Flintknapping a Snyders Point and the Middle Woodland Period in the Lower Illinois River Valley

[@simonphoenix3789]

wow you make the notching look so easy...

[@pathwaysofthepast]

Trust me, it’s probably what I struggle with the most! I know a number of flintknappers whose notches blow me away

[@codystricklin2478]

Beautiful work and a very well made video. Thank you.

[@gary4645]

Great Job!

[@mjbradshaw]

I swore for you at 15:17 - great work again, man!

[@pathwaysofthepast]

Michael Bradshaw haha yeah I mouthed a few choice words at that point

[@chuckkimber2773]

Beautiful work. Okay, a knife I get. But a projectile? That would be impressive to see sailing through the air.

[@pathwaysofthepast]

To address that, a Snyder’s point the size of what I made would definitely be a knife and not a projectile. Snyder’s that are much smaller, in the 2 inch range, are the size that would have been used as projectiles. So same style of tools, different function based on size.

[@chuckkimber2773]

@@pathwaysofthepast well that makes more sense, but I'm left a little disappointed. I was looking forward to a video of you hafting that monster and sending it down range. For science. I appreciate that you include your references. I have hours of good reading ahead of me.

[@pathwaysofthepast]

I’d love to do some atlatl testing of some points, that would be fun. You know, for science. Glad someone appreciates the sources!

[@eeanbaily4914]

I've Ben wanting to flintknap I'm 12 and I got a leather pad a copper bopper a pressure flanker and not that many flint and how do you git big flakes and not crush the edge

[@pathwaysofthepast]

Well Ben, it’s important to set up your platforms well where you are striking to remove a flake. If the edge is too thin, use your pressure flaker to trim it and make the platform a bit thicker. And make sure you abrade your platform too. Since you’re using a copper bopper, abrade even more than you see me doing in my videos with antler. Hope that helps!

[@eeanbaily4914]

Ok thanks

[@JohnMartin-ze8cf]

how would the sharpness of raw stone knife compare to medium sharp steel knife ?

[@j.shorter4716]

A raw stone flake feels like it has a rougher edge than a knife. Not duller just rougher. More grabby maybe? But a stone knife with a serrated edge will most likely require more force to cut.

[@johnmartin6140]

Thanks for taking the time to do these for us....Excellent knapping and excellent teaching about the ancient people.

[@pathwaysofthepast]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoy both the knapping and the educational bit!

[@brennendow9341]

beautiful work!

[@pathwaysofthepast]

Thanks!

[@jamieomeara7686]

Thanks for sharing, great video and beautiful point.

[@mikewhorleyjr3892]

Nice work silas....

[@jo_vandamme]

Love your videos!! Nice flintknapping and super instructive!

[@pathwaysofthepast]

Jonathan V. Thank you

[@Paleoman52]

Nice job! I love working with hornstone also and have many Snyder's style points from it!

[@pathwaysofthepast]

Paleoman52 thank you! It’s wonderful material to work

[@rcmore1470]

Never mind 🙄😬

[@pathwaysofthepast]

Haha nope! Lake Superior, superior because it doesn’t have salt or sharks!

[@charlesmckinney3560]

A masterful example once again!

[@antlerzflintfinder268]

Wowzerooniecramolie! Nice work man is there any point you cant knapp or material!? I mean FLAWLESS

[@pathwaysofthepast]

Haha thanks man! I appreciate that. Oh yeah there’s a lot I can’t make, I can make a list for you if you want lol

[@antlerzflintfinder268]

@@pathwaysofthepast I love your work and technique my friend, I'd be cool to get to knapp with you and learn more from you. That's why I watch your video's, and for all the other information you have on every point you knapp. Always looking for your next video.

[@thomash4950]

What are your sources for finding out what material was most commonly used to make a specific style of point?

[@diddy8706]

Awesome!

[@Klintgreecedwood]

that's a real nice Snyder's! I always have trouble getting a wide enough preform to make a large one.

[@runingblackbear]

I don't think it was a snyder that made them back then

[@rcmore1470]

Is that the ocean it’s driving me nuts

[@chuckhenry4059]

Snyder’s is probably my favorite also. Killer abo work! I’d have that hinged all to hell!