Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Flintknapping => Topic started by: iowabow on May 13, 2012, 08:56:32 am

Title: Tip of the point
Post by: iowabow on May 13, 2012, 08:56:32 am

Here is something I learned from watching knappers in TN.  I call it hang nail because I don't know the name of the technique.  As you can see from the picture you will be striking the platfrom but with a guide.   OK here is the deal if you have learned what a ridge is and you know how to set up a platform the next step is to hit the platform is jut the right place. Well this technique will help you do just that.  See if you hit the platfrom above center the biface will receive to much shock and the piece will break. It will break also if you hit at the wrong angle.  Now a couple things need to be done before using this technique.  So first made a good platform to strike. Second find a ridge on the bottom side that you want to remove. Third make sure that the platform is abrade. You might want to isolate the platform if needed.   
Now that all of the above has been done you need to setup your left hand.  Hold the preform in your left hand, put your middle finger on the ridge, it will be just below your thumb.  Place your thumb in the location that will be the center of where you think the bopper will land.

Here is the cool part - using your thumb nail place it down the platform to about middle.  Now you can't hit the platform too high.   You can't break the preform unless you drive the bopper through your thumb.  I have been holding the bopper at about a 90 degree angle. If you do hit high your thumb will act as a ramp to guide the bopper to the platform. That was easy!

    (http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m559/iowabow2/2012-05-13060623.jpg)

Title: Re: Tip of the point
Post by: Bone pile on May 13, 2012, 10:18:49 am

If you hit the top of your thumb and drive the flake off would that be indirect percussion? ::)
Bone pile

Title: Re: Tip of the point
Post by: iowabow on May 13, 2012, 11:16:55 am

Hehe I don't know lets ask jackcrafty he is the expert in that area. 

Title: Re: Tip of the point
Post by: Sparrow on May 13, 2012, 11:57:19 am

This technique may reduce cussing.  '  Frank

Title: Re: Tip of the point
Post by: jamie on May 13, 2012, 12:08:10 pm

cool unless you use a baseball bat like i do. then the cussing will be intense when i break my thumb.  ;D

Title: Re: Tip of the point
Post by: Mesquite on May 13, 2012, 01:03:54 pm

Quote from: Sparrow on May 13, 2012, 11:57:19 am

This technique may reduce cussing.  '  Frank

I imagine quite the opposite.  :P

Title: Re: Tip of the point
Post by: Jimbob on May 14, 2012, 09:57:59 am

Thanks for the Tip IB, Im gonna have to try that.

Title: Re: Tip of the point
Post by: cowboy on May 14, 2012, 10:07:49 am

Hmm... That's one way to force yourself to be accurate.

Title: Re: Tip of the point
Post by: seider on May 14, 2012, 08:17:04 pm

I see bloody fingernails in my near future.  Followed very closely but allot of cussing.

Title: Re: Tip of the point
Post by: Bevan R. on May 14, 2012, 08:29:27 pm

I wear a glove on that hand. I wonder if a banjo thumb pick would work?

Title: Re: Tip of the point
Post by: nativenoobowyer86 on May 14, 2012, 09:29:50 pm

Great tip, ive been on an overstriking/snapping spree lately :D

Title: Re: Tip of the point
Post by: iowabow on May 14, 2012, 11:46:12 pm

Sorry about the thumb strike.   I am glade this is helping some of you.