Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Flintknapping => Topic started by: Dalton Knapper on February 23, 2016, 05:28:57 pm

Title: Pressure Flaking Position for Beginners
Post by: Dalton Knapper on February 23, 2016, 05:28:57 pm

Below is a picture I posted on a couple of sites with the basic position and mechanics for effective pressure flaking. Bear in mind there are literally 100 ways to pressure flake and this is but one. Also know that to run long flakes you will not only have to hold that position and not let it change until you detach the flake, but your platform and convexity of the piece are important as well. I'm not a burly fellow, so I need all the power I can get from my legs and hands. Maybe it will be helpful to some:

(http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss187/benhenry007/Knapping%20Position%202_zpsxnxnwkgz.jpg)

Title: Re: Pressure Flaking Position for Beginners
Post by: loon on February 23, 2016, 05:52:30 pm

Nice, will give this a try with bottle bottoms.
Are you going into the hand with this?
For building a platform, you wouldn't go so much into the piece, right?

Title: Re: Pressure Flaking Position for Beginners
Post by: nclonghunter on February 23, 2016, 06:37:32 pm

Excellent illustration of the process... :)

Title: Re: Pressure Flaking Position for Beginners
Post by: Tracker0721 on February 23, 2016, 09:22:16 pm

Looks about right. And I've found the angle of the flaker along with the direction of force to change flake size and length. And always remember that a good stabbing pressure into the rock before swiping down will produce nice flakes.