Flint Knapping for Beginners, level up

[@pedroganzalas9148]

Ryan, there are a lot of great flintknappers out there, but there are very few who really know how to teach it. You’re one of the few that do. I started a few years ago and basically gave it up in frustration. With this covid thing and more spare time, I started again. After I watched your first episode of knapping for beginners, my knapping took a quantum leap. In the past I thought I would never learn this hobby and be good at it. Now, thanks to you Ryan, I’m certain I will learn it, and I know I’ll be a good knapper one day. The day after I watched your video, I made my largest arrowhead ever. Previously all I’ve been able to do is reduce a big chunk of glass into a tiny bird point. I’ve got enough bird points to wipe out half the bird population of North America. Now I’m on my way to making proper points. A couple of the many important facts you taught me were to be patient, and gentle, - if something doesn’t want to move, “don’t hit it harder, change the angle, build a better platform, or get back to that spot later on”. Mentioning that women have good success because they don’t get a “bigger hammer” so to speak, was a brilliant analogy, and really sunk into my head, and made such a difference for me. I can’t thank you enough ……………….peter

[@classixdrummer]

First timer here. When you took that “Turtle Back” off around 30:27 I laughed with delight. What a wonderful skill you have. Thank you for sharing.

[@birdflysfast7547]

Ryan, I’ve sat in (2) 3-day LIVE classes and did not learn as much as I’ve learned here. I finally not only understand platforms but now understand how to manipulate them. THANK YOU sincerely. You’re an amazing teacher.

[@Chief2Moon]

Just another knapper here to thank you for great tips&explanations as to why to do it "that way"...You have my extreme thanks 👍

[@huntprimitive9918]

thank you very much, I appreciate it!

[@mysterysnailpros3265]

I just want to thank you so much for your part in helping me find my true passion in life! My hands are blistered and scabbed but I love every moment of it. I'm getting better every day. I wish I could find the words to show you my gratitude but thanks so much!

[@NormanSavary]

I am getting my mastery kit today it was a gift from my son for ny 40th birthday. I just wanted to say thank you for the inspiration and guidance and knowledge youve given everyone.

[@RicoMode]

That was the best video on Knapping that I’ve ever seen. You level of skill and knowledge of hunting is very high.

[@huntprimitive9918]

thank you very much!

[@PabloGonzalez-hw4eu]

Drinking beers and flintknapping it’s a good combination...!!!! Cheers my friend..!!!

[@EliteBagpiper]

I actually like the tool dropping... its like part of the schtick for me! Like many others, I need to say thank you, Ryan! I've watched your beginners videos 2/3 times each and I pick up something new every time. I just started trying out flint knapping a couple weeks ago. I'll make a point (or not) and always have a ton of questions about how best to handle certain features (turtle backs, hinges etc.). I always get an answer and a new strategy to try for my next attempt at a point. SO much good teaching, and while it takes some spatial thinking, it all makes perfect sense and becomes more graspable the more practice on the rock. Grateful, very grateful to be learning from this channel.

[@jonpatterson7211]

The way you did the "E" notches reminds me of shop class and cutting metal on a bandsaw. We called your technique "nibbling". Thanks.

[@dredger9mm]

That is absolutely amazing to me. Very fun to watch, and tempting to try myself. Gotta figure out what rocks I can find here in SW Idaho. Thanks for sharing.

[@PrimitiveTim]

Hop over to Oregon at glass buttes and you got all the obsidian you'll ever use.

[@dredger9mm]

@@PrimitiveTim I grew up in Bend, and obsidian was everywhere.

[@huntprimitive9918]

excellent, thank you very much and good luck

[@jacob_chesser_1115]

Thank u for existing. Can't find any online archaeology courses for a master degree however its people like you that keep me loving the subject and history.

[@huntprimitive9918]

thank you very much. I unfortunately can't help ya find those courses, but thanks for following along, and best of luck on your further education

[@davidjones838]

Very interesting mention of joint pain. I deal with it daily.

[@lutzschniewind8830]

You'll never get the credit for this but thank you for preserving what can only be called ancient and vital knowledge.

[@drivethelightning]

Seriously best teacher ever. Seen this like 3 times since you uploaded it. Still wanna do this, still haven't. I've passively kept an eye open for rocks but I imagine I'll have to actively look here in IL. 42:24 -words to live by guys

[@aaronengland5622]

If you have any trouble identifying useable rocks I'd recommend carrying a hammer or a hammerstone around with you for testing. Early on, I'd recommend looking for quartz. You can find it pretty much everywhere and it's usually a lot easier to identify because it won't have a cortex on it unless it eroded out of another rock. Glass would also be another good place to start. it works similar to higher quality rocks and it's similarly easy to break. great way to learn. Down here people sometimes use broken slab glass for driveways. good thick spall sized chunks of it.

