Biface Better with Indirect Percussion. Flint knapping tips and tricks

In this video you will watch Ryan Gill incorporate Indirect percussion into his knapping process. points of interest are linked below
To order this Heat Treated Coral, or other great rock, along with all the Tools seen in this video, visit gillsprimitive...
To revisit the first video of Flint Knapping for beginners, • How to make an arrowhe...
To see the new Cahokia video, click here • Knapping a Cahokia poi...
And to learn from Marty at FlintKnappingTips click here! / flintknappingtips

[@twintwo1429]

Men like you, give us so much. Thanks for keeping all these crafts, traditions, and skills going for the future. Many of these things, I have learned. Like you , I pass it on as often as I can. You look to be about 15 years younger than me. The day before I pass, i hope you are still going strong. Thanks.

[@bertaherndon2537]

I've recently started into the adventure of learning to knap and have watched many videos on the subject. Your skill level is incredible for a man who stays as humble as you are. Your instruction has given me more overall growth than any other videos and a fair sense of brave than I ever had as far as trying new things. Thank you for all you have shared with guys and I'm sure gals too who are getting into the art. I hope to become as confident and skilled one day so keep your videos coming. They are as good as I've seen and better than most.

[@brutisthunderhand1490]

Well this ONE video above all others I have seen, plus Marty's sweet indirect stick, has improved my thinning by about 200%. Just another 100% improvement and I'll have this down... mostly. Fun level up fer sure! Thank you! Awesome craftsman, marksman and teacher you are! I am so sad all the George Town is gone. I must have gotten some of the last of it.

[@08Roadgl]

Marty is way beyond most of our skill level, but always gives great tips. Your series is really valuable for those of us with just a couple years experience. Thanks!

[@LeMayJoseph]

Who’s Marty?

[@simonphoenix3789]

I remember learning this technique after watching a channel called Jackcrafty back in 2013- 2014. I went out and got a hold a delcron rod and made several of these. And suddenly I was churning out finished points quickly and easily. Until then I could never properly finish anything other than glass or obsidian arrowheads, but this just made it so easy and precise.

[@shanek6582]

When I made my first indirect percussion jig it was an epiphany in my knapping.

[@slapxshot96]

Didn’t know Charlie from “It’s Always Sunny” was into flint knapping! Lol good video!

[@huntprimitive9918]

You're not the first to say that

[@slapxshot96]

@@gregorytanner3451 why would you need to hack your girlfriend’s IG account?

[@Sandbillybushcraft]

Grate video, I watch a lot of Jack crafty he’s a true master of indirect but I really like how you explained it in this video 👍👍.

[@williamlee5990]

Nice work.im one year old napper I've came a long way watching your videos .thanks

[@Dldmny]

This is a great demonstration and source of how-to information for those who have tried and have had only marginal success in knapping. Thank you!

[@Chief2Moon]

Over the years I've experimented with various napping techniques.. unfortunately I'm only "occasionally&surprisingly" competent at any of them. Haha. The good news is- I still have fun& have made a few worthy of showing off to family&friends. Good video!

[@patrickcrayton3622]

Thanks for all the guidance you provide for us out here trying to follow your footsteps.

[@magnushorus5670]

that copper top is brilliant! thank you! love your videos, that are so helpful

[@austinlong7700]

It’s mind blowing how fast Ryan can go from a spall to a Bi face while talking and explaining. I’d like to see him just work a point from a clunky or spall to a point just focusing on the point and not talking just to see him work and how he does it. I bet he can get a point in like 10mins. I wonder how many gravel driveways Ryan could have made from all his debitage 🤔🤔😎😎💪💪💪💪

[@JOHNCornish-qv2hv]

I love your videos they showed me how to it my arrowhead thinner. Thank you.

[@martysmith9310]

You are doing a very good job teaching folks Ryan awesome work

[@phazedkilledyou]

Edward's plateau stuff is what I'm closest too in terms of sourcing I live North of Dallas for someone who is just studying and researching before I try my hand at it this is amazing it is absurd how skillful some people are there really is a difference in craftsmanship it is mind boggling how our ancestors even had an idea about this.

[@maytagmark2171]

Good tips, Patrick Blank was doing that indirect under the knee thing 7 years or so ago,

[@PaleoGreenByrd]

Very informative video, thanks. I have just begun to dabble in indirect, and even as a beginner I am seeing great benefits from the process. Some of the bifaces are thinner than what I used to consider a preform lol.

