Knapping A Massive Brandon Flint Nodule with Dr. James Dilley

One of the most famous locations in the UK for flint is Grimes Graves and Brandon. For around 300 years between 2600 and 2300 BC Grimes Graves was mined for thousands of tonnes of high quality flint from the solid bedrock chalk. Earlier mines on the south coast had been dug for axe making flint, while Grimes Graves was primarily mined for flint that could be used for flake cores. The nearby town of Brandon is known for the gun flint trade that created millions of flints which were sent around the world. I was recently lucky enough to get special access to flint from the area including an absolutely enormous nodule! It was only right to share the breaking open of this massive lump of stone to see what is inside.
Filmed Edited & Produced by Emma Jones of ELWJ Media - www.elwjmedia.co.uk
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[@jonescrusher1]

the change in pitch as it breaks off is immensely satisfying.

[@ericnealsr9258]

I live in Indiana USA and won a 50 lb nodule of Brandon at a local knapp- in. I can hardly wait to get into it. I've been knapping about 20 years. watching you make that handax has me excited about my chunk. That familiar sound has me foaming at the mouth. LOL Thank you Happy knappin

[@postictal7846]

I can imagine the Paleolithic version of Dr. Dilley teaching his family flint napping 200K years ago.

[@tminefski]

Love to hear a rock sing in the reduction phase! Rock on!

[@twothreebravo]

The absolutely beautiful ringing sound from that flint is amazing.

[@waveman0]

I would give anything to be able to get my hands on such large nodes of flint. They are magnificent mate.

[@LaydlesLife]

Right! You aren’t the only one drooling over that massive fucking boulder of beautiful flint.

[@waveman0]

@@LaydlesLife particularly considering I live in Australia and flint is all but unheard of here.

[@ancientcraftUK]

I bet the shipping to the US or Australia would be hilarious!

[@waveman0]

@@ancientcraftUK agreed, and again in these times of covid, a 60kg flint node would cost thousands of dollars to ship to me.

[@LaydlesLife]

@@ancientcraftUK you are correct there, might as well just hop on a flight over there probably still end up spending less haha. I was wondering though do you go out and source all of this stone yourself?

[@PaleoGreenByrd]

How has this channel not come up on my feed before now? Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@toytoy1091]

In the 1960's me & some friends explored every inch of the tunnels at Grimes Graves with torches. They were all open then, and quite remote and unknown to most people. Now they are all shut off with metal bars.

[@ancientcraftUK]

Only a little jealous!

[@johnnymitnick]

Wow, that’s incredible. Wish things were still as open but people would probably trash them. I got to explore some old mines in the mountains of utah and even the most remote ones that took hours of research to identify and locate have bars in the openings. I thought maybe it was to stop illegal mining (the claim was still active) or to stop spelunkers but who knows. Thanks for sharing

[@DD-kc5pw]

As a beginning knapper your detailed description of why the shockwaves travel the way they do was very enlightening. Thank you for that! You just picked up a new Patron.

[@Ltngstrike]

Thank you for sharing your experience with such famous lithic material! Well done Sir! Living in the U.S., the closest I've ever been to working any Brandon flint is through reading my copy of "On the manufacture of gun-flints" by Sydney B. J. Skertchly.

[@angelwithbrokenwings2456]

Iiuuuui

[@pamtnman1515]

Let's Go Brandon!

[@jimajello1028]

Greetings Dr. James Dilley. I have been a Lithic Technologist/Researcher involved in reconstructive Archaeology. Using only organic materials ( bone, stone, antler etc) for 30 years I have reconstructed core & blade, pecked & ground, & bifacial stone tools in application to gain information. I have collected 3 tons of Brandon Flint used for ballist from different harbors in North America (NJ., Pennsylvania, New York & Maryland). Could you share your knowledge on heat treatment of this material to make it more workable? Also, the principles of hydration in the ground and it's molecular expansion of the material. Since I seek to do only organic approaches I have found heat treatment very difficult without ruining the Flint. This video was a outstanding demonstration by you. Thank you for sharing your extensive knowledge. Vince James (Ajello)

[@izabelabhering7041]

Really amazing work! Thank you for another lesson!

[@MichaelBrown-zp1sf]

As about a 10 year old boy I had an uncle that was an Indian relic Hunter. He would find arrowheads, spear points, Stone axes etc. I still remember one time he took me to a site on the Savannah River in South Carolina that was an ancient Indian settlement and in places the ground was literally littered with shards of Flint or churt. I can only imagine how many hundreds if not thousands of years the site was used.

