Main Discussion Area > Flintknapping

Is it me or?

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Hillbilly:
Antler works well, but it does dull quick, and you have to set up the platforms a little differently. I never could do much with a steel nail, it doesn't grab the platform like copper or antler. I like soft horseshoe nails for notching sometimes.

keekeerun:
 I might try a 10 penny nail.  I'm gonna try an antler today, if it dulls I'll just cut off another tine and have at er.  Hillbilly how sharp or semi blunt do you like your antler flakers,  and when you say setting up the platforms different for the antler, would they have to be bigger platforms because of the bigger diameter of the antler.       THANKS GUYS.

Hillbilly:
I don't sharpen them really sharp-kind or rounded crayon-ish. Hitting it a few licks with a file after every few flakes will keep it in good shape. I usually set up platforms that are a little weaker and sharper for antler than with copper. Isolating them a bit helps, too. I tend to use antler more for tougher materials like rhyolite and quartzite-it grabs better than copper.

keekeerun:
Thanks I'll try it out today, I'll let you know how I did.    I' got to get set up for showing pictures

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