Making Tiny (but Deadly) Stone Arrowheads (HD)

primitivepathwa... New DVD has been released!! After looking at some TINY prehistoric arrowheads, Billy Berger shows you how to make these TINY points from small waste flakes that most people throw away. These points are sharp and DEADLY on both large and small game.

[@mattedwards4533]

I have studied primitive bows and arrows for a long time. Making copies of primitive bows helped me learn a lot about stone points as well. One surprise that I had was finding most arrow points I have found in the fields and streams did not fly well for me but the small ones were flying straight, fast and accurate. I came to the conclusion that the two inch heads and bigger must have been for atlatls and the little heads for bows? The points weighing between 80 and 100 grains on switch cane arrows were best in bows. In my area I find very few small heads. Thanks for the post!

[@dooleyfussle8634]

Others have come to the same conclusion. Billy and Hunt Primitive regularly take deer and other large game with larger points. We'll probably never really know for sure.

[@theJellyjoker]

It's a prehistoric .22LR!

[@MustObeyTheRules]

Jeffery Liggett except capable of taking bigger animals than a 22

[@MegaAppleshit]

MustObeyTheRules Bigger than a Kodiak bear? =^ )

[@apimpnamedslickback2748]

MustObeyTheRules You'd be surprised by how easily you can kill a large animal with a .22lr. Just like these arrows, you have to have very accurate shot placement.

[@robertcole7874]

@@apimpnamedslickback2748 those arrowheads did so much more than a 22. As the animal would run and thrash around, that arrow would be moving back and forth almost a foot inside the animal with a tiny razor blade on the end of it. It would end up making a wound inside the animal similar to that of a sword on the inside

[@PistolSovereign]

some guy was able to kill an elephant with a 22. rifle

[@JaySav916]

JackCrafty has atleast one video where he uses a flake to notch. Great minds think alike. Love your videos!

[@rsmzm2000]

I am a knapper. I was recently having a discussion with my dad about little arrowheads. Around here they call them bird points. But I was trying to explain to him that these tiny points can absolutely take down large game.

[@walterpalmer2749]

Amazing stuff, Billy. Study of the bow, the arrow, the arrowheads are a connection to the history of man.

[@JaySav916]

Hey Billy.. I was thinking that fine notchwork could have been done with a rodents teeth. Like a muskrat, beaver or rabbit or something. They have iron in their teeth which is what makes them orange. You should try that on another minro point someday. Love your work. Keep it up!

[@signaturerush]

I’m getting rabbits soon, I’ll keep that information in mind

[@primitivepathways]

That's a great idea. They very well may have used them...maybe one day I'll try notching with rodent or even beaver teeth and see how it works... thanks for the info!

[@signaturerush]

@@primitivepathways hunt primitive made a video on porcupine teeth.

[@primitivepathways]

@@signaturerush Never seen his video. But maybe I'll give it a try.

[@alexhall1396]

You should try to make an arrowhead from the flakes of this arrowhead

[@therustedshank9995]

@Mr.ManMakesLotsOfCan for ameoba hunting

[@davetruther31]

Awesome knapping skills, and the piece turned out perfect..

[@primitivepathways]

Thanks!

[@Cutter-jx3xj]

Living here in Comanche County Texas, we I have found points that small up to spear points and scrapers. The tiny bird point has always been my favorite. Amazing craftsmanship.

[@primitivepathways]

I agree! I love those little tiny arrowheads. I think they are the coolest!

[@williamcleveland6715]

Over here in Western Wyoming I have found small points like that also very cool thank you sir for sharing that

[@bruceshook1781]

I was raised in the country ..in Texas. We were always finding arrow heads, found several like that tiny one. We called them bird points for lack of anything better. Had quite a collection, Some are in the courthouse Eastland County Texas on display.

[@petejohnson6498]

I think my hands started cramping just watching this... Impressive, good sir!

[@bryanwilliams4343]

Wow that's impressive if you really get down to it all need to do is get the triangle shape and put notches on it. Those flakes are already razor sharp.

