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First Knapping attempt

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Sparrow:
 Hey Keith You are getting the form. I started getting thinner when I would percussion flake a preform twice as big as the point I wanted to make.Then I would thin the preform even more with very controlled percussion on the lap supporting the back edge with a fingertip (Gloved) this set me up with ridges to build good platforms to run deep pressure flakes across the piece without losing almost any width,thinning it even more.At this point my piece is usually 6 or 7 times wider than it is thick.More times than not,one end will be thinner than the other,that is the end I will use to be the base of the point.This is just going with what the piece of rock is doing on it's own and that is always a good thing.If I am going to do some basal thinning(Thin the base to facilitate hafting) I do it now.Kinda fluting it with a couple or three long pressure flakes on each side running right up the centerline ridge.You have to set up a nice platform for each flake.I learned the hard way that you must create a nice platform for each and every flake if you want it to run right.Watching the youtube video's is a huge advantage that I did'nt have when I was learning.Paleoman jim's stuff is really well presented.pressure flaking pads with the flake path cutout was another huge advantage. Good luck ! Bust lots and lots of rock and remember to grind your edges (But not too much ! Ha ! )
 Frank

hawkbow:
Nice points brother, you have it down pretty good... wish my first points looked that good.Hawk a/ho

huntertrapper:
those look well done. make a kill with them. :)

Bishop:
Nice work!..we are getting a lot of rock breakers here...wooohooo.
Bishop

Knocker:
Seeing all your guy's work is giving me inspiration.  After Glass Butte, I have plenty of raw materials, and I also found a couple of local knappers that are willing to give me some pointers.  I doubt if I'll be creating any works of art for awhile, but I hope to make some functional arrowheads for next falls hunting season.  The next step is to get the platforms right and the percussion angles, so that I can get some longer flakes.  Those heads I posted are so thick I'd have to use splints to hold them on the shaft...   :(

We finally had a break in the weather here in the Northwest, and it was the same day as a family gathering at my home.  The nieces and their boyfriends were nuts about shooting my bows and some junk ebay arrows, so I think I have created some new enthusiasts!

Keith

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