Making a Knapped Stone Spear Head From Mahogany Obsidian

Hey everyone! Today I'm knapping a small spear point from a piece of mahogany obsidian. Let me know what you think about Flintknapping Firdays or something similar!
Thanks for watching and enjoy!
Support the channel on Patreon - / backyardbowyer
Here are some of my books on Amazon. Thanks for the support!
Simple Knifemaking - www.amazon.com/....
Simple PVC Pipe Bows - www.amazon.com/....
Take-Down Archery - www.amazon.com/....
The Impossible Bow - www.amazon.com/....
The Backyard Bowyer - www.amazon.com/....
Darts on Target - www.amazon.com/....
Adventures in Paracord - www.amazon.com/....
All Wrapped Up In Paracord - www.amazon.com/....
Etsy: www.etsy.com/s...
Here are a couple of links to the AGM A8, the phone I used to take all the photos.
AliExpress - www.aliexpress...
GearBest - www.gearbest.co...
If you want to send me anything, here's my P.O. Box!!
Nicholas Tomihama
P.O. Box 354
Camas, WA 98607

[@pinkdragonliver]

Just in case you haven't done this already, putting a penny in with the discarded shards will help future archaeologists know that you made the spear head recently!

[@robertgonzalez510]

Cool look at me Chanel with my son

[@TON-vz3pe]

Right. They would think it was from the stone age and put it in a museum.

[@johnhenrydocholliday5804]

Can you please start a playlist dedicated to the knapping,with tools,how to find flint or obsidian ......

[@BackyardBowyer]

+JMah CZ Thank you for the suggestion!

[@thebmac]

Learning about the tools would be neat. I haven't seen many knapping videos, but the ones I have watched used antler for the tools. Was some nice mahogany obsidian you have there.

[@turkeytrac1]

I agree more knapping videos especially for the tools and especially so if they're diy

[@johnolson7886]

Nick , wow few people can do what you have done knapping that piece of obsidian. That was a pleasure to watch. go man go

[@BackyardBowyer]

+John olson Thank you for watching!

[@heliossky3525]

That rock is just absolutely gorgeous!

[@kristynchuckhenderson3158]

Practicing on glass from the bottom of jars and bottles is a great way to get started and learn techniques.

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Kristy N Chuck Henderson That is a good tip for beginners! Thanks for watching!

[@Felix-wi7nb]

Blacksmiths don´t make mistakes, they make smaller knifes Gues that also counts for flintknapping xD

[@BackyardBowyer]

+AHRES Müller Hahahah! In flintknapping, you not only can make them shorter, but sometimes you end up with multiples! Thanks for watching!

[@richardwiley5933]

@@BackyardBowyer you are the fastest, most accurate knapper I've seen. You obviously have great confidence in your ability. Extremely well done!

[@stevenparson0]

That's some good work even my ancestors would be proud of that spare point

[@BackyardBowyer]

+steven McDaniel Thank you for the kind words!

[@stevenparson0]

BackyardBowyer you should really do flint-knapping Fridays see what else you can make

[@arevelee92]

I enjoy your videos I like to learn how my ancestors may have made spear and arrow heads and other primitive hand tools I'm Alaskan Native an want to learn more about how things were done back then. Thanks for the intriguing how to videos.

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Andrew Revelee That's awesome! Thank you for watching!

[@andyd.1793]

It's amazing to see you work that into the final product. Also amazing to think of the natural forces that formed the original flint block, too.

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Andy D. Thank you! It is amazing how obsidian is formed. I have a piece that I like to take to shows. It actually has part of the lava flow intact on it's surface. You can see where the lava flowed and rippled as it cooled. It's really cool.

[@andyd.1793]

BackyardBowyer That is really cool! Ive read that the lava flows align with the Earth's magnetic field as they cool and solidify. I've also heard some people talk about aligning their steel with the north while quenching so that the magnetic field will be lined up as the metal regains its magnetic properties through cooling. Interesting parallel there.