[@MDubzBeat]

Hey, First Nations Mohawk from Kanehsatá:ke here, recently returning to the traditions and practice. At 6:24 you question how the heads could've been made by the ancients. A piece of flint was notched out by tapping with a point filed wetstone, shaped with contours that fit all angles of your fingertips. The flint is tapped 3-4 times at opposing angles to make the blade, then another 2-3 times near the base. It should come out looking like the obsidian daggers....if you hit it at the wrong angle you fuck up your arrowhead. I saw a faithkeeper making them with this traditional method, just hammering them out one by one like it was nothing...but it's pretty complicated in reality. The serrated teeths were filed out after they were cracked

[@magiv4205]

I know damn well why I never throw my scraps away, even if I'm still far too inexperiened in flintknapping to successfully make one of these beauties. But one day I will be able to put more tim into my hobby of primitive tool making and be able to work on these tiny points with all the flakes I've collected.

[@bowmaster619letschug6]

I've been waiting with anticipation for the new DVDs to come out ever since I bought the first one and I have watched through the first one several times

[@primitivepathways]

You're gonna be in for a REAL treat when you get the new one!!! I'm SUPER excited about it!! It's VERY well made and professionally done. I've let a few people review it and they all REALLY liked it and were surprised at how professionally it was edited. You'll love it!! WooHoo!!!

[@whiterabit09]

Notching with other flint is a great idea! I am sure our ancestors used this technique to break edges less, thanks for sharing!

[@primitivepathways]

You're welcome, glad you liked it!

[@michaelcarter4263]

i have been making these tiny points for sometime now.they are wicked cutting points!

[@primitivepathways]

Yes they are and I'm glad you've been making them! Too many people throw away flakes that are perfect for making these little arrow heads. I hate to throw any flakes away, and I'll collect buckets of flakes from other knappers who throw them away. It's a shame they do, but at least I can rescue them from the trash can!

[@JacobvsRex]

The master himself at it again!

[@CraigBSmith]

Great demonstration!

[@whitebeard420]

Man I'm glad I found your channel, you are a very good teacher. I've been watching your videos and I have learned a ton from you tonight. I just so happen to have just got a buddy of mine to send me some good flakes sonic would have some material to practice/learn on and I think I'm gonna try to make a bunch of these tiny flakes when they get here in the mail! Thanks for all the knowledge, it is helpful beyond explaining. Not just this video, this is like a thank you for all your videos I've watched so far and for the ones I will watch in the future.

[@primitivepathways]

thanks so much!

[@stefanlindner2348]

great work again , Billy, and so "economically" to produce from a glass or stone chip ... you're doing a great job !

[@dannyharrington978]

Great video! I have knapped a couple of these tiny projectiles as well. I did not consider doing this, until I found two different artifacts like this. It helps to use a magnifier visor when knapping these small points.

[@primitivepathways]

Oh yes, a good magnifying set of glasses or even jewelers hoods are great for work this fine.

[@jamestompkins7928]

The little people made those tiny arrowheads!!

[@jonajo9757]

I've read part of a document that said that the arrowheads of the Pima tribe had arrowheads ranging from 1-1/2 cm to 2 cm in length. Also I happen to own a small chert arrowhead.

[@justsomeguywithaboomerang1891]

How is it possible that it could cut a hole larger than the point itself? Love this video it's helped me on my own knapping journey.

[@Hopewellmj]

awesome point - That is what the Blackfoot (and others I'm sure) used on buffalo. It was all about penetration. those points took the arrow all the way into the lungs. The hunter would then wait for the beast to run out of air. Great stuff billy - ATB!

[@primitivepathways]

Yes they really do work and you are right. Those little points will get surprisingly deep penetration on big game, even when launched from 35-40 lb bows.

[@donovantheowl9432]

Thanks for this video. I plan on making some arrow heads out of glass as practice, and then slowly going smaller so as to make primitive blowgun broadheads. If it weren’t for this video I probably would of gone straight for the small arrow heads, and promptly fail, and maybe give up on knapping entirely.