[@cliffordkelly5327]

As always Ryan , great instructional video for novices & experts alike ! Worth watching , time & time again ! Muchos Koodos !

[@deedeeedwinburks8614]

Step by step instructions! I Really like it when a " Good" instructor takes time to make sure the student gets the since of it & see's how to apply the instructions. Jack Crafty is Really Really patient & gives Great tips. Therefore, Listen maticuselly, look intently at the angles All the angles! Then practice methodically & you be successful faster! To be a really good flintknapper... Practice, Practice, Practice!! Go to the empty creek bed that has a lot of rocks & practice striking just the edge. You are really good. Thank you. Just a message to help them.

[@austinlong7700]

Great teacher!! Explains everything so thoroughly!! I appreciate you sharing your knowledge!! I can’t wait to get started on my journey of this life surviving skill! Ordered the mastery kit just waiting for everything to arrive!!

[@lavieestbelle6530]

Came here from tiktok, i like ur videos!

[@huntprimitive9918]

cool, thanks very much. This kinda inspires me to do more tiktok

[@larryking606]

Ryan I just ordered that new Indirect tool and it should be here tomorrow ! Can't wait to try it out ! I will give feedback on it , I'm sure that it will be all Positive ! Take Care and Be Safe

[@PrimitiveTim]

That grinding to shape then thin concept helped me a lot!

[@huntprimitive9918]

great man, glad to hear it

[@lunkydog]

Someone used to do a demonstration where he'd place a mounted point on a bathroom scale point up and use a piece of hide pulled down over the tip to see how much pressure it took to pierce the hide. It's only pertinent to that particular piece of hide and your particular scale set up, but it still show the difference between point profiles or edge treatments. Might be something to consider doing to show your very observations. He was doing it to show the cut on contact vs replaceable blade heads. I'm sure you probably know what I'm referring to.

[@huntprimitive9918]

Yes for sure, I actually have a system built similar to that. I will be using it in a video that should be out this fall

[@americanpatriot661]

Cool vid, Georgetown is my neighboring city in TX didn't know I was sitting on good knappin material, thx

[@jimslim8759]

It’s one of the best In texas

[@TheNightowl001]

I'm just south of Georgetown, in NE Austin (Jollyville)!

[@landrion7]

That was the best most information filled tutorial I've watched yet love your classes I'll be watching more

[@huntprimitive9918]

thank you very much

[@LimitlessSimpleton]

In Michigan, stone points need to be 1 inch wide. No matter how hard I try, they always end up 15/16. But I have been able to get them extremely sharp thanks to your advise.

[@rickyburton4642]

What is a platform? Explain what you’re talking about! Would you please teach us to make flintlock flints

[@pep4812]

please do a video on how the points are mounted on the arrow shaft and tying arrow on shaft too, great knapping and good teaching video.

[@AB-kg6rk]

Best example of a true huntsman ive seen! I recommend you try bear and elk hunting up here in Utah!

[@North_Florida_Knapping]

Gotta love that black Georgetown that is some beautiful stuff.

[@thenomaddertravelerchannel9090]

I just ordered a kit and 5 pounds to destroy. Looking forward to the study. Thank you for your efforts and education.

[@huntprimitive9918]

excellent. best of luck on your knapping journey

[@rockymountainlockpicker9606]

Just received one of your small obsidian neck knives. Nice little piece. I plan to carry and use it

[@rodger603]

Love the videos! Always have been fascinated by the old ways.

[@captain34ca]

excellent choice of beer

[@allendeanhuscusson459]

Thank you for these lessons! I may be crazy but I feel like I understand. I’m gonna get the major kit as soon as I finish watching . I wish there was a number that I could call for advice to get the tools and materials! I’m so fired up. This feels like I’ve found my niche.

[@neanderthalnonsense]

Big fan. Thanks for taking the time to explain.

[@huntprimitive9918]

thanks very much for following along

[@naturesbend130]

Thanks for the video. It coincides perfectly with where im at in my journey as a knapper and some great tips i needed to see!

[@huntprimitive9918]

excellent, glad to hear it. and thanks for following along

[@Dropler8]

looked after an email to you but dident find one so i type here instead,,,,,,have you ever made an primitive trap to capture hare and squirrel???