[@huntprimitive9918]

Thanks, yeah it has truly been a game changer for me as well

[@mikekime6660]

Thanks for the great video. I was struggling holding things and getting it to work right. I tried resting the tip on my other leg like you showed and it was like night and day. Thanks for your advice.

[@JustJohnnyIV]

I love it... I'm totally hooked. Brand new. Thanks for sharing what you know.

[@csib93]

I was skeptical but boy was I wrong. This has taken my skill level to the next level!

[@raytheguyinthechair2791]

I got my first bi face roughed in today! Now I just gotta buy one of your big indirect percussion sticks you sell

[@PrimitiveTim]

Dang I gotta make one of those! Great video Ryan!

[@stevcordell-kb2mx]

Love your demo's .. very helpful.. Thank you

[@braylan77]

I like Cedar Beaver drift-wood; treated with Mink Oil... I skin the old dull color off and expose the natural hues and then cover it with mink oil and let soak for 8-24hrs... then buff off with awash cloth or old T-shirt so it’s not oily any longer.. turns out beautiful.. especially with the copper cap!

[@leftfordread3967]

I have been using an under the leg indirect precision for a couple years now one of the cool things I've found with it the bigger the pressure point it's putting on the point the bigger the flake you get. I stated using it to do fulsome points last summer. It's still sketchy as all get out but my brake to success ratio flip flopped I'm getting way more successful points! Takes forever to set up for a good wide flute but it's well worth it in the end!

[@huntprimitive9918]

absolutely and great to hear!

[@margilvale7648]

I like to use flint, without heat treating, for my points last longer and stay sharp

[@josephascroft4774]

Such a great video man, love it 👍

[@KGTelePickerandChertKnapper]

As a newbienapper... Indirect and obviously, especially pressure flaking is essential... But direct percussion with a bopper or hammerstone is still the more fun part of the process imo... 💥🤙

[@jesserush412]

Allergic hobit . or jack crafty ... (A friend of mine named pat) has been doing the same technique for like 10 years .... (Ive been watching him as long as you ryan . ) im glad your using this technique !!!!

[@huntprimitive9918]

It's really a great technique. I have since figured out hes been running it for quite some time. I figured I would give him a shout out for it in the next indirect video I do

[@jesserush412]

@@huntprimitive9918 I used to live in Fort Myers Florida I had a channel I make a lot of bows while I used to I don't so much anymore I got a lot of kids now but I've been watching you for a long time brother I still watch all your videos

[@huntprimitive9918]

@@jesserush412 thanks man, yeah I remember talking with you about all this stuff many years ago

[@lancemcilwainoutcastmetald5398]

I love trying new Knapping tools. You said don’t be afraid to break a little rock. Im not afraid at all of breaking rock. What im afraid of is not being able to find any more rock or being able to afford any more rock. I have been knapping for 32 years. When I first started there were not a lot of people knapping and flint was plentiful. I made the mistake of teaching a few people in my area how to knapp and even took them to my quarry spots to get their own. Long story short is greed over took their hearts and they saw opportunity to make money and within a month they raided my quarries and pretty much wiped out what would have been a lifetimes source of good chert for many people to get only what they needed. Now i have to buy flint and it is a ridiculous price and i cant afford 4-6 dollars per pound. When I first started years ago I could buy heat treated chert of any kind , even the highest quality colorful agatized coral for around 75 cents per pound. So if you know any reasonable priced chert in the 4-6 inch range then please let me know. Anyway I love your videos and watch them frequently.

[@huntprimitive9918]

That unfortunately seems to be the way with anything. I remember buying osage staves for 30--40$$ and now they can go for $200-$300 each. Prices never last the way they were 30 years ago.

[@jasonpercy184]

I started using this technique about 6 months ago . I made a copper tool after seeing jack crafty and abo like Marty uses. I love it . Feels like cheating sometimes.

[@santiagomartinez9422]

Good info bro, not like most other videos that dragon with little information !!!😊

[@entrepreneursfinest]

Awesome stuff! Just to add a little to this as a blacksmith; if your copper is too soft it needs to be hammered and work hardened. Copper can't be tempered, it hardens with being worked. If it's too hard then just reheat it up to a dull red for about five minutes and quench it quickly. Almost the opposite of carbon steel.

[@derekhunter5040]

Thank you. I didn't know this.