[@therustedshank9995]

1:11 that's what she said. *I'll leave now*

[@billyberger2462]

Haha!!!

[@PecosHank]

Love it!

[@jacksnavely559]

Yea little arrow heads are a real thing ,our museum has a lot of them, , I've heard that the vines on Osage trees are straightened by tying a rock to them and then use for skiny arrows when dry , real small game stuff in North Central Kansas ❤

[@cherokeeproud9531]

Thank you for the awesome videos! I want to try to make some of those awesome miniature arrowheads because, the majority of the wood here in Montana is willow. the background music is especially cool with the flute. Thanks again.

[@raykemry954]

I use agate flakes . And I also crush leg bone with a Big rock. And use the thin razor edged fragments . The summer lake . silver lake area in oregon is full of tiny points. They use to hunt birds with them.

[@wadehoward5657]

Hey bud. thats a fine point. good job. i want to say thanks for your flint knapping videos. they have help me so much in learning the primitive art. so thanks Billy keep up the good work!!

[@primitivepathways]

Glad you liked the vid! I'll be posting more soon!

[@Cybearman]

woooohoooo....great to see you again.

[@primitivepathways]

Great to be back!

[@robertlombardo8437]

God. That thing is like a prehistoric armor piercing round! I do NOT want to know what it's like to have that spiraling towards my forehead!

[@brianwyters2150]

Shawn Woods now does a lot of mouse trap Monday videos, but still does his primitive stuff.

[@morgandevine7701]

your vids are always so good I started watching ur vids and I thought no one else liked primitive stuff and making arrow heads but I was wrong keep up the good work

[@primitivepathways]

Thanks Morgan I will!!

[@aaronengland8289]

I specialize in tiny broadheads. Mostly because I'm prone to snapping larger ones lol. They do make nice blowgun points. though that's mostly out of the need to find a use for something that I broke too many times to fit on an arrow lmao.

[@HodgePodgeGarage]

just found your channel while looking for tips on bow making. Love your content. Ill be hanging around for more!

[@stonehead6257]

Thanks for sharing very cool info

[@waltzworth]

Thanks Billy!

[@primitivepathways]

ur welcome!

[@BeckumOutdoors]

Great video Billy!

[@gregmacleod9078]

Fantastic and thanks for the demo

[@JimAnderson-SWEDISHIRONWORX]

Great Info...I know what my kids will be doing this summer...

[@peacefulsleep7751]

you've got such an awesome channels I saved thanks for sharing

[@peacefulsleep7751]

*subbed *

[@primitivepathways]

Thanks!

[@wildcatcreeksurvival2414]

I've found some that small in GA and wondered if they were jewelry or what, now I know. Great video!!

[@primitivepathways]

There was a burial found several years ago in North GA from the Mississippian-era (1000 years ago). In the guy's chest they found 11 small black flint arrowheads still embedded in it.

[@sticknstonesbrkbones]

That's cool. I knapped one about the same size, maybe even a little smaller, out of the bottom of a beer bottle. I wanted to make a bigger one but the curvature of the bottle bottom kept me knapping away until all I had left was a tiny little "bird point."

[@primitivepathways]

Even those tiny points are deadly. I used to have the same problem when I was a beginner. Jsut keep practicing and take lessons from more experienced knappers and you will improve. But it does take a lot of practice. You just have to develop enough skill to control the stone and get it to do what you want it to.

[@emrani100]

Been watching your vids for awhile, and I can only say you my friend are the MOST authentic person on KZbin keep up the great work. Would love to spend a day with you!!

[@primitivepathways]

Thanks so much!!!

[@zanephillips8345]

kind of off topic, but the bow you built on your "building a primitive bow" video. did you make your lower limb shorter than the top?

[@primitivepathways]

No. Whenever I make a bow the center of the grip is That will make one limb longer than the other. That makes tillering the bow much more difficult because the limbs will never "appear" balanced because one limb is longer than the other. There is no performance advantage to making the lower limb shorter...in fact I think it's a disadvantage due to the increased difficulty in tillering. I've never shot a deer with one of my balanced bows and had them refuse to die because the arrow pass wasn't at the center of the bow. Keep things simple, make each limb the same length and it will make tillering easier.