[@Readitaloudplease]

It amazes me how you can caft something that delicate with a tool that blunt

[@FirelordRob76]

i loved your vids for years. you're a true modern craftsman who's bringing awesome stuff to a lot of people.

[@richardalmond2328]

Flint napping Friday sounds a really good idea 👍

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Richard Almond Thank you!

[@marycomeau9364]

Knapping Friday sounds awesome

[@slingshotwarrrior8105]

I'd like to see you attach that spear head at the end of a wooden shaft.

[@BackyardBowyer]

+SlingshotWarrrior Thank you for the suggestion!

[@theeasywayoutcampers6550]

You're ending scene that is a gorgeous recurve.

[@Syrkyth]

Yikes, I could hear how sharp those shards were. I can work around presses and saws and grinders without batting an eye but the tinkle of volcanic glass gives me the willies. Awesome work!

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Syrkyth It is pretty unnerving! I always have to remind myself to not grab for falling pieces. That's the worst! Thank you for watching!

[@jamebrooke894]

This is the most beautiful material next to flint ridge.

[@PedrUPedraSOssidiana]

An ancient technique that of chipping obsidian, I still have to learn some details. Congratulations for the tutorials, which help me a lot! Thank you very much

[@andrewgoldstein1606]

Nice job. I think a Friday knapping video would be great. You have a patience of a saint. Thanks for the video Nick.

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Andrew Goldstein Thank you for watching!

[@billmclaughlin8438]

What a beautifully colored stone.

[@ANXIETOR]

Nice work. Flintknapping Fridays is a great idea.

[@BackyardBowyer]

+ANXIETOR Thank you!

[@kori4386]

I relly love to see you working and talking relaxing.

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Asker ville Thank you!

[@karlmillerjr837]

Thank you very much for sharing that video Very helpful They're just getting started and napping man what an art

[@cabinarrow]

You make it look easy. I can't wait to try making an arrowhead or spear point.

[@olddirtbikerider]

Beautiful work. A friend of mine from Cash, Texas is an accomplished flint knapper. FYI, if you save all of those beautiful flint chips, they look beautiful as gravel in a fish aquarium. The water really exposes the natural color!!

[@mullima]

Love the flint knapping videos, and hope you'll do a regular series. Especially helpful would be a beginner's guide to flint knapping: Tools needed, How To's, etc.

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Mark Mullins That would be awesome! Thank you for the suggestion!

[@calebwilliams427]

I gasped so loud at 4:56. I know the feeling all to well

[@KamenRiderSilver]

At some point could you make a video on making a shaft for one of these heads?

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Kamen Rider Silver That sounds awesome! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@shade9592]

Yep... Always curious about hafting techniques for stone tools.

[@Ralph.U]

I was going to ask the same thing.

[@randomfox9970]

BackyardBowyer wow I'm amazed your work is fantastic like will lord greetings from UK England Essex I loves experimental archaeology using our ancestors techniques I can't seem to get knapping right like you can my spoon carving is better lol 💕🐾🐺💪👌

[@gorisenke]

Mahogany obsidian is really pretty. That was a great piece.

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Monkeysrock It is! Thanks for watching!

[@skelly4138]

i love that u cut ur videos so that we only see the strikes. no bullshit

[@tombob671]

great craftsmanship

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Tom Burgess Thank you!

[@jasonpowell3587]

The flint napping Friday would be a great idea. I would also like to see you talk about the tools and materials. How to make your own tools and where to get the materials would also add allot of content. Keep up the good work.

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Jason Powell Thank you for the awesome suggestion!

[@ionjohn7814]

From such a large stone a very little spear point...lucky us stone age was short and they did not take down all the mountains!

[@tomnekuda3818]

Good idea....go for it!

[@johnmartin6140]

Please keep these great flintknapping videos coming.....you are excellent.....thanks

[@jayblescashews]

i like the flint knapping videos nice and simple

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Ashido Kanō Thanks!

[@gary4645]

This is truly an art. I would be worried that I would destroy it with every tap. Great job.

[@dominicgonzales3333]

That is amazing. Thank you for displaying your craft.