[@jerbear7952]

These darn blacksmiths trying to take our coppersmith jobs. (Shakes fist)

[@flakescarred4life901]

You should try using an old belt to hold the indy rod in place. Just make a 12 inch loop, lay that just above the knee, insert indy rod through both ends of overlapping loop under the knee. Tighten to preference. Works really well.

[@johnreeder5038]

Love your stuff, great commentary, and you really got me into learning all your stuff. I feel like i can't say great about your stuff First time I've commented on youtube and watch your stuff alot

[@dmaschy599]

Nice work,I might make one of those long boppers by pressing hard wood into a piece of copper pipe.I will give that a try.

[@choppersFL]

Yes! Thank you buddy!

[@MrDavidTiller]

Ryan, if you really want to put some power into the rock with indirect percussion put the percussion tool against the rock bellow center line and push your rock into the tool. You will see some amazing flaking going across the bi-face. Your getting some nice flakes but using a lot more power than you need too with your baton.

[@eliaspinto2272]

Te felicito por el modo de vida que llevas , envidiable

[@arvilmogensen1945]

I seem to lack a sense of 3-dimensional perspective using Indirect Percussion. I can look at the work piece and see a path to making a Preform. I find holding the work piece at the optimum angle to the Flaker EVER TIME to avoid the flake diving in and creating a “stack” frustrates me. Looking “down” on the work piece and sensing the OPTIMUM angle consistently is not in my skill set. Your video, revealed to me that if I keep the Percussion Tool “level”, with my opposite knee, the only variable is the angle at which I hold the work piece. AND holding the work piece resting my hand on the top of my knee, fixes and holds the position of the work piece solid.. I guess some flint knappers have quirky personal limitations and practice and progress has been painfully slow getting the desired results. Your video helped me see a way to solve the problem I have. Watching your video shows a way to remove variables to create consistency from which we can recognize faults that lead to improvement. Some knappers have innate skill and can leave their hand floating in the air holding the work piece and sense the angle of the flaker to the work piece, but I am not one of them.

[@FloridaGiantsWereReal]

I was at Silver river 2023..!!!

[@nachogroucho]

I make mostly wrong hits lol. I'm learning tho. Thank you for all you do for beginners like myself.

[@julyfishy392]

Same here I crumbled the hell out of the keokuk spalls I had. Literally stepped the hell out of it. Now im pretty decent but I cant get past getting a piece thin enough for an arrowhead. I can thin it down pretty well but after a half inch I cant seem to drive the flakes across. Im gonna order his indirect percussion stick and try that. Also need some of that coral 😍

[@steampower9990]

People like you should really try and teach elective classes for older children in school it's nothing vital but it's something amazing that many people would probably love to learn with their hard-earned free time something real in the murky Waters of today

[@texanonline1244]

the biggest mistake people make is lack of platform prep and slow down, look at the piece, plan ahead...if a flake doesnt come off, do not just keep hitting it...work smart not fast, study bad flakes and breaks to learn, dont just toss it

[@randynagel111]

I like the comment "I am a perfectionist, to a point" I'm sure that one may or may not have been intended. lol!

[@deverewilkins3114]

I use same technique but I use aluminum instead of copper. I feel aluminum is more forgiving and drives flakes as good as copper and better than antler

[@braylan77]

Could you possibly do a video on very small square flint.. I’d sure love to learn how to super thin the smaller blocky types of chert... the thinnest I can get them are about 7-10 millimeters thick.. would like to thin them to 3-5 like the abo gen did.

[@Kurogane_666]

Love the videos I ordered a deluxe Abo kid from you guys and I never noticed that didn't have the moose antler indirect percussion stick anymore any chance you guys got any lying around lol

[@fedderback1]

can I use oak for the shaft?

[@PrimitiveTim]

Yes

[@bishoparchery]

Very impressive, huge fans here!!! Keep up the teachings and awesome =content=>

[@ChristianMarkhamNTX]

Drove a thick, sharp hammerstone flake into my ankle when I first started and almost had to get stitches. And always filling my shoes with flakes while knapping, gets kind of annoying!

[@deverewilkins3114]

Sharpening I use steel or on really hard stone like aggot I use steel indirect cause the harder stone seems to knap my tools instead of the stone lol

[@BenBNC]

How would you feel about making videos on tool making?