[@zanephillips8345]

Primitive Pathways ok thank you. I live in upstate sc and I don't know of but one osage tree here. so I bought a stave online and I am going to make a attempt at this. out of all of the KZbin videos and information, I like the style of your bow the best. the one you make looked sleek and fast. hopefully if I can get it laid out correctly everything will work out in my favor.

[@richardcummings7079]

I have some very small points from California. 1 is obsidian, 1 is jasper, 1 is made from quartz and 1 is made from basalt.

[@jrhamilton4448]

I used to be one of those guys who discarded the tiny flakes that can make these. Not anymore! Do you ever use heat to harden your antler flakers? In the humid weather of Maryland in the summer months that's what I do to keep the material hard enough to be an effective tool.

[@billyberger2462]

Yes I do harden my antler tools too! It makes a big difference in the humid eastern US

[@donaldbarnett8045]

I have seen these tiny arrowheads in Arkansas they are called bird points and archaeologist say they were used on small game and for war. Some will have two or more barbs notched in to them besides notches for fastening them to the arrow shaft. I can see them used on humans because they are small enough to pass between the ribs . Apparently the Indians spent a lot of their hunting time on small game rather than larger. I have heard this from expert sources also.

[@tonygray3787]

So crazy I was just experimenting with notching like that with obsidian was wondering if it was done that way

[@DeepSouthSlings]

+Primitive Pathways Great and informative video on tiny points Billy.... Thanks for freely sharing that knowledge. BTW, who is playing the Native flute towards the end of the video ? I used to make flutes for about 12 years doing all kinds of inlay using crushed Turquoise, Mother of Pearl, Malachite, etc.

[@kewaldrop]

Very nice point

[@teewillie7442]

Yes you are right about using another flint to use for the knot. We Navajo well the old ways did that. that's how I was told on making small arrowheads.

[@primitivepathways]

Thanks Tee Willie for that info!! It really helps and proves that the old guys were even more resourceful than we think. I've never seen or heard of anyone notching with a flint flake, but it seemed a logical way to make those tiny notches. Problem is that us modern folks are taught a certain way and don't think outside the box. Bone and antler was used, but I was certain that stone flakes were used at least some of the time, and your comment proves that it was. Thanks so much for that!!

[@ScourgeIsTheBest123]

I've made small arrowheads like that 😂😂 I praise it

[@jacksepticeye_fan084]

A couple months ago I made one about that size and put it on a pencil😂😂 I lost it in my desk drawer though, sadly. I'll probably find it.

[@GeoffSayre]

I was wondering if you ever measured this point? It is clearly very small, but judging its size is hard from a video. Do you still have it kicking around?

[@Mendezfarriercompany306]

I needed that thanks

[@hansenator5000]

I use flakes of chert to notch my serrations on many of my Gunther arrow points. There's no other tool I think would have done the job other than a flake.

[@jladdironworks2646]

These remind me of some flakes that I gave you at the north Georgia Knap in

[@brandonmathews113]

We have found about 100 small points in one area. Most of them look like spades. We have found very few larger points in this particular area. I'm in Southern Oklahoma.

[@primitivepathways]

It's very likely they were arrowpoints. Perhaps you found them in what was once a hunting camp.

[@shanelopez6370]

Been waiting for a video

[@AllisonRobinson-pg8my]

This is nice

[@craignoble4098]

about time

[@primitivepathways]

I know! Sorry, just been really busy with work.

[@craignoble4098]

I no lol love your videos

[@craignoble4098]

This is my work yours r a lot better but still working on it _lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fD1k8Tlhn5eIXzlPL2ieUc5ku_RqpDLfthM7tS7Py5Ug3v3cMprZzpsTJlfuYN4vJbVo_wX_

[@Robbie12GS]

Strong Work!!!

[@primitivepathways]

Thanks!

[@fieldpoint8738]

Haha... this makes me feel better about the tiny points i had to make after the base broke off when notching them lol

[@marksonson260]

It's like a nasty little razor. Congratulations!