[@georgevanaken925]

Just found you. Awesome job! 👍 Subscribed. I can’t wait to check out the rest of your videos!

[@FriscoX]

What's the best stone for knives? Also for sharpening a metal knife to a razor's edge?

[@huntprimitive9918]

There are so many great stones for knives. Any sort of clean flint/chert can yield a really nice knife.

[@JUGGALIZZLE1]

Awesome bopper video, ever put a screw in the top while the lead is still molten to screw the cap with glue into the handle?

[@Deathray-sm3yn]

I’m watching all these videos in anticipation of my keokuk/Georgetown order coming and hoping I can make my very own scary sharp arrowhead!

[@upstreamdownwind4821]

Just ordered a deluxe kit from you! Looking forward to start knapping

[@Jimmy.Hall863]

Your Awesome at carving Arrowheads. What are u using to chip the stone

[@billtr9317]

Your a good teacher ,

[@huntprimitive9918]

thank you very much

[@motosport8851]

Another Great and informative video thank you!

[@huntprimitive9918]

thanks very much

[@thefeatheredfrontiersman8135]

I have made an ishi stick. But I haven't gotten good with it yet. Just haven't figured out the transfer of energy. I've been doing better work with a hammer stone. But my stick is a bit shorter than yours. Pice of black oak. I need to go review a few vidoes

[@huntprimitive9918]

good luck on your knapping. the indirect percussion with it should really help

[@j.shorter4716]

What about points that are recurved or concave rather than convex along the edge? Are those atlatl points or can they penetrate with a bow? I have a couple points like this and thought how the design might favor good penetration with a wider wound channel.

[@junkyarddawgs9956]

Those are to nice to hunt with!! Lol!!! Nice instructional video two thumbs up!!!!

[@DrOigk]

Please tell me, in the meantime, what is the grinding of the edges with the other stone for? My English is not so good but as text I can translate it to me!

[@Hubbleberg]

The best channel i have seed

[@mightymite3958]

Out of the videos I have seen, ive noticed the growth of your tattoos. What tribes are you borrowimg your tattoos from?

[@huntprimitive9918]

Its all just stuff i've sat down and thought up, drawn on with a sharpie and then tattooed it. it's all just random geometric shapes and patterns that live rent free in my head.

[@AgeFuture]

@@huntprimitive9918 in that case you have a beautifully creative mind

[@exdy-eb3dv]

If you were in the neolithic age and can't find antler or bones, what will you use as soft hammer?

[@AgeFuture]

I think medium soft wood would work. It would not last long but in a pinch it could work. I’ve also read somewhere (but I could be mistaken) that in life threatening situations, a fist may have been used. This is of course not ideal but again ... in a pinch! While thinking this through I thought of another (completely unsupported) idea. If you could grab some moss/grass/hay/etc you could place it between the flint and hammer stone to dampen or soften the blow.

[@exdy-eb3dv]

@@AgeFuture that's awesome! Thank you!

[@creaturefpv]

Im trying this with what I find in the yard. Its hard to find something hard enough to hold an edge but soft enough to break . Ridged. Idk how to explain but I know you get it. Ive run into a couple of rocks that are extremely hard so I said what the hell . Ill try a newer tool and grabbed my east wing 22 ounch hammer and 12 ounce ball pin hammer and im shooting sparks . Almost caught my rug on fire . One rock is red with gold flakes in it and the other is a dark gray and you can tell by the look of it its dence and feels light for how strong it is and the other is red and heavy got them from Colorado while hiking . Ive only hit my hand once but its an instant brews. And is there anything you know of that grows in ga that I can use to wrap my points ? Im having a hard time finding an alternative . Id there is any. Thx for the videos. Im having fun trying to make something cool with stuff i come across.

[@AaronSmith-eq6qd]

Any experience knapping with stone tools if so any tips you might be able to think of

[@goldmanjace]

Love the vid. Have been trying myself. Not to successful. We do not have proper rocks or tools where I am from. I have been trying to order a good set of tools but unfortunately I have not been able to find anybody willing to ship to Germany.

[@PrimitiveTim]

Can you use the E method of notching for corner notches too?

[@huntprimitive9918]

yup for sure.

[@joecontreras5068]

That’s great instructions- I’m really impressed

[@sacwriter7400]

I've been researching flint knapped arrow points, and I have a question. I've seen several points made out of slate, and it looks a lot easier than knapping flint. But how does one compare to the other? Does slate make an arrowpoint as good as flint, or is it too fragile to use more than once? And if it can't be used more than once or twice, is it still easier enough than flint points to make it worth while?