[@damlynch9295]

I can imagine all the points that are buried there

[@shawndilley2569]

Awesome video. Thank you from a fellow Dilley.

[@locksmithmuggle]

The sound of knapping flint carries for miles. I imagine many tribes throughout history met this way

[@phrotojoe]

That looks like the best rock I've ever seen,send some over.

[@kenwintin3014]

As a knapper in the USA, I agree with Orion. I have to control myself to not be jealous of all those huge nodules. Keep up the good work and we can drool over you flint supply. Merry Christmas.

[@seandepoppe6716]

Thank you that was really informative and impressive. Thanks for sharing

[@ChrisPBacon-jl7oc]

Also im so glad your back to uploading

[@jonathanreynolds2227]

Can you do a lot more of the over-the-shoulder angle, please? It's by far the most instructive about how you are tackling the problems thrown up by the flint.

[@georgepretnick4460]

Good video, there Doc. I'd love to access a big nodule of that Brandon flint. I'm down to loo tank ceramic and glass jar bottoms.

[@richardwiley5933]

We all have to start somewhere - I'm on glass bottles and cheap ceramic plates. It's all great learning material. 👍

[@TheSapientBean]

Just went down to La Hougue Bie, spoke to Derek, who told me about you Dr.Dilley, Glad to have met him and watched this video.

[@steveclark5357]

you explain the process of lithic reduction very well sir, very well done

[@scott-w5z6b]

Someone’s DNA is expressing!

[@Naturallystated]

Well done! You make the flint look so forgiving. I have focused on obsidian which could be obtained through prehistoric trade networks in Southern California. Some of it is very difficult to work. It would be great for you to do a knapping comparison between flint and obsidian, if you have not already.

[@garthkeck2003]

I expected it to take hours to do that beautiful hand axe. No wonder guys here in the USA are finding so many arrowheads. A couple of elders with talent like yours could do several in a day. Thank you for the tutorial.

[@jameskolar9655]

I’m not a knapper! I did enjoy this vid though, made special by your concise and clear explanations. Thank you.

[@brandonferrell828]

It took me 11 minutes to realize the massive rock behind you was a tarp.

[@notmyworld44]

I tried flint knapping once many years ago, myself, but never got very far with it. We lack the proper material in our area. I'm very glad I happened upon your channel this evening. Subscribed!

[@American-Plague]

Glass is a fine substitute..and free. Especially old T.V. screens (or even glass bottle bottoms for pressure flaking).

[@notmyworld44]

@@American-Plague Odd you should say that. I have two large chunks of slag glass in my garden that I would love to dispose of. Got those from an Ozark mountain souvenir shop too many years ago. 😀👍

[@kensanity178]

I tried it years ago too, with this attitude: (how hard can it be? We all know what an arrowhead looks like. Hell, anyone can do that.) But it's not easy, and it takes practice, and perseverance, that I suspect few people have.

[@notmyworld44]

@@kensanity178 True! I enjoyed this comment! 😊

[@watcherspirit2351]

Thank you for the best demonstration I've ever seen of this art.

[@jeroylenkins1745]

That flint is so very musical

[@GWA_UK]

Amazing video chap. Subbed

[@oldgamerchick]

Beautiful stones thank you for sharing

[@ChrisPBacon-jl7oc]

Ive never seen a rock and been so happy

[@jk07ist]

What a fantastic nodule! Let’s go, Brandon!

[@Joetech-tb7wd]

Good work Doc

[@fload46d]

I found a small worked piece here in northern Indiana. It was broken and not sure if it was a blade or an atlatl point or spear point. It was about 1 1/4" X 2" black flint.

[@youlemur]

thank you for your content, and i have two questions that might give you some ideas for future videos :) what is the difference between knapping and chipping and subsequently knapped and chipped stone industry? what is the difference between blades, or bladed tools, and flaked tools? if you can make one.. thanks .)

[@Dominic.Minischetti]

Absolutely awesome brother!

[@crow1066]

The sound of the flint nodules and the hammer stones sound almost like a strike onto cast iron. In amongst making flint axes etc, are you able to identify other peoples knapping style by comparison to yours in the present day knapping community?

[@greenjack1959l]

That bit of Cortex is playing havoc with my OCD, lol!

[@stevewebster5729]

Have you ever tried to produce a large core from a block like that, such as the one found by Wessex up near Silbury Hill. It would obviously need to be a block of flint that will stay 'whole', but there's a challenge for you : )

[@ancientcraftUK]

It’s been on my challenge list for a while. They really look very sculptural, clearly made by a confident knapper

[@LuxisAlukard]

On average, how much bigger is piece of flint compared to finished product (axe head or hand axe)? Five, six times bigger, maybe? Thanks for the video, it's great!

