Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Flintknapping => Topic started by: Wvfarrier on November 16, 2016, 07:34:41 pm

Title: So frustrated
Post by: Wvfarrier on November 16, 2016, 07:34:41 pm
Only started knapping a week ago but I'm already frustrated.  I cannot seem to complete a point.
Title: Re: So frustrated
Post by: Outbackbob48 on November 16, 2016, 07:41:05 pm
Wvfarrier, give it some time the journey is well worth it, Bob
Title: Re: So frustrated
Post by: YosemiteBen on November 16, 2016, 11:08:07 pm
Welcome to the addiction. How long did it take to learn farring? It'll take a bit. watch some you tube for tips...
Title: Re: So frustrated
Post by: Orrum on November 17, 2016, 12:15:20 am
Hey farrier knapping is a skill that involves a lot of breakage at first. I can knapp fairly well but the true pleasure comes from a good pressure flake all by itself or a good percussion flake. So immerse yourself in taking great flakes and some awesome points will grow from.this practice!!#
Title: Re: So frustrated
Post by: nclonghunter on November 17, 2016, 01:41:20 pm
It can be and likely will be a lifetime journey, so don't rush it...

Remove layers from the high parts and grind the edges for better flakes......Have Fun!!!!!
Title: Re: So frustrated
Post by: Tracker0721 on November 17, 2016, 10:00:09 pm
Took me about 3 months of knapping at least 10-15 hours a week before I got any good and I've still got a long ways to go. Try making preforms that are the right thickness before attempting a point. If you're trying for an arrowhead shape too early you'll usually break it or have a turtle
Title: Re: So frustrated
Post by: bjrogg on November 18, 2016, 07:21:05 am
I always say it's like gulf. If you don't let it frustrate you it's very relaxing. I watched a lot of you tube until I could tell where and why they were going to hit stone. Then all you have to do is figure out how. Not sure if I can say names of you tube guys I think it's ok. For me bohunter was a huge help. He's good at explaining, fast, and funny too. I think I got the name right if not maybe someone else can correct me. Just try to have fun and play with anything you can knap, glass bottles, old Tv's. It's not nearly as frustrating when your not making expensive gravel. Good Luck
Bjrogg
Title: Re: So frustrated
Post by: Wvfarrier on November 18, 2016, 07:00:24 pm
I've watched tons of videos.   I actually completed a bird point today from an arrowhead I had about 3/4 complete but fractured.   I love the process but darn if it ain't frustrating
Title: Re: So frustrated
Post by: Orrum on November 18, 2016, 08:12:24 pm
TURTLES, FOOTBALLS!!!   I made them things for so long!!!  LOL.  Now I can thin them and BREAK, SNAP AND END SNAP!!!   Oh yes progress... LOL
Title: Re: So frustrated
Post by: nclonghunter on November 18, 2016, 08:20:50 pm
So easy a caveman can do it......  ::)
Title: Re: So frustrated
Post by: Chippintuff on November 18, 2016, 11:17:20 pm
Knapping is one of the hardest things to learn that I have ever tackled. Once the AHA moments started happening, the excitement started building. If you can take that first week, you're gonna be a knapper. Keep it up. Get with another knapper if you can find one near you. An hour of one on one is worth many videos, even if the knapper doing the demonstration and teaching is only able to make functional points. Plan on teaching someone else after you learn.

WA
Title: Re: So frustrated
Post by: Wvfarrier on November 19, 2016, 08:18:17 pm
Anyone in or around north Central wv?
Title: Re: So frustrated
Post by: Hawkdancer on December 28, 2016, 11:16:10 pm
Farrier,
A Native American friend once told us he was on an SF training mission, and knapped out some arrowheads to use a gifts to recruit people we referred to assets.  He was asked by an elder how long it took him to make the points,  his repy was ',Grandfather, only 20 years and 20 minutes".  It does take awhile -stay with it and be ready to provide me with an encouraging word when I hit the wall - :)
Hawkdancer
Title: Re: So frustrated
Post by: Parnell on December 29, 2016, 08:48:23 am
Really, that's strange, usually people get it right away... >:D
Title: Re: So frustrated
Post by: bjrogg on December 29, 2016, 09:13:02 am
Ha ha like they say so simple a caveman can do it.
Bjrogg
Title: Re: So frustrated
Post by: YosemiteBen on December 30, 2016, 03:17:56 am
Hey there! rocks aint as forgivin as a hoof!
Title: Re: So frustrated
Post by: 1442 on December 30, 2016, 12:43:51 pm
Yep! give it time.
You' bee making points before you know it
Title: Re: So frustrated
Post by: GlisGlis on January 02, 2017, 01:33:42 pm
double check you got the right tools and a good material to work with (beer glass?)

Title: Re: So frustrated
Post by: Hawkdancer on January 02, 2017, 01:47:44 pm
Just be sure to set the beer glass where the chips won't flip into it :).  At last, a use for those twist off bottles!  Hawkdancer.  Happy New Year to all!