cowboy:
Yessir!! Justin, hahahha >:D. I have to remember to back waaaaay off when I try a peice of obs ;D. Some of this stuff I have, I'm taking full roundhouse swings to get those big flakes off and hope like hell I don't miss ;D ;D...Youch! - bood >:D..

Hillbilly:
Justin, you need to try some good grainy rhyolite or quartzite. Makes Cowboy's perd look like obsidian.  ;D

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