Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Flintknapping => Topic started by: John K on March 04, 2008, 02:12:35 pm

Title: Elk billets
Post by: John K on March 04, 2008, 02:12:35 pm

Does anyone use Elk antler for billets  ??? or is it to soft.

Title: Re: Elk billets
Post by: Hillbilly on March 04, 2008, 02:18:41 pm

I've heard that it's lighter and not as dense/tough as moose or deer. Never tried it myself, but I don't see why it wouldn't work- it certainly comes in some big diameters.

Title: Re: Elk billets
Post by: JackCrafty on March 04, 2008, 02:34:39 pm

That's what I'm using right now.  I don't have too much experience but it seems to be equal to deer.  I switched to elk because I needed the extra size/weight.

Title: Re: Elk billets
Post by: Wolf Watcher on April 16, 2008, 12:55:15 pm

Elk billets work OK.  They can be a very large diameter.  They almost always have a curve due to the first brow tine comming off so close to the base which I think is a negative.  Have found that wolf killed horns make better billets than shed because you can use some of the bone below the base as an extention of the billet.  Makes for a much tougher billet.  I don't use a lot of flints, but some jaspers and agates respond to them well.  Also does a good job on obsidian once you have made a couple of good platforms.  Watcher

Title: Re: Elk billets
Post by: flecha on April 16, 2008, 01:01:23 pm

I have two elk billets in my tool kit right now.  I've been happy with them.  I knap almost exclusively obsidian.

Title: Re: Elk billets
Post by: John K on April 18, 2008, 12:00:31 pm

Good to know, Thanks Guys !