Pressure Flaking 101 - Running a flake on Plate Glass

This is a long one. Sorry! Please take all the safety precautions seriously, especially eyeware. If you enjoyed this video, pleasr hit the"Like" button and subscribe to my channel. Here are a couple of places to start looking for knapping tools and kits:
www.amazon.com...
www.ebay.com/i...
www.etsy.com/l...
Thanks for watching!

[@JohnDoe-di2rt]

I love old people dropping their knowledge on the internet. This video will be up for people to see for generations.

[@CaptMike]

I hope so. Thanks for watching and commenting on my video!

[@shortdognate]

Thank you sir. You are a great teacher. I have to think I'd like you in any real life situation. Knowledgeable. Humble. Direct. Great sense of humor. I really need to get my flakes to travel farther. These tips should help.

[@CaptMike]

Thanks for watching and good luck with your journey!

[@gaininggrain3554]

this is such high-quality information on flint knapping. I feel lucky to have found this channel because there isn't this much information really anywhere else. Not just telling you how to be safe or what to do, but showing you how to practice to learn how to be more consistant. absolutely outstanding video thank you so much for this.

[@CaptMike]

Thank YOU for watching my video!

[@wayneeverts9185]

!!!!!!

[@VanaheimrUllr]

You should be standard edition in a family, haha. Wish I had a grandpa like you. Thanks for sharing your knowledge! =)

[@CaptMike]

Thanks for the nice comment and for watching!

[@savage11smw33]

You sir created the best most informative knapping video I've seen! Well done sir!

[@CaptMike]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@neanderthalnonsense]

I appreciate your time. I've been knapping for about a month all found glass. Big fan of the craft. I went as far as making some glass heart pendants I knapped for my wife and girls. Thanks for the info.

[@CaptMike]

Glad you liked the video. Yes, there are many things you can flake besides points. Crosses are very popular as are hearts, bears and other animals. Thanks for watching.

[@paullanier8280]

Hi Capt Mike Very easy to understand the process when you make instructions. My knapping skills were primitive for many weeks when I started. Finally became easy after one hundred arrowheads completed and bleeding stopped. Confidence grows more after each one made but bleeding tapers off gradually. Obsidian is very sneaky, with blood, but the most fun. Thank you for your work!

[@johnmoore5293]

Had a surgeon tell me bleeding always stops: )

[@LukeMcMullin]

I have watched many knapping videos and by the end thought NOT YET, meaning I still have no clue what they are talking about, platforms etc. After watching your video I believe I can give this a try. I just wanted you to know that. I feel like you are the best explainer of what is needed and the technic involved in pressure flaking thank you very much. Luke.

[@CaptMike]

Thanks for watching!

[@richardwiley5933]

Well done, Mike! Great video for beginners (me) starting from the bottom. You are a good teacher, and I like your character.

[@CaptMike]

Thanks for watching Richard.

[@DanB1987]

Thank you sir. This was one of the best videos I have found for learning the basics of flint-knapping, period.. I found it funny and very informative.. As a beginner I have trouble running flakes all the way to the center, but you explained about how important abrading the edge is so the pressure flaker can grip which causes much longer flakes.. I was starting to think maybe I just couldn't do it.. Again, thank you very much for your time, effort and knowledge..

[@CaptMike]

Thank you Sir for watching my video and the kind comment. Keep running those flakes!

[@DanB1987]

@@CaptMike The pleasure is mine.. Practice makes perfect..

[@mkhaleeq9801]

Absolutely brilliant video . I need to learn this technique to replicate a 1960s art glass chandelier which has this type of glass with knapping . Thank you for such highly detailed explanation. It’s made me brave enough to try to do this myself !!! I need to find these tools in the U.K. . Again many thanks

[@CaptMike]

Thanks for watching and for the comment!

[@cliffowens3629]

I knew a guy in the hobby who, while pressure flaking, drove a flake into his hand, and his little finger went dead. He went to the hospital, and the attending doctor commented that he couldn't believe that the flake severed the tendon of that little finger. He'd never seen that type of injury before. The chipper went under the knife, and the tendon ends reattach. No worse for wear, and that chipper began to wear gloves after that.

[@CaptMike]

Those flakes can be a problem. Thanks for posting!

[@cliffowens3629]

No matter the size small flakes can do a lot of damage

[@ericbryant9528]

Man you are awsome, thank you for the step by step, your teaching methode is awsome.thank you.

[@CaptMike]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@dmaschy599]

You are teaching me all I need to know to get started.Thst is all I need right now.

[@CaptMike]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeffcanyondavid]

I'm a glass glazer so I have all types of glass to choose from I'm so happy to have found this hobby

[@CaptMike]

Good luck. It's addictive.

[@charlesmurray1220]

Excellent instruction Capt Mike!

[@CaptMike]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeffdowns8431]

Captain Mike Loved your flaking video ,and I love your attitude and Thankyou for your service.

[@CaptMike]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@stevanrose7439]

I was getting off of work one day and I saw a couple of old glass doors in a yard with a free sign so I stopped and loaded them up on my work truck. I’ve still haven’t done anything to them yet. But when I do I’ll have enough 1/4 in glass to last me forever. Iv been knapping glass for a while. It’s fun to do bottle bottoms. But kinda hard to get the curve out of them. Keep practicing. 😀

[@CaptMike]

Good luck with the free glass. Nothing better! I like that the points look like ice.

[@bzntch323]

Excellent explanations. Even though you didn’t use the zoom function, I got a lot out of it. Thank you!

[@CaptMike]

It's difficult to zoom when I have no one to help. Stopping and zooming then stopping again to reset the focus shorts the electrons in my old brain. Thanks for pointing out tips that would make mu videos better!

