243 - Instructional Flintknapping Video - Concentration of Force

This is a very long video but I'm trying to address many issues at once. I receive a lot of questions about my thought process during my flintknapping. After analyzing my technique recently, I think I can answer this question... or at least answer parts of it. I still don't think I covered every aspect but maybe it will be clearer than before.
Tools:
Indirect Percussion Flaker: UHMW Plastic Rod 3/4" diameter x 11" long, with copper grounding wire insert.
Steel Pressure Flaker: Ice Pick from wal-mart.
Mallet: UHMW Pastic Rod 1-1/4" diameter x 6" long.
Abrader: Abrasive grinding wheel, medium grit.

[@teddyrobo1]

I’ve been watching your videos for a couple years, it’s so cool that KZbin suggested this old video! Amazing, what a look into the past!

[@zizwheel2000]

I've watched Hundreds of videos before this one. I can Honestly say that I learned more from this one than all of the rest put together. I never realized how close to the edge you were putting your percussion tool. Very informative video. Keep'em coming and I MIGHT learn something one of these days.!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing your Knowledge.

[@warriorworkstraining]

It feels so good to see you turning a piece, and I find the platform that I would hit next, and then you hit it, lol. It's like scratching an itch on my brain. lol

[@arvilmogensen1945]

I have watched a large number of the authors videos. Somehow, I missed this older video. I watched it last evening. It seems we watch but at times we do not watch close enough or listen carefully enough. I have been using Indirect Percussion for 2-years after years and years of Pressure Flaking. Indirect Percussion is in my opinion a very effective method to thin points. This instructional video is worth the time to watch. A lot of comment not discussed in latter videos. The rough flake he started from is one most every knapper has seen. Explanation of how to start, the thinking, and for me, still more attention to using small platforms. As a long time knapper, pressure flaker of Obsidian, I ground stout platforms. The latter is I think a detriment to knapping Flint, as too heavy blows are required leading to snapped points. Knapping is as with most things, not something quickly learned. From shortcuts, but from A LOT of practice. Thanks for making the video. Practice continues.

[@entrepreneursfinest]

Excellent instruction by a legend in his own time! Well that does it. I've got a full knap kit at home but I'm on the road working so I'm going to the hardware store to build kit #2.

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

Nice! 😁👍

[@Chief2Moon]

I can't squeal it loud enough, your videos are a WEALTH of information. I need to find a better word than "Thanks"!!!

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

You're very welcome.

[@jamieelder7438]

WOW! Great video as usual. I saw your "error" there towards the end and thought what a devastating mishap. But as usual just a little "touch up" work and all is well. I think what makes a person good at anything is knowing that they can repair any mistakes they make. Outstanding!

[@WAGONJON]

Showing a few little flaws in a point making vid is certainly helpful. It shows what is to be done in that situation. There are way more failures than successes when someone is first starting out knapping. You executed out the hard spots flawlessly! Great vid!!

[@stevenwoods9232]

Love this Jack, you're a master in napping. Thanks for your videos

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

I appreciate that very much. I'm glad my videos are useful.

[@thomasjohnson3205]

I liked the small platforms being pointed out. Detailed information,

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

Thanks. This is and old one. My latest videos show close up explanations of platforms also.

[@davidkinney7814]

Patrick : Third time to watch. You are the man.

[@davidleasure9138]

Outstanding as always. You have the gift. Thanks for sharing

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

Thanks David.

[@draven3838]

I looked at how I snapped doing about and I'm more like you in looking for the platforms and problem areas ,so I have now switched to copper more and I break a lot less points and thinning my bases before the tip and shaping I break almost no tips ,thank you for your ever flowing videos

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

I'm very glad you're having some success with copper. I remember when it finally became less like torture and more like a hobby when I was breaking less rock... ha ha.

[@draven3838]

@@KnapperJackCrafty indeed ,I enjoy it more with less frustration

[@maknifeandrods7701]

Thanks for the instructions. After digging up old chucks of stone from my old failures 4-5 years ago I’m trying to get a biface. After destroying most of the rocks I have I’m now trying to take flakes and make something. Two hardest things are humps on small pieces and ridges going down the middle and can’t get the flakes to cross the ridge.

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

Yep, very real problems. I overcame those by being very aggressive with the flaking.

[@maknifeandrods7701]

@@KnapperJackCrafty thank you for the reply

[@pestleman1951]

Yep never had much trouble making really thick points !! lol ;p Best instructional and best explained how-to knapping vid I've ever seen !!! Hands down !!! Not really fair, after I struggled for decades on my own to see this now !!! lol lol Masterful job Bro, you ought to charge money ... or at least put advertising on these great ones !!!

[@davidleasure9138]

Jack I have a spall and want to break it into pieces for flint and steel. By hitting high on a platform will of give thicker flakes. Really enjoy watching you and the superb art you do

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

Yes. Hitting higher on the platform, together with lots of force, usually produces larger flakes. If you just need chunks, you might try setting it down flat on dirt and smashing it in the middle with a vertical blow.

[@othelloperrello6604]

Incredibly useful as a beginner, thank you

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

Glad it was helpful

[@ForwardNewsToday]

Jack crafty you’re thinking about every step you take way more than what you are consciously aware of. Your skills and experience are so deeply instilled in your brain stem that you are completely unaware of the unconscious cognitive processes taking place

[@kullcraven]

Hey man i just learnt alot thanks so much. I need to make some of those tools , that point turned out amazing. very good job buddy.

[@VOGTLANDOUTDOORS]

LOVE your & HuntPrimitive channels!... NEWBIE QUESTION... CAN I simply go buy a COW LEGBONE instead of trying to find an ELK ANTLER for a "big bopper"? SEEMS ro ME that constraining myself to must-be-ANTLER means for ONE dead elk you only get 2 (two) boppers, so only a measely 2 people in my tribe are now knapping... ...but if we use LEG BONES, then on dead elk means 8 (eight) tribesmen are now knapping (each legbone yields 2 boppers).. IS it possible to direct-percussion knap using a LEG bone in plave of an ANTLER bone?... AFAIK, ANTLER IS in fact BONE - YES?

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

Are you aware that elk shed their antlers once a year? Elk do not shed their leg bones. But, yes, you can use leg bones if you dont mind the fact that they are not as durable as antler and often do not perform well on difficult stone.

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

Oh, and thank you for the kind words. I'm very glad you like the channel. Forgive me if my answer was a bit annoying. I cant tell if people are being serious or funny when asking me a question. 😁

[@davidleasure9138]

Thanks Jack for your answers

[@Adam-jk6uz]

This was a very well explained and informative video. Thanks!!

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

Thanks Adam.

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

I've got a couple videos on that. Have you seen them? What are you having trouble with: short flakes, crushed edges, platform preparation? 200 - 1/2 Spalling Chert (Flint) for Flintknapping 201 - 2/2 Spalling Chert (Flint) for Flintknapping

[@kullcraven]

Man this is great, and a very good instructional vid. I'm going to have to make up one of those tools. I only use my copper billet and antler and i break some and make alot of gravel lol. This may help me out. thanks bud

[@gkess7106]

Could the ridge be used as a platform? Or do all flakes start from the outer edge? Does the rounded rough copper end of your tool help grip the arrowhead’s platform?

[@MikeSmith-OU812]

Great video ! Very helpful .Can you give some info on the two tools your using . What are they made of ? Dimensions ? Ect...

[@markgyver809]

May I make a suggestion. You ever considered an archery glove vs. hockey tape. Just tryn to help u back.

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

Sure. I would use an archery glove if they were cheap. Tape doesn't cost a lot of money.

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

What a great compliment. Thank you! Sorry for responding so late... don't know why I missed this. :-)

[@christopherbunik2116]

I don't want to bug you, thank you great info.

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

No worries. You're not bugging me.

[@samgibson684]

You rock! THANK YOU!

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

You're very welcome

[@dansparrow2897]

Brian, you talk about sending the force into the rock. Does that mean you change your striking direction?

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

Hate advertising... so I won't stick any on my videos. But I'm glad you think it's that good. :-)

[@jerryjohnson4013]

Can you tell a newly made one from one made centuries ago? I'm afraid of buying one. Also, what is the abrasive stone for? Thanks, good job

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

It's very difficult to tell a real arrowhead from a good fake. Most collectors prefer to find their own, so they know they have real ones. If you do some research, you can get a good idea of prices and if you think it's a good deal, then buy it.

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

The abrasive stone is used to get rid of the sharp edge so a flake can be removed without crushing the edge during the flake removal.

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

I'll put the materials in the description of the video.

[@rodzilla41]

you, sir, are the Edward Van Halen of flint knapping...

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

Thank you, thank you.

[@geoffmayo2158]

I'm having trouble flaking spalls

[@HWPcville]

You have raised knapping to a high art and the results are beautiful. How long have you been knapping? Do you do this as a business or more for the enjoyment? Either way you're creating art. Thanks for posting.

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

Thank you very much for the kind words. I've been knapping since 2007 but not making recognisable arrowheads until 2009.

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

Thanks Jamie!

[@stevenwoods9232]

As a beginner , I thought your vocational exploration is explicit in your napping. Thanks

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

You're welcome.

[@PRO_GAMER_SIM]

why do i keep getting step fratures

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

Because you're still learning?

[@PRO_GAMER_SIM]

@@KnapperJackCrafty no because my stones are stupid hmmmm

[@PRO_GAMER_SIM]

@@KnapperJackCrafty always have problems with Edwards chert feels really hard as hell lol like a brick

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

@@PRO_GAMER_SIM oh yes

[@davestanbro1422]

I am trying the indirect percussion using an hickory broom handle with copper in the end but it breaks up pretty fast. Where did you get the plastic rods? Thanks for all the information. I feel I made a huge leap forward.

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

I buy the rods from grainger . com (White UHMW-PE Rod) but other online stores sell it also. You can get small pieces on ebay as well, for cheap prices.

[@melleybelley1]

did you start off with indirect percussion first or the traditional style first

[@johnnyprentiss4803]

Did you ever end up explaining how and why you ground the tip? I'm trying to recreate this point(in obsidian) for hunting. Do you think it's necessary?

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

A few of my arrowheads have ground tips. I just carefully ground the points on a bench grinder with a fine grit stone. You have to go very slowly or the tips break. Anyway, the reason I did this was to create very strong tips that won't snap off while handling the arrows. It's not necessary and probably not helpful for hunting. It was just an experiment. I don't think I've done a video on it.

[@jakobgrunstein1092]

if antler is too soft, can not a tooth or a shaped stone be inserted instead of copper?

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

Yes, but a tooth or a stone will sheer off after a few powerful strikes. Then you have to dig out the bottom half from the hole. Not fun.

[@pestleman1951]

Haha that's how I feel , half the time when ads come up I just click out !! lol My only real suggestion would be to add the words FOR BEGINNERS in the actual title, cause newbies could never find a better vid to start on !!! I've sent newbies to your channel before and them come back to me with "But which one EXACTLY !!!" lol lol

[@ANXIETOR]

great video. thanks.

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

Good Idea.

[@Redshift313]

Awesome video... Thanks

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

Thanks!

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

Thanks! What an awesome compliment! My ego thanks you very much. :-)

[@pestleman1951]

Yeah haha,I don't get em often or for long but when while they last I'm bright as a star !! lol

[@coldshot5555]

My fingers go numb when I over do it, Does that ever happen to you? And look at the length on those butt flakes...

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

No, my fingers don't go numb but my wrist and shoulder used to hurt quite a bit. It's better now, though. I only knap occasionally.

[@HambonesAdventures]

Hey it's Hambone I tried emailing you it said it didn't go through I'll try again. K Hambone

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

[e-mail]

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

You're welcome. :-)

[@lelonbond6682]

why not just put on a leather glove?

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

+Lelon Bond Leather gloves wear out... and they cost lots of money. I hate to throw out a pair of gloves when I wear out the two fingertips of the left hand. And the flakes bounce back in my face with gloves. The leather is too loose and flings the chips around, no matter how tight the gloves are. That's my story, anyway. :-)

[@lelonbond6682]

have you tried ceramic paving brick?or belden brick with the holes ?i was a mason and those are the hardest brick and should nap like the floor tile.cut the fingers off the gloves and when they start to wear through turn them around.

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

Yeah, I got a few vids with glove tips on my fingers. I have to wrap tape around them to keep them from coming off... hahah. I need to look into that ceramic paving brick and the other you mentioned. Sounds interesting.

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

+Lelon Bond I found a video where I'm wearing some glove tips. Don't know why but this question was on my mind for a long time... kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5e8YqOtrK56qdE

[@vitaoleal]

y cutted my hand for inexperience with glass bottle

[@FrontierLegacy]

Sorry about those on mine but I'll use the money to buy rocks.

[@rayocaballo6122]

It amazes me how you can take a fat small flake and thin it I always end up with a fat bastard head

[@erichhunterph.d.198]

Great video thank you.

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

Thanks!

[@melleybelley1]

did you start off with indirect percussion first or the traditional style first

[@KnapperJackCrafty]

I started with traditional methods and developed my style of indirect percussion out of frustration. :-)