[@wolfcreekoutdoors765]

Are you going to be at the moundville knapp in this weekend in moundville Alabama

[@southernbushcraft1750]

Awesome video ryan. Have u tried to send a flute on a clovis using this method

[@huntprimitive9918]

yup for sure. I've done some pretty good ones.. but with antler its still tougher... but I have a hard time letting myself flute with copper... just still seems wrong to me..lol

[@scottrose5647]

I like your woodworking mallet to use for the billet. Do you know what size it is (how much it weighs)? I found a few online....

[@Well-groomed_Hobo]

How well would this work with plate glass or an old TV picture tube?

[@justinhall2117]

Happen to remember where you found that shirt?

[@jimajello1028]

I am surprised that you are using indirect percussion. I admire your use of traditional, organic materials that compose your tool kit used in your approach to Flint knapping. I realize Archeological research indicates that before the neolithic (new Stone Age) metal could probably be found in raw nugget formation & maybe used in percussion if heavy enough & the right shape ( as you showed in one of your videos ). When I researched this copper indirect percussion approach I found it that it incapable of leaving large beautiful flake removal signatures that direct percussion did.in many flake removals flaks seemed to terminate leaving faint hinge fractures Everything in my tool making process was exactly like yours. It was useful for platform preparation. What was I doing wrong? I am now building one with traditional materials hoping to get better results. ?

[@huntprimitive9918]

I do a lot of indirect now with antler tools as well. Many of the flake scars I see on very early artifacts can only be replicated by the use of large antler tine indirect or by punch-indirect. I do a lot of videos both to show the indigenous methods as well as showing copper work to help a lot of folks that are interested in knapping but not passionate enough to learn through the work of tricky organic tools. But actually, I can get much larger flake scars using indirect copper than indigenous percussion in the later bifacial stages. It is a lot more complex than it seems on the surface. It is just important to draw a line between my contexual early work and the more modern work I do to help modern knappers on their journey. I will actually a very large project explaining a lot of this in the future, but it is part of a much bigger contextual project that wont be available for probably 1.5-2 years

[@robertwilcox7244]

I have some chert that i found but it has fractures all though it it looks like safety glass would heat treating it allow it to be knapped?

[@nomadicneanderthal1377]

Ryan, Any chance of you coming to the Knapp in in cartersville GA this April?

[@deverewilkins3114]

But I use mostly antler for pressure.

[@JOHNCornish-qv2hv]

Yhank You

[@demaneymdemalasneym51]

are there any stone based points that are cone shaped? like converging to a point. like a pencil point or so. not sure how you would do that tho

[@berniekash7853]

How do I find your products on the net

[@peterbreis5407]

Why do you not polish shape your tools? Most sophisticated stone tool making cultures developed polishing as a way of making the tools more durable.

[@richardnichols1392]

Hey Ryan the bigger end of your flaker is that just a copper cap not domed ,why not domed ive got to prolly three eighths rod but havent tried any thing that big ,is it weighted or no ???

[@huntprimitive9918]

it's not weighted, but doesn't need to be since it's not swinging. I personally do not like domed percussion tools accept for antler. My copper coppers round on their own over time and I get to a point of hammering them back a bit. I can get a much more precise hit with a more squared off edge.

[@sascha7445]

19:24 why you rub on the stone?

[@demoncore5342]

Just thinking, could I not use the main beam from an elk or some other large deer instead of building a tool?

[@plox500]

I just use a long and thin piece of antler, ground the end that's attached to the skull, into a point. Works fine.

[@reneeslack2043]

I would love to purchase some of the coral you have, I am a Knapper from N.C. and we don't have maternal like that, I would love to have something of that quality to work with

[@ralphedwards5849]

I'm in NC as well and have been really researching into making points. What are are you? I'm near Albemarle

[@reneeslack2043]

@@ralphedwards5849 I'm in seagrove just outside of Asheboro

[@somebodyoncetoldme1704]

What's preventing you from doing international shipping? Is really want to buy equipment from you.

[@Mountain.Man.1978]

It looks like the flint your using is cooked. I’m struggling with uncooked flint. I need a good hammer stone is my biggest problem. I have all the indirect percussion.

[@michaellipousky9143]

I found a worked piece of this on one of my sites in central coastal Maine! Dead ringer! Where is this from?

[@nevillesavage2012]

You got any tips for knapping basalt?

[@johncornman6847]

Hey Ryan. Have you tried fluting with the fat end on that stick?