[@gibsonhomebuilders]

Thank you Sir! I am one of those who ask you to do a video on knapping glass. Very well explained and demonstrated.

[@scratchluka6157]

I am glad that I found you Sir. I grew up on a 350 acre Tobacco farm in Southern Maryland a mile in the woods. Nice long dirt road. Well our farm ran down into a place called Zekiah Swamp. A nice fresh water spring. About 6/7 miles from Dr.Mudd’s farm. He is the doctor who set John Wilkes Booths leg(after he broke it jumping from the balcony after assassinating Abraham Lincoln. Sorry if I’m going on too far. Lol. Well when I was young, a long time ago now. I used to pray for rain after my grandfather plowed and distanced the fields in preparation for us to plant tobacco. As soon as it did rain I’d hop on my motorcycle truck tractor go down to the backfield is what we caught it. And there they were like treasures lying on top of the ground many arrowheads stone knives. I have always been a rockhound and I happen to find a nice piece of thick glass today. But I appreciate you showing me what you have and the technique used I’m gonna give her a shot in I will let you know how it came out again thanks for sharing your knowledge with me

[@CaptMike]

Thank YOU for watching my video!

[@jeffdowns8431]

This country would be a better place if there were more men like you sharing their knowledge,and I got your 6 when anyone jumps on ya. Thankyou Sir very good instructions.

[@josephfore8631]

Watched a lot of these videos ,,, yours was most helpful . Thank you a.

[@CaptMike]

Thank you for watching!

[@dmaschy599]

I am a beginner,I am listening as best I can,I will give it a try and hope for the best.

[@CaptMike]

-As they say in the flintknapping business, time and tonnage! Good luck!

[@ratprince1258]

Thank you sir, I've just started knapping in the last month and the only resource I have avaliable is glass but usually by the time I have my flakes crossing the whole surface the point has lost a ton of size. I've made some really really beautiful points, but they're all very small. This practice method and technique has helped me so much even just in the last hour of practicing my flakes are already going twice as far!

[@CaptMike]

Thanks for watching and fo the comment. I wish you well in your journey!

[@guerreroeduardo7843]

I been flintknapping for 3years not much experience but I make dicent Arrowheads points but this video really help me

[@CaptMike]

Thanks for watching!

[@robertmock2843]

I'm learning. Glass is great, because one can see what's happening even looking through the piece.

[@CaptMike]

No matter how skilled I become at knapping, I still get a thrill out of pressure flaking clear glass. It looks so much like ice. Thanks for the comment.

[@TheMrpiggyboy]

Just found you.Thank you so much for posting this informative video. By the look of you studio space you do every,thing, almost. The onlyist thing is you have all you stuff at arms lenght. My studio is a mess, things are piled every where. Thanks again good health and stay safe.

[@CaptMike]

My studio is an illusion! Thanks for watching.

[@georgeacuna3045]

You did an amazing job.i have no negative comments all positive.and remember guys wear your P.P.E

[@CaptMike]

Thanks for the comment and for watching!

[@BurtGummer85]

Thanks. Excellent video.

[@CaptMike]

Thanks for watching!

[@poly-wogbushcraft8643]

You have answered alot of questions I needed answered. Great video. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🤔

[@BM205]

You can also color the clear points with sharpies and get a pretty cool look. I've did a few multi color pieces that look really neat. Of course the finish wears off but it looks good when it does.

[@ahayseed654]

A LOT of good information. Thank you. Not enough close-up of the actual work. Too much of the demonstration was out of frame. Got a lot out of it anyway.

[@CaptMike]

Thanks for watching and for the comment. I understand your frustration with the video. I have a hard time keeping stuff in the frame as I have to do the videos by myself.

[@TheEarthCamper]

I am foolish enough to want to be taught! I tried the bottle bottom deal: I can’t seem to get the middle to thin out. The convexity/xo cavity remains through my project… or… my bottom cracks in half. Thanks for the video Capt. Mike!

[@CaptMike]

Thanks for watching my video. Plate glass is free and plentyful. Keep knapping!

[@geraldlegg6863]

Excellent account, thanks. I am a biologist that uses very fine scalpels (eye-surgeons ones). These are surgical steel and good but for micro-work obsidian scalpels can be used. I thought why not use plate glass flakes? My attempts at flaking were not good until I saw your technique. You discard flakes, whereas I want them! A decent shaped flake is then trimmed under my microscope and stuck into a hardwood handle. Now I hope to be able to dissect 2 mm sized insects more easily than using my eye surgeon's capsulectomy knife. Thanks.

[@CaptMike]

Thanks for watching. I have heard that flakes had been used by other for the same purpose (disecting). Hope they work out for you.

[@95731]

Awesome video really enjoyed it HOOAH!!!

[@lazarobustos3403]

You are a freaking legend! Thanks man!

[@CaptMike]

Thank YOU for watching my video!

[@jackreeves3001]

Thanks for sharing your time and talent! I learned a lot. Thanks, KANSAS

[@CaptMike]

Thank you for watching!

[@JohnMartin-ze8cf]

Thanks for doing these.....very helpful.

[@CaptMike]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@taylorfranklin6537]

Thank you for the information!

[@CaptMike]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@dmaschy599]

You gave me a lot of good ideas.

[@CaptMike]

Thanks for watching.

[@billtr9317]

Enjoyed your video, learned alot ,I am a beginner, thank you .

[@CaptMike]

Thank you for watching!

[@Toscanilda]

Hey Captain! Another great video. It's so nice to see your collection and abilities grow and flourish! How are you doing? I'm sending you good vibes all the way down from João Pessoa - Brasil! May God keep blessