Heat Treating Flint for Sharper, More Colorful Arrowheads (HD)

primitivepathways.com Learn how to heat treat flint so you can make sharper arrowheads that are more colorful and easier to chip. Heat treating makes the stone more glassy and gives much sharper edges, though it does reduce its durability somewhat. The higher the temperature, the more glassy (but weaker) the stone will become, so it's best to heat treat flint to a temperature where its workability is improved, but it still has some strength. That gives the best combination of durability and lethal sharpness for hunting.

[@LithicKing]

use a turkey roaster and bury the flint in sand, this allows an even rise in temperature, and insulates the heat when its time to cool. That means, after drying at 200 degrees, you can jump straight to your target temp, and then after cooking, can simply shut off the roaster and the flint will cool slowly. this eliminates the need to slowly crank up the temperature, and also the need to slowly ramp the temperature down, it will save you lots of time. Ive cooked everything from flints, cherts, jaspers, chalcedony, agates, and probably anything else you can think of, and have never had any material fracture from too quick a rise, or fall in temperature. Billy, if you have not tried this method, i recommend atleast giving it a shot. youl be glad you did. one thing to note, due to the insulating properties of the sand, you should hold the material at the target temp at least 3 1/2 - 4 hours. But the whole cooking process requires very little tending to this way.

[@primitivepathways]

the kiln I have will gradually increase and decrease temperature, I just do it gradually when I get to the target temp because I want to be sure I hit my target temp and don't go past it. But yes I've heard of turkey roasters being used and a friend used one, but he had problems with hotspots and cool spots within the roaster itself, leading to uneven results. My kiln gives me a lot of control so I stick with it. I'd rather babysit the kiln and do my best to minimize breakage instead of losing any stone.

[@charlie1571]

I must say those are the most perfect heads I have ever seen. Beautiful. I don't know how you do it. I have been arrowhead hunting since I was 12 and I never saw any that came close to yours in perfection.

[@primitivepathways]

Thanks! I've been practicing a long time. A lot of the stone points I hunt with are actually not that pretty. they're sharp, but I leave them a bit rougher since they're just going to be shot anyway. I spend more time on my art points since those are the ones I sell...

[@BeckumOutdoors]

Great video Billy ....fantastic finished points.....

[@ddoyle11]

Beautiful craftsmanship. Thanks for sharing.

[@gonroz608]

You are one of, if not my favorite, KZbin's. I always enjoy your content! you do a great job with everything man. I don't understand how you don't have more subscribers!

[@primitivepathways]

Thanks buddy!!

[@Spirit0Selvaggi0]

I follow you from years, the best primitive channel on youtube

[@primitivepathways]

Thanks so much!!

[@lindseyzacek5211]

the barber points you made are just beautiful

[@janmycek9012]

can you make a video on how to work wood with stone tools? i haven't had very good information on youtube so far and i really want to make a spear handle for my point

[@Hopewellmj]

That is cool - I have been putting off doing any heat treatments cuz I just don't have much material. I have recently found some local flint and it is tough shiz. thanks for another great vid!

[@jeant.2851]

You sir, are a true Homo Sapiens.

[@primitivepathways]

Thanks!! I can survive like the old guys did too. WooHoo!

[@HambonesAdventures]

What a great educational video I’ve learned a lot from watching this I have not used a kelm yet I still try the traditional methods after watching your video I will now slowly heat up the fire and slowly cool it down thanks for posting

[@RonRay]

People should be warned that you can't just throw a rock (chert) into an oven or fire pit and bring it up to 450 degrees! It could at least cost you a new oven and at most an eye- or even your life! If there is moisture inside chert or flint, it will explode when heated! 🤕

[@primitivepathways]

YEs that's true!

[@GreaterDeity]

RonRay YEP. I learned that the hard way!

[@RonRay]

I'm not really sure, since I gave up on heat treating over 30 years ago. I'm sure that Billy (author of this video) would know the correct procedure.

[@TheJerry834]

USChanin I'm guessing heating the stone at low temp for a while would definitely help remove moisture.

[@primitivepathways]

You can dry it out in the sun, or just let it sit in the kiln at a low temp for a few hours to drive out the moisture. Then it's safe to increase the temperature without risk of the stone exploding.

[@KowboyUSA]

Dramatic improvements. I have very little flint (not for a lack of trying) but I'm going to do a little heat treat testing.

[@averagesavage5180]

The one “failure” you had would make an excellent bearing block for a bow drill fire set.