[@iR_STONA]

that was amazing iv never seen somebody take a rock and turn it into something so beautiful, you sir are a VERY talented person seriously talented

[@BackyardBowyer]

+IR_ Stona Thank you for the kind words!

[@erichelms6126]

Flink knapping Fridays would be great

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Eric Helms Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@jackreeves3001]

Beautiful stone (glass). Exceptional work.

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Jack Reeves Thank you!

[@dfwisem]

Love the knapping! Hope to see more!

[@BackyardBowyer]

+David Wiseman Awesome! There will definitely be more!

[@dfwisem]

BackyardBowyer Would like to see more knapped obsidian pieces in your etsy store, i.e. pendants, knives, etc.

[@NymphetaminexXxGrrrl]

Amazing to see what looks like a boring dusty old rock break open and become gorgeous mahogany obsidian :)

[@curtisschmidtlein5606]

Very impressive Nick. It was good seeing you im action, in person, at Rabbit Stick. Thanks for all your work!

[@MrRHAWKER1]

Fantastic workmanship well done my man

[@munchkin5674]

Is there a skill you cant do young man?! WOW!! What a beautiful piece!! Can you do a video on flint knapping tools? Thanks!!

[@BackyardBowyer]

+munchkin5674 Thanks for watching and for the suggestion! I'm definitely planning on it!

[@WeaselJuice]

Wow! You make it look easy. Definitely would like to see more videos like this!

[@BackyardBowyer]

+William Stelmack Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@brianbell9817]

I always wondered how the ibdians did this. I live in harford co. Md. Arrow heads are pretty common here. Ive always wanted to make some and now i know how. Thankyou so much for the tutorials. I know ill have to figure out where the best places are to hit at any given time but ill get there. God bless and keep up the good work.

[@wayne1217-g5f]

WOW! That’s beautiful!

[@davidburwell4218]

great recovery from that break!

[@BackyardBowyer]

+David Burwell Thank you!

[@davidpoppenhagen4278]

It's beautiful.

[@dmaschy599]

Nice point,I would like to be able to do this flint knapping.

[@SonoraSlinger]

Mahogany obsidian is prone to snapping more so than others. Not surprised it snapped, it's just super brittle. You made a damn nice piece with what you had tho

[@DirtTimeAdventures]

Love to see a series on Flint Knapping

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Dirt Time Adventures & Survival Awesome! Will do!

[@elizabethvail7234]

Great videos. This would be great for a flint videos weekly

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Elizabeth Vail Thank you!

[@juanitamccaslin6184]

My, that is gorgeous , I'd love to see it used.

[@ericlarson8158]

Very cool... thanks!

[@davetillette5045]

I really like your art.

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Dave Tillette Thank you!

[@grumpygrumpgrump136]

Looking forward to Fridays now. Great job.

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Larry Grubbs Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@survivalofthesharpest3124]

You make it look so easy lol

[@User5973]

Good job, man.

[@jayammons3834]

Amazing work! The stone is beautiful.

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Jay Ammons Thank you!

[@Hornbag73]

Hi Nick, Knapping Friday sounds like a great idea, may i suggest doing a knapping video on saw cut slabs or glass bottle bottoms as i don't have access to obsidian stones here in my part of Australia. However i have access to various different jaspers and agates

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Nigel Stringer That's an awesome suggestion! Thank you for watching!

[@MarcoAntonio-dq5wu]

That’s really cool

[@YouTubeDoxedMyRealName]

A better example than my collage archeology class.

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Adam949 Glad you liked the video! Thanks for watching!

[@jamesmoeller1533]

Wow that looks great.

[@BackyardBowyer]

+James Moeller Thanks!

[@talonbertrand5133]

It still looks like a spear head in size. Nice color!

[@stevesoutdoorworld4340]

great job. yes please more knapping vids .

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Steve's Outdoor World Awesome! Thank you!

[@darrackmccrea9761]

Love it want to try it myself

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Darrack Mccrea Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@TheCrazydoodle]

Awesome dude. I work with flint in university, and these videos really help me learn! Thankyou -sophie

[@BackyardBowyer]

+TheCrazydoodle Awesome! Thank you for watching!