[@Barack_Osama]

Not as much of a cutting edge on slate and takes a while to grind down but it still makes a deadly point so does bone of course flint is better but slate and bone will do the job

[@rjk37]

I ordered the Master kit the other day and I am just wondering how long it usually takes to create and send out a kit? Thanks.

[@Dss-bm3rz]

What is the purpose of sanding the edge down with that blueish stone? How does that affect the rock to your advantage?

[@jimrichards8744]

Excellent tutorial!

[@bravostoo7709]

That looks amazing but I don’t have glassy flint around where I live the flint I got is more rocky than glassy.

[@randomstuff9095]

Why do you need to abrade it first sometimes? What does it do?

[@deedeeedwinburks8614]

I have a question! Can you make a Japanese suriken from rock? Southern flintknapper.

[@AgeFuture]

With enough patience and skill it is possible. Would be very hard to knap an edge radially like that but with some luck and the right piece of cobble it could happen. Only problem I could see would be balance of the shuriken and how it would withstand the impact of being thrown.

[@AutodidactEngineer]

Instead of copper can I use a steel nail because I can't seem to find copper wire that thick?

[@christopherholt266]

So what in inches should I be looking to consider a point thin? Also what’s the length we should be looking for? Btw I bought a box of clunky’s and a knapping set. I’ve sharpened a flake and blown up about 6rocks. It’s an absolute blast pun intended!!!

[@ctripps1224]

Hi I'm a total new be here so I have to heat treat the Flint before I can start working on it how long do I have to heat treat the Flint for

[@davidyancey8743]

How is it Heart treated ?

[@callofmemes5347]

U can use spare/ oversized arrow heads for tomohawks

[@ryanbeard1119]

Is there a method of , reversing what the heat treating of material does after a point is formed, i get the impression that a natural rock would be rougher to knap, and be clunkier, But bing tough would be good, after the knapping is done? Is this a thing at all ?

[@John-M.]

Doesn’t make it worse but soaking rock in water for a couple days can help. It fills the gaps with minerals. Makes it more solid and better to run flakes. Learned from Paleomanjim, but I don’t remember the video in specific.

[@John-M.]

No method of reversing heat treating though. Completely permanent.

[@sebastianconley1039]

Amazing insight and tutorials, thank you.

[@keithharris9371]

What is the best time of year to collect river cane?

[@PrimitiveTim]

When the mosquitoes won't tear you up

[@huntprimitive9918]

any time of year

[@dhhzdhhz539]

How do you make your own pad for your presser flaker

[@richardduvall6512]

Awesome arrow hread thanks for the instruction and tips

[@lawrencethemain3343]

it doest bother my joints, i stil roll just fine in all seriousness I do hope you have a way to heal so all is fine and great

[@stephenanderle5422]

You ought to go to Lake Meredith and watch the guide at the flint quarry show how to knap flint. That is a much faster and easier way.

[@captainflint8412]

How does one explain European or UK oblique arrowheads? They were hafted by the "tail" and not on the base of the triangular section making them extremely asymmetric and counter intuitive .. have you ever tested penetration of oblique or asymmetric points ? I bet you will be surprised at the results

[@csib93]

Pretty sure I've read somewhere that the Egyptians used Copper tools for their Stone making. I'm not 100% on that but I feel like I've read that.

[@captainflint8412]

Neolithic man used copper pressure flakers 5000 years ago in Europe and Africa. Armorican and bell beaker barbed and tanged points are often found with copper residue on the edge near failed flake removals

[@csib93]

@@captainflint8412 that's interesting! Did not know that, thank you for sharing.

[@caveman7546]

Can u do a vid on how you make your arrow quivers, also more tattoo vids pls

[@huntprimitive9918]

I will likely have videos on both of those in the future

[@creaturefpv]

Can you use your tool set on most all rocks or does it have to be glass like in order for the coper to work. ,?

[@huntprimitive9918]

flintknapping in general requires more glass like rocks. Whether using modern copper tools or indigenous antler tools, the rock type is very important.

[@bomma2694]

"If you can't recognise that this one will penetrate better than this one, then i don't know what to tell ya. Shoot what you wanna shoot" 😂👌

[@shanewillaims]

Do you sell just arrow shafts

[@Gunnlaugur84]

No international shipping, dude? 🙁

[@abrahamturany9962]

When indigenous people were mining copper, would they make flintnapping tools out of copper? I know the Annishinabbe mined copper of Isle Royale NP for thousands of years.