[@primitivepathways]

Hahaha...yes you're definitely right about that!

[@leandrodeandradezurichsuic5773]

Everything you make , makes it, and perfect !!!! Congratulations 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏💪💪💪💪👍👍👍👍

[@Adam-jk6uz]

Great info! How's about some more videos of working that stone and making points? I always learn something new when watching a knapper in action.

[@AFCAWorldBodybuildingArchive]

Wow, Billy. You are amazingly jacked! You should make some videos about your training methods and workout routines :D

[@whatevertheheckjessieuploads]

3:08 is no one gonna mention the human skull in the back 😂

[@bonkant6584]

Can you please make a video about sinew backing a bow? The stave I bought already had the pin knots cut through and i need to strengthen it

[@pamkeener8248]

Absolutely beautiful

[@timlopes67]

awesome never knew that was done to arrow heads.

[@deanhunter9402]

You would love Manitoba. Plenty of wildlife, rivers, paths, lakes, etc. We have the Boreal forest!

[@cornholejackson225]

Cool channel bro

[@thekevin3680]

always wanted to know this

[@stevendennis4365]

Cool vid can you show us how you built the heat box?

[@darrenhoffman6658]

Yes and some of your other videos you're breaking down big chunks of Flint I was wondering where do you find these at it one place you was in Texas is there a public place that you can or was you out on private land and if you have any other places that you might suggest I would like to thank my family and travel and collect Flint do things that I see that you're doing my wife is from the Houston area of Texas imagine you must be out more toward the west of Texas I appreciate any helpful info keep up the good work on the videos Darren Huffman from the Ozarks

[@saltwaters2217]

Very very cool!

[@primitivepathways]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@darrenhoffman6658]

Where can you find kennels like that to buy

[@cisoak8023]

Decent billy!

[@kading7689]

thanks for that one very insperatinal

[@twintwo1429]

I've made many bird points from what some knappers would consider dropped chips. I think many primitive people did this also. Easy points are good points for survival.

[@himanshuwilhelm5534]

How do you remove moisture so that the flint doesn't blow up and send shrapnel into your face?

[@shanek6582]

Did you make all those barbed points in the end of the video Billy? They're good looking.

[@primitivepathways]

yes I did!

[@papoints3230]

Those gunthers are killer! Did you make the kiln?

[@doubleogge313]

wow

[@michaelwilliams3175]

thank you. yea all I find out here are artifacts. can I also buy some from your page. if you come across red and black or white and black chunks of obsidian then ill buy some off you. right now I am saving for one of your bows

[@kiotipass]

Nicely done. A ?? If you will? Is it necessary to completely cover the material with sand, etc? Your video shows that you have a base of sand to rest the material on. Also the procedure you use to get the fantastic results on the color flint, agate the same. 400 F max? Thank you for sharing.

[@billyberger2462]

Sand isn't necessary if you cook the Flint in a kiln where you can carefully control the rise and fall of temperature. The temperature that stone will change depends on the type of stone and how tough it is. Translucent, root beer colored Flint changes at lower temperatures, around 350 degrees. If it gets too bot the stone will crack severely. Most Flint will change between 420 and 450°. But some tougher stone will require 500-550° or even higher. It all depends on the stone.

[@kiotipass]

@@billyberger2462 .... Thanks for the update. At some time I may look into this. I had a digital thermo unit installed on my burn-out kiln. When I burn out wax and do castings. Interesting as I have a bit of that Texas flint from near Llano.

[@Paintballinmike1]

Hey, fellow primitive hunter here. Quick question. I have been wanting to hunt black bear with primitive gear, but I have really been thinking about my stone points. Some say an ultra sharp serration is the way to go (like Ryan gill points) and no doubt those points are razor sharp... but those points are VERY fragile, I like to think that the points I make are a happy medium between durability and sharpness.. but idk, they have always worked fine for me but I haven't put them up against bear yet. Just how sharp is sharp enough? as of right now if I rub my points on my arm they will cut me assuming I apply a little pressure, but should I really be making them sharper? Ty for any info!

[@primitivepathways]

Sharp stone points will kill the hell out of a bear. I like finely serrated edges, similar to a shark's tooth. I've killed all kinds of animals with them, from turkeys to deer to wild pigs. And they work.