[@amigopiojo11]

Thank you very much for sharing you hability to us

[@davedavis3873]

You're a joy to watch ...keep them coming !

[@billingersoll1266]

I'll give it a try.

[@OkkaOtter]

Such a pretty material

[@Compl33tR4nd0mZ]

Wow this is amazing, no words!

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Compl33tR4nd0mZ Thank you!

[@johnmcclelndon7641]

Beautiful

[@zachf8000]

Great idea

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Zach Fagg Thanks!

[@roadkillavenger1325]

Mahogany obsidian is my nemesis. I almost lost a finger while I was spalling a 40 lb chunk. One of the big spalls somehow bounced when it broke, and the business end hit my knuckle HARD. Ugh there was so much blood. Now I've got a scar to remember it by lol.

[@MrJoey450]

I would love to hear a live commentary on what your thought process is while your knapping.

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Joey Podi Thank you for the suggestion!

[@MrJoey450]

BackyardBowyer hey Nick, thanks for taking my request to heart. Knapping is really interesting and I appreciate your work explaining how to do it.

[@michaelcheal373]

LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!

[@Kooritz]

Gorgeous

[@cheyennew811]

Great looking work!! Thanks for the video!

[@BackyardBowyer]

+cheyennew811 Thank you for watching!

[@danfraser7479]

great spear point.

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Dan Fraser Thank you!

[@genegorringe7395]

Beautiful job I love it Gene Gorringe Mi ✌️💙🇺🇲🇬🇧

[@davetillette5045]

Great art.

[@melthomas6250]

Fantastic

[@joshuag.9341]

Man i wanna learn this so bad!

[@sicilientwarkan7109]

just amazing .. Greetings from France

[@TheMongo1357]

MORE Knapping videos please!!!

[@BackyardBowyer]

+TheMongo1357 There will definitely be more! Thanks for watching!

[@jacobice2011]

This was awesome. I'd like to see more. Thanks

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Jacob Ice Thanks for watching!

[@AngeltashaUK]

Great job love it, evry time to hit that i was flinching in case you took off more than you wanted!! It seems so fragile when you hit it! It easy to end up going wrong!!

[@BackyardBowyer]

+AngelTashaUK Thank you! It can be fragile, and sometimes there are cracks or inclusions hidden in the stone that can cause breaks you aren't expecting.

[@jimparsons6803]

So obsidian is like volcanic glass? Maybe practicing with the bottoms of beer bottles, until you sort of get the hang of doing this sort of thing might work. I think that unless you live next to a workable pile of rocks, this might be sort of expensive....

[@L2FlyMN]

It turned out, looking very beautiful. Just before you broke the tip, I was concerned about that happening, & an instant later, yep! I must be learning something! I’m a newbie at this skill, & already, I don’t look at rocks the same, as I did before. Kinda like a wood worker, changes their view on wood. Can I use that one? Always pops up in the mind.

[@gettingback2primitive228]

Awesome man nice job

[@BackyardBowyer]

+the flint life Thank you!

[@kilrati1]

Great work!!!

[@eliosaile1689]

Really cool man. Keep it up!

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Eli O'Saile Thanks! I will!

[@scoutblobber8024]

I'm only 14 years old and I think this is awesome, I'm going to try this whenever I can 👍

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Saurav Odayan Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@oneshotme]

Yeah it'd be cool to see you do more of this. Damn it took that big of a peace to make something that small out of it. Was you able to use any of the other one you broke off to make something else with?? Loved the look of that obsidian as well I've never seen it before but this is only about the 4th or 5th time ever seeing it done as well All the others was with black or flint

[@BackyardBowyer]

Thank you! Yes, I'm still working on getting larger pieces that are close to the length of the rock as possible. On some rocks that might be rare or hard to come by, I cut them into slabs and can usually get a few blades that are very close to the length of the slab.

[@DiyEcoProjects]

Thats really beautiful, well done. Enjoyed watching your skills, all the best - subbed

[@mealex303]

Would love to own that!! A+

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Alex piv Thanks for watching!