[@primitivepathways]

Yes they are!!!

[@thevillageblacksmith8550]

They could have used teeth which are denser than antler or bone. Especially beaver teeth which are reinforced with iron which gives them that orange color

[@rangernation4538]

Man I wish I could send you some pics of the small bird points I have. I have about 30 small points that are in perfect condition and another 30 have some breaks or aren't perfect. I have one that super thin like paper thin with a wicked flake patern and its serated even better its red and translucent.

[@williamhaney7663]

Bro I've been missing your vids

[@primitivepathways]

Thanks man! I know I've just been busy and haven't had time to make any.

[@darrenhoffman6658]

Good job

[@WithTheFlow_]

Amazing video as always Billy but I would really like to see how to field dress an animal you always show us how to properly make the weapons to kill the animal but I would really like to see how to extract The meat from the animal and how to cook it properly from the kill to the cooking of the meat

[@DanielSmithForge]

River Benfield He has a video on butchering a deer, it's from a year ago. And on cooking the meat in primitive conditions look up ray mears he has some very good videos on that.

[@WithTheFlow_]

Primal Insight thank you

[@craigslitzer4857]

River Benfield Lots of videos about field dressing on youtube. For skinning and pre-butcher, check out SkillCult channel.

[@longstrid48]

My theory was that minuscule points like these are found so often because many of them were just points made for practicing knapping. If I'm a primitive person teaching my child how to flint knapp I'm not going to give them nice large pieces of valuable stone to learn with, I'm going to give them the small little flakes and detritus the play around with and learn with.

[@Dougarrowhead]

These tiny points arent found often. They are not common. Your theory is wrong.

[@GameHunterMaster]

could this be used to tip blowgun darts, or would it be too heavy?

[@terrysummers6382]

The point you made looks like a Port Maitland..a northeast type

[@bob_frazier]

Billy, when we found those in Central Oregon we supposed they were used for waterfowl. Not sure if that's true or not.

[@primitivepathways]

They could have been used for a variety of game animals, both large and small. Blood protein analyses have found deer, elk, and bighorn sheep blood on a lot of small points that modern people assumed were used for shooting birds.

[@treyetter8054]

Ok Billy, now you have me regretting all the flint scraps I've thrown away.

[@primitivepathways]

I know what you mean. Sometimes I'll take a small, oddly shaped flint flake that I was going to throw away and challenge myself by trying to make an arrowhead out of it. If I go slowly and carefully I can usually make a surprisingly nice point out of a piece of stone that would have ended up in the trash. It's surprising just how many arrow points you can make out of a small piece of stone if you knock small flakes off it and use every one for an arrowhead.

[@jackvoodoo2900]

its inane to think at first that that tiny little flake of flint or obsidian could take down a elk but then again it would have no issue entering the vitials and a cut even as small as the width of the arrowhead something like 4 millimeters is more than enough to down anything. consider a 22 cand the hole that makes you could kill a elk with proper shot placement.

[@Defrock78]

Bird Points! But yes, used and deadly for most all game.

[@777theprophet]

I have found some points made by the Kootenay Indians that would fit on a dime with room to spare , I was told by a museum curator that they were used to bleed an animal to slow them down so they could be followed.

[@elusivecelestia5268]

+Primitive Pathways Am I late to commenting on this video?? I see this many time but, I'll never bored since your skill were "Celestially Awesome" I likes your video. Anyway, if I can gave you request... Would you like to give a try for making left-handed bow??

[@Stunturtle929]

I found a tiny arrowhead just like that in colorado, but it was more round.

[@primitivepathways]

Yes I've found them too! They are really cool little points.

[@DalinquentB]

Larger points were used with a spear or alatl , arrowheads are small and light weight.

[@fearthespear4242]

Awesome

[@dustinmorse8497]

what museums did you go to? I'm going to Tucson next winter and would like to go the museums you went to.

[@primitivepathways]

Arizona State Museum in Tucson, El Paso Museum of Archaeology in El Paso, TX, and The Amerind Museum in Dragoon, Arizona. Check them out...they all have some really cool stuff!!