[@nonprooutdoorsandmore2303]

I got a serious question and need a quick response, I've been knapping Edward chert, Keokuk, Coral and Obsidian, well I left it all in my shed and since it got down to 20 degrees is don't flake, it just chips, the Obsidian is like stone and don't even knap right, is there a cook time time on Edward's vs Keokuk, and Obsidian I'll have to do outside cuz it puts off Mercury and I can't find anything on temperature and times for each

[@primitivepathways]

I'm not that familiar with knapping stone when it gets that cold. But I'm sure it can make the stone more brittle. I would assume that brittle materials like obsidian can be rendered even more brittle in very cold temperatures, making them more prone to breakage. I would bring the stone inside and let it warm up naturally and then try working it. As far as heat treating, most flint (including most Texas flints) will heat treat at 425-450 degrees Fahrenheit. Although some will change at lower temps, and tougher flint and agate can require higher temps, 475-525 degrees. You'll just have to play with it. I hope that helps.

[@nonprooutdoorsandmore2303]

@@primitivepathways the obsidian is more like flint now instead of glass like, and yes the flint just chips in very short chips/chunks. I have youtubed and researched tryin to find anything on flint in freezin temperatures but I have a fireplace I'm heatin them on the top of it now, just to experiment on a few pieces but I am gonna git a turkey roaster to heat treat just for color changes and more silica, I appreciate the help

[@amfy6086]

saw u at the north Georgia knap-in just was too shy to ask you for a picture

[@jjbentley9]

I want to start trying to work flint. Does most people find it out in nature or do they buy it online.thanks

[@primitivepathways]

You can buy it online if you can't find it locally. Depending on where you live, you can try local stone too. Quartz is challenging to work, but it's very common around me and it can be made into some good points if you can find solid pieces and you develop the skill.

[@rachdarastrix5251]

What about treating it as you would tempering glass?

[@bezzie9]

The Dishonored Coward I have the same question. I have a bunch of glass brick(from a glass wall) and while it breaks in circles im not sure it is a good anilog.

[@patrickmitchell1992]

I hope this helps I live in Texas and the flint is so bad it's like crumbles

[@rachetCD]

Can you make a holly bow pleaseeeeee we don't have Osage orange or yew or anything like that

[@curlywolfone]

Cool it down by increments of what?

[@runingblackbear]

Funny how I tell a friend that heating the rock before you make hunting arrow head in the late 80ds and how fast it got around to others

[@ctripps1224]

Anyone, Do I need to heat treat flint if I want to use it as a flint and steel for primitive fire making?????

[@dano0098]

S W O L E

[@primitivepathways]

Thanks!! I've been hitting the gym HARD for the last 3 weeks and have been getting in there MUCH more consistently. My diet has really been on point too and that definitely helps.

[@maxpower1399]

+Primitive Pathways got any diet tips for bulking up like you?

[@primitivepathways]

Eat consistent healthy meals (lean meats, vegetables, and whole grains). Avoid sugar and processed foods like ice cream, donuts, and cake....I know...Ouch! :) And work out consistently. I put in a LOT of effort in the gym. Don't just go in there and half-ass it....you have to really put in some effort. Push yourself. Work out until your muscles burn...then do a few more reps. That's what I do. I'm completely natural, I've never used steroids.

[@TheJohn8765]

If you're not bs'ing about the steroids, that's a *very* impressive build you've got. Nicely done!

[@primitivepathways]

Believe me, I'm NOT BS'ing about steroids. I don't screw with stuff like that. There is so much counterfeit stuff out there today that I don't trust ANY OF IT. So I stay away from it. I just eat good food and train like an animal.

[@cheyackatustenuggee1836]

Where do you find that kiln

[@Tradbow85]

my question has nothing going to do with the video but what are those arms about 20s?

[@primitivepathways]

Not sure actually...I've never measured them. Maybe I should...

[@garyandrews141]

I'm new to your KZbin vlog and I'm interested in napping one question why did you get into doing this .

[@primitivepathways]

cause I've always been fascinated with how people survived back in Stone Age times.

[@BreLeigh79]

billy have you heard of flint ridge in ohio

[@currenwiggin8982]

Can I heat treat common rocks???!?!??! I’m too broke and I live somewhere where there isn’t glint it any good rocks

[@graphiccontent98]

master flintknapper

[@drakedorosh9332]

Can you use flux?

[@rockettony1014]

When it comes to heat treating its user preference i bury mine then abe a fire over it like my cherokee ansesters did

[@currenwiggin8982]

rockettony101 can you do common rocks?!?!? I live in an are where there aren’t good rocks like flint or any other good rocks.