[@et7100]

That stuff is making my mouth water. You are lucky. I could never have such luck. Make a Danish dagger

[@eugenestandingbear6516]

Love your handling of big pieces. You make it look easy , but I know it isn't. Good show.

[@johnnyrotten6191]

I picked up a few palm sized stones while in the middle east for OIF. Happened upon a field of stone and, as I walked across, it sounded as if I was walking on chunks of glass. Broke one open and was amazed. Though many times smaller than what he has there, they looked identical, both internally and externally. Brought several home. My wife was incredulous that I would go to war and bring home "rocks" as souvenirs. Of course, being hugely into archery hunting, once I explained flint knapping and ancient arrowheads, she understood.........but still walked away shaking her head. Hey, you married me!... Still haven't touched them, as I know NOTHING about knapping.....yet. One of these days...

[@richardwiley5933]

Women love to say that men don't understand them, but, can't we say the same? This stuff is in our DNA, so they'll just have to live with it. 😁

[@jimajello1028]

Dr. Dilly I truly enjoy your videos & knowledge that you share. I noticed when you are percussion striking your Bifaces freehand sometimes upon the strike the biface tends to lower it's hand held position. Doesn't that change the actual angle of contact with the billet? If your wrist was supported on your leg pad better support would give more exacting point of strike, energy transference, & save excessive vibration from being transfered into the wrist /hand area? Respectfully, Vincent James Ajello

[@adroaldoribeiro4529]

Bro, you look like Alexander Dreymon. Stupendous work with that stone 👏

[@davidlatimer3567]

I watch a lot of knapping videos. I appreciate your straight forward educational style. And your skill level. Do you realize what it does to a fellow knapper stuck here in the states to see so much beautiful flint and not be able to aquire any? I've searched the web for Danish and English flint. I'd like to get 200 to 300 pounds for my own use. Yet can't find a source. Will Lord ignores my pleas. Perhaps you could point me in the right direction. This year I had the great honor of sitting down with Greg Nunn of Utah. He was telling me of a trip to your part of the world and the things he learned about the Danish dagger. Do you know of him? Thank you for your time and sharing your knowledge Dave Latimer Full time Nomad,USA

[@ancientcraftUK]

I certainly know of Greg Nunn and his amazing work! The only UK quarry I know of that will ship flint internationally is Needham Chalks. They ship flint by the tonne bag and send it all over the world

[@et7100]

They were not no where near as big but Craig Rattiz with nothilic's is the only one I know of .good luck. If you find a big score remember me.

[@davidlatimer3567]

ET wonder what a tonne cost?

[@et7100]

@@davidlatimer3567 if it is under $1000 a ton, I'll take 2.

[@davidlatimer3567]

I contacted the quarry and they emailed a name and a number. As soon as I land somewhere warm I will call.

[@dallacosta2868]

Mr. James, out of curiosity, do you use hearing protection when knapping?

[@ancientcraftUK]

I don't as it's not too noisy. For a comparison blacksmithing would be much louder than flintknapping.

[@lifesforliving4929]

Excellent - I want that hand axe!

[@oleary651]

I was wondering where to find such a stone I live in newfoundland and was wondering what type of area I need to start looking

[@pittuk6500]

Not the Brandon i was expecting, but still a good video!

[@integr8er66]

I have SOOOOO much grey flint and chert on my property and its really a bit of a pain in the back. When you grade the roads you can plan on some flat tires until it gets laid over. At any rate I've been trying to find a way to sell it, or let people hunt for the pieces they want for a little extra money.

[@garycousino4016]

Believe early English ships to North America carried flint as ballast to trade with the indians

[@vitosmandolinadventures8466]

Hi there! Brilliant job! Would you be able to make another video how to make flint knap for wall?

[@ancientcraftUK]

I’ve never actually done any masonry or flushwork knapping before. Essentially it’s taking chunks and trimming them unifacially like a giant scraper

[@gmill2316]

I’d love to get ahold of a few spalls of that!! Ive knapped all types of North American materials but there’s something about the European true flint that I just lust over.

[@artiomrusch6984]

Lovely work

[@rohraspy1590]

Just scrumptious!

[@woodbeez6046]

Very cool. I subscribed.

[@johngrissom9147]

Nice work!!! Do you ever sell any of the flacks you chip off???

[@m005kennedy]

I've read of people getting serious respiratory problems from knapping flint. So you wear a partical mask when you are not on camera?