[@captainflint8412]

Yes , copper "awls" are found in mounds in rare occasions on American native sites and are often found in European Neolithic tombs . America had its "copper culture" and copper chisels and awls thought to be knapping tools are recorded. Raw native copper nuggets can be found in some states and could have been utilized as percussion tools or worked into flaker bits

[@gregpatz9794]

Thank you for the video I learned alot

[@huntprimitive9918]

thanks for following along

[@walker614jw]

What grit is the grinding stone you use as the abrading stone? I have a couple but they seem to be a finer grit than the ones you use.

[@Golden_SnowFlake]

another good reason to use copper tools to make stone arrows, you can find stone easily, yet you have to really work for copper or other metals. Anyone can get a copper tool for making stone arrows, only those of means could reliably make metal arrows. Its kind of an obvious issue that is overlooked... Unless you are a metal worker, you aren't going to be making metal anything, so best to ask for something that you can use to make yourself self sufficient, when you clearly couldn't afford to do your own metal working back in primitive time periods. Start small, work big.

[@mightymite3958]

Heat treating flint?

[@jf-zr8zu]

I find the arrowheads thrown in the field and I will make a complete arrow but I don't know how to make a bow

[@papendre1]

Why made of copper the modern knapping tools? Why not steel or iron? What's the problem with steel? What are the eligibility requirements of knapping tool's material? What make suitable a material for knapping tool?

[@huntprimitive9918]

copper is softer and grips the rock better. Steel will send shock waves into the rock creating unwanted fractures. Antler and soft stone were used traditionally, but copper is a good tool to work with

[@papendre1]

@@huntprimitive9918 thank You! I see. Thus the requirements are good gripping and softness, and high density (compared an antler material). So plummet, aluminium, tin, soft brass also can be suitable? I can get much easier get cast alumilum peaces, than copper. I have found thick glass. TV pick-up tube from a rubbish-heap, with 15-20mm thickness, and almost plane surface. I think, that will be suitable for begining practise :).

[@stylo7805]

Nice video

[@ki5rllthreedronefour85]

ART. Pure ART.

[@bracoop2]

I was knapping last night and a piece of obsidian shot into my eye and instantly cut my cornea really bad and hurt more than just the occasional dirt in the eye. It did a lot of damage to my cornea and all it took was me not abrading one spot enough and crushing the edge and the glass shot out and damn near blinded me I had to go into the ER and do the deal. Sucks. Got a patch on now. And no I wasn’t wearing glasses. The ONE time I had not put them on because I couldn’t find them and this happened lol sucks 🏴‍☠️

[@radagast6682]

At what temp do you heat treat your flint?

[@seth6700]

I've watched your Flint knapping for beginners video and just started on this one. I have received my first set of tools in Flint but I'm having an extremely hard time trying to figure out where to start on my piece. The shape/thickness of the Flint is throwing me off, the fact that they are squarer edge's I think is throwing me off as well. I have some Keokuk dacite and some black mahogany obsidian, do you have an opinion on which I should start on? I'm sure it's between the Keokuk in the Dacite.

[@seth6700]

@J. Hatcher thank you so much for the great advice. I'm familiar with the zigzagging (watched videos) but can you do those with square edges or should I go around and pressure flake all the edges. I felt like I had a grasp on the beginnings of it until I got my stone and now I'm sitting here not knowing where to start on it.

[@ivanvunic1925]

Hi was wandering if anyone out there knows if you guys ship to Australia as I'm interested in buying lots of stuff thanks..

[@Dominic.Minischetti]

Awesome video! Question for ya, is it taboo to re-work an original point? I have a point and it’s got a broken tip and base and I wanted to re-work it, but haven’t seen anyone do that. What’s your thoughts? Thanks!

[@huntprimitive9918]

yeah that is pretty much taboo for sure...lol I know some people have done it, but I personally wouldn't

[@Dominic.Minischetti]

HuntPrimitive Lol, too late. It was gifted to me with some chert and I wanted to send it back to the person. He is so excited so I guess it’s good karma! Lol!

[@JolicoeurAbear]

I was cataloging an archaeological collection and came across a red glass point. It was made from the thick red glass used for railroad lighting. It was beautiful. Has anyone else come across a glass point?

[@taticalwoodsman7074]

Thnxs always learning ! This was excellent 👍🇺🇸

[@daunispierre1514]

🤝💪🏼💪🏼👌🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 bravo technique de taille redoutable, alors que l’obsidienne et le silex sont tellement cassant. Bravo.