[@oliverkrohn8309]

@@currenwiggin8982 no

[@joepawelko2721]

What brand of kiln are you using?

[@primitivepathways]

It is a homemade kiln a guy made years ago. It's not a commercial kiln. It's a low temperature kiln for cooking stone, it doesn't get hot enough to fire ceramics.

[@lazaromiranda7715]

How can I buy flint tips?

[@jerrodbeck1799]

I love your channel, but I don’t understand why do you have a kiln in your front room on carpet?????

[@arctictimberwolf]

You could probably do that in a regular kitchen oven since it is only 375-400 and just keep an eye on it. Riddle Me This Batman: How longs a Turkey cook for?

[@FrontierLegacy]

I think what heat treating does is forces a low grade metamorphism withing the stone. So in reality, it isn't flint/chert anymore but a low grade metamorphic rock.

[@primitivepathways]

I've heard that it actually melts the grains together, which would make sense since it becomes more glass-like. Although that's just theory...I don't think they know exactly what happens during the heat treating process.

[@FrontierLegacy]

Primitive Pathways. It does to a degree. we went through that chapter in my college geology course.

[@johnlord8337]

10*

[@jimmygernatt3278]

Where is the coastal plane of ga.

[@boatbuilder508]

Awesome buddy thank you sir, p.s.I’m a newbee, don’t tell nobody lol

[@runingblackbear]

I know all the the native ways and things others have found and in there museums

[@runingblackbear]

It's funny to watch you people 🤣

[@runingblackbear]

I guess that's one way to do it in a electric kill 😜 I have seen them do it in there electric stove and gas stove too. 😂 And a bar b q grill 😂 way too funny

[@crazybear357]

would you heat treat obsidian?

[@Paintballinmike1]

Herb Slater nah, obsidian is like glass, the height of sharpness. Heat treating won't do it any good. If anything think about heat treating like it will make flints more glass like- Or if you'd rather more obsidian like.

[@crazybear357]

thanks kinda thought so just didn't know for sure

[@alanquinn8745]

could u do the same thing with glass or Johnstone to make it similar to the heat treated flint

[@adamhoffman9965]

Alan Quinn I would like to know that as well.

[@BaronVonWolfe19]

Informative video, but all I can think about is that you had a full head of hair when you started these vids. I think it's time to take a razor to your dome, brother. baldness won the battle, but you can win the war.

[@primitivepathways]

Nope.... won't do it!!! I'll just keep whatever hair I have left real short...

[@runingblackbear]

I do it the old native way

[@rustpvpps4281]

Ok

[@michaelwilliams3175]

smart. ive been trying but failing on my flintknapping. what is a way that I can find flint in my area. I live in east texas home of the Caddo Indians. Fun Fact; the Indians are the ones who helped train and create our Special Forces back in the colonial period.

[@primitivepathways]

I know in central Texas around San Antonio there is TONS of flint out there. Not sure about the eastern part of the state, however.

[@michaelwilliams3175]

thank yall and where im at its just a ton of iron ore

[@rustpvpps4281]

Primitive pathways can I have 4 of your arrows I don't have any

[@primitivepathways]

MAking arrows takes a lot of work and I just don't give my work away for nothing. You're better off learning how to make them on your own.

[@runingblackbear]

Even on rez they don't know how to make them the right way in native ways

[@Tr1Hard777]

Just use your oven

[@cisoak8023]

I use a primitive method

[@joban4963]

Having that kiln on a carpet is a bit spooky :L

[@primitivepathways]

It 's a low temperature kiln and it really doesn't get very hot on the outside so it's safe. I would never put A high temperature kiln on my carpet!

[@runingblackbear]

At least I get a good laugh 😅

[@vincentdolente7053]

K heattreating hardens. Glass breaks cause it's too hard.

[@PawanSingh-hh9xw]

4th

[@KillYour_TV]

Do you have a fitness channel? You're huuge bro!

[@davidbum3460]

Nationalist Shield same I didnt know he had giant muscles

[@runingblackbear]

Most try to guess there way in doing native things 😂

[@jucylucifer6339]

2nd

[@runingblackbear]

You know women use to make them tools most of the time 🤣

[@runingblackbear]

Your doing it all wrong

[@shanek6582]

There's a new show comming on from Russia next year where the producers say they will not intervene or interfere with anything including murder and rape. Going to be interesting!

[@primitivepathways]

yeah I heard about that....crazy!!

[@mv6815]

Ooga booga gud stone!🦍