[@philwaters9751]

Excellent stuff... xxx :-)

[@davidbond7706]

Any chance I could purchase some of that flint from you?

[@brianjohnson8918]

Ah, dang. I though this was a movie about Kidnaping a massive guy named Brandon!

[@RedEyedPatriot]

One could only have hoped. 😂

[@BryanCrowson]

Dr. Dilley, have you had a shard of flint hit your safety goggles hard enough that it would have injured your eye, if you were unprotected? How frequently do you reckon that ancient people suffered eye injuries from this process?

[@ancientcraftUK]

Yes, a couple of times. But the worst time was when I was overseeing someone else having a go. A flake detached with force and deflected off a piece on the ground. I think it might have happen occasionally in the past, but the circumstances of my story are very very rare

[@geoffreybudge3027]

In America we have chert mostly which can be heated and worked . Black colored stone is not heat treated . I was given a piece of Danish flint already a flake it’s self and as I banged on that stone it was almost impossible to flake . I take my hat of to those across the pond who have the strength and stratagem to work these wonderful stones . 🇺🇸😃😃

[@dooleyfussle8634]

All that debitage! What are your plans for responsibly disposing of it? I have maybe a hundredth of what you have and am perplexed as to what to do with it so as not to confuse some future archeologist. By the way, even my tiny amount is already tremendously heavy and difficult to store and move!

[@ancientcraftUK]

I collect the useful flakes for arrowhead blanks and flake tools but the rest of the debitage is collected up and taken to the quarry where it is crushed and used for hard core. I definitely produce plenty of waste flakes and between quarry trips I need lots of buckets to contain them. When I'm not knapping for a video I usually knap over a bucket to catch the flakes and check for any that have strayed after. Loading the truck on quarry days is tiring! I take waste material and return with a boot of fresh flint

[@megaman992]

The amount of spall flakes you can get to make things from that is insane..

[@steveraney9094]

that rock wants to snuggle in that gravel pile behind u says you both can get more comfortable

[@williewonka6694]

Alright, Let's go Brandon!

[@francismarcoux8944]

Hand axe is mostly usefull to de articulate fast a leg or the head. Usefull if your steeling part of a predator kill

[@michaelkelly8955]

Fantastic.

[@sarah-janemcconnell6661]

It’s beautiful

[@mt1452]

Love your videos, it is interesting to learn about the European knapping traditions. I would love to see your take on a cody point from over here though, as it seems totally different from anything you guys have over there.

[@antben]

Great mastery.

[@williamburdon6993]

Fascinating!

[@theabhorrentchef7226]

That’s a nice sized chunk of flint. It’s not quite large enough to make a proper flint sword though. We must continue the search

[@greenjack1959l]

My mouth is watering, Lol!

[@woodsinme]

Very nice.

[@scotthaddad563]

Well, Let’s Go Brandon! Flint that is.

[@carolnorton2551]

are the fossil inclusions also flint or are they some other stone?

[@barryoconnor721]

Let's go Brandon flint!

[@idlando]

A pleasure to watch, perfect zen before bedtime. Perhaps I should consider learning this art..

[@Kurzes_Spiel]

Definitely give it a try. Don't expect to make beautiful tools right off the bat, though. Start with making simple slicing and chopping tools, like the first knappers did.

[@jamebrooke894]

A bit??? That's a mini Boulder!!

[@bobbymoore1615]

Have you found any gold in your flint or used a detector to check ????

[@ancientcraftUK]

I wish!

[@thomasdykstra100]

Wonderful audio...

[@nokiot9]

Does all silica come from diatoms?

[@bottling.hobo.]

Let's go Brandon Flint nodule!

[@froggystyle642]

I might be subbed to this channel, but I came looking for this

[@joerobertson3478]

Killing me!!!

[@johncicero5980]

New meaning to LETS GO BRANDON!

[@causewaykayak]

You ever watch Will Lord (knapper) making stone tools ?

[@kennethpensyl7791]

Amazing

[@Wildernessquestoutdoors]

Good stuff, English flint is tough to chip

[@AlternateFropile]

"I'm not gonna make one giant stone tool out of this." I wish you would though 😅

[@reecetaylor2626]

What could one use in place of an antler

[@davidjohnson-pz2df]

AND you smell the flint !!!!!

[@brittinghammerforge9441]

Let’s go Brandon…flint

[@airdrop1670]

Man that's hard , sounds almost like hitting a anvil .

[@gibsondrummer]

In 200 thousand years some future paleo anthropologists are going to find your flint napping site and make a vide describing the activities of people in the post war period of so called “modern” human society on great Britain They will,describe in great detail the beautiful flakes left behind