[@huntprimitive9918]

yes, but I usually use the antler version for it. I am odd about fluting unless it is with antler tools

[@lukekamer2260]

I am 12 and getting my masters kit in a week and wanted to know what is the best rock for beginners?

[@huntprimitive9918]

edwards chert is pretty forgiving stuff

[@lukekamer2260]

Thank you

[@lukekamer2260]

Where can I get edwards chert?

[@huntprimitive9918]

@@lukekamer2260 its on my website as well

[@whiskeysudsjackwagon8510]

it's a crumby commercial?

[@robertwoody9573]

Couldn't locate any flint or stone for knapping on your website?

[@huntprimitive9918]

it's under the flintknapping Tab. If you one on a phone or mobile device, use the menu in the upper left hand corner that says "use this menu" scroll down to "flintknapping" and you should find it in there

[@randallhall9670]

I make a ton of a stone spear and arrow heads, and all I ever use is a quartz rock. I also only ever hold my stones with my hands. Fancy tools are simply unnecessary.

[@lazarobarbosarambo7267]

BOM SEU CANAL HUNT PRIMITIVE ♥

[@derekhunter5040]

"I'm also a perfectionist... To a point." To several hundred hunting points per year, iirc.

[@robertbradford3461]

So you can use hardwood wrapped with sinew, but not a dowel wrapped in sinew? Dude you're hilarious, well worth the watch. Why not use a poly dowel with cap, will last longer then either.

[@huntprimitive9918]

I have actually switched out to oak dowels just to keep up with production. I am just carefuly to pick ones with less grain runout. I also prefer the feel of wood tools over plastic ones, but folks can use plastic if they want.

[@robertbradford3461]

@@huntprimitive9918 apologies for the sarcasm, I totally get leaning to do it in the old ways, using as original tools as possible, and learning to make those tools is important as well. I did enjoy the video and you are very skilled at this, and I am sure I will enjoy and learn from your other videos as well. Thank you

[@huntprimitive9918]

@@robertbradford3461 Im not really worried about it..lol thanks. I have much more passion in my aboriginal knapping anyways, but the copper stuff in general is so important for many these days. Just finding a happy blend to try to appeal to many

[@lukekamer2260]

When do you think I will get my masters kit if I live in Topeka Kansas United States?

[@huntprimitive9918]

probably within a week of ordering. I try to keep up on non-customized orders, pretty quick.

[@lukekamer2260]

Thank you

[@CATfishTONY]

Cuz they have a purpose with corals that expensive and hard to work why not slabit first to save the material

[@markshulaw3283]

That's a modern version of a modified Ishi stick

[@phillipr.mctear8962]

I've been finding points out of quartz? Can that still be done if so how? Love your shows . I also do that stuff but not as good as you

[@jamesatapley]

what happened to your veritas tattoo?

[@huntprimitive9918]

Covered it up with all my new ones

[@edy_flr3935]

💯

[@Clearly69]

Where can I get a cool looking copper bracelet like that?

[@passingthetorch126]

These would be great videos if ryan wasn't bragging on his own ability half the time lol. We know you are the master bro..

[@80Seguro]

Why are you using a brass instrument? Steel is more reliable. Thank you for the excellent content of your KZbin channel.

[@Well-groomed_Hobo]

Steel is too hard. You want it to be able to bite in

[@CrozzBallz]

Lol I like to call my little rascal nibbler 😅

[@thewalruswasjason101]

Why are you using modern tools now? Thought you were all about “ primitive “?!

[@huntprimitive9918]

Because a ton of folks keep asking for help and how to get started, and also it just further branches out my business. I have a ton of total stone age primitive stuff on the way very soon, including a knife video I just dropped yesterday

[@user-ef6vn4oi3i]

I was under the impression that you sold the the hardwood stick and not the dial rod. I wouldn’t have bought this product if I knew this. It blew out within a few licks! I do not recommend buying this product.

[@huntprimitive9918]

The new ones typically hold up quite well. One rarely does one crack unless folks are using the small end too hard when they should be using the big end. However, please email [e-mail] and get a new one sent out to you.

[@user-ef6vn4oi3i]

@@huntprimitive9918 will do thank you very much!

[@user-ef6vn4oi3i]

Great customer service!!

[@theyoungoutdoorsman5814]

Do a black bear hunting video with your handmade bow or atlatl

[@cabe1087]

No

[@theyoungoutdoorsman5814]

@@cabe1087 yes