[@dustinmorse8497]

Primitive Pathways thanks Billy! I will

[@margilvale7648]

here in texas, i have to make them 7/8 width, but yes if i have a wide enough flake i use it and have a legal point.

[@danielschuster3935]

Check out jackcrafty he used a flint flake to notch a point

[@IlBaroneRozzo]

Are those arrowheads original finds? Really? I wonder how people can find them so easily

[@primitivepathways]

Yes those are original finds!

[@Lance.Hanau48]

Billy am a beginner Knapper and I'm only 14 years old is there any way to sharpen a antler tool with out a file do you think a knife will be ok. ps I'm very glad you posted a new video.

[@guywhodid9113]

Lance Hanau do you not have a file or dont wish to use one? in any case, if you scrape the antler with a knife as opposed to actually cutting it you will get it done faster but it will take a while. i recommend soaking the antler while doing this to soften it, it speeds up the process very much. be sure that it is very dry before you use it after you soak it. you may be able to grind a point onto the antler with ebrasive stone as well, concrete would probably work. finding your own ways to do things is what makes primitive skills so fun so keep at it and you'll figure anything out. :)

[@Lance.Hanau48]

The reason we can't Have nice things . Thank you for replying I'll have to try those tips thanks again.

[@Lance.Hanau48]

The reason we can't Have nice things . Thank you for replying I'll have to try those tips thanks again.

[@cavemanjoe7972]

Lance Hanau I can't see comments before mine, so I don't know what's been said already, but no, don't sharpen antler with a knife. Use a river rock or just a hefty gritty landscaping stone, even the side of a cinder block will work. Grind around the tip and make the sharpened part short, like the end of a nail, instead of what most people try to do which is taper it gently like a blowgun dart. It'll be stronger, be less likely to break, and last longer than an elongated point. Then just heat the tip a little with a lighter or a small fire made from a few matches laid together and touch up the grind. This will temper the point and keep it from wearing down so fast. Just don't do it too long or it'll get brittle. Think toasting a marshmallow instead of setting it on fire. Hope this helps.

[@Lance.Hanau48]

CavemanJoe I really appreciate the help I will definitely use these tips thank you and have a wonderful rest of yor night.

[@graphiccontent98]

that's awesome

[@ole-matsmoskvil9216]

Superb as always! Will there be a primitive instinct vol 2?

[@primitivepathways]

Oh yes there will!! And also I've got another DVD that'll be releasing soon!

[@arcadioflores8982]

i use to make arrow heads that tiny when i had a limited material and some times i still do

[@jacobmathews9569]

Arcadio Flores run out of rocks down there did ya

[@geodeaholicm4889]

i heard the plains indians used those tiny points for hunting buffalo. the tiny points could penetrate the thick buffalo hide & reach to the lungs.

[@morgandevine7701]

hay billy I just started flint knapping got any tips I could use

[@primitivepathways]

PRactice practice practice!!

[@victoriopope6086]

apaches made small arrows and there are some attached to arrow shafts but didnt eat fish thinking maybe an every day use

[@sharrowl2409]

how can i get some of those tiny arrowheads

[@mordyfisher4269]

would these arrow heads be a one shot use

[@primitivepathways]

IT all depends on what you hit. Some of them will break after just one shot, but if you hit your target I've noticed that points that hit soft animals are often reusable because they don't get THAT damaged. If you miss and hit a rock or tree, then they usually break and have to be replaced.

[@mordyfisher4269]

Primitive Pathways have you ever tried grinding out arrow heads instead of napping them? i feel like they would be much stronger if they were maybe 1/4 inch thick in the middle

[@timothyzelensky383]

What do you think about birch as a bow wood.

[@primitivepathways]

never used it so I don't know. I've heard you can use if though.

[@nicksfix8609]

i t is harder to manipulate with fire and you will need to rough it out huge to avoid knots in the grain.

[@nicksfix8609]

+nicksfix8609 not impossible if you are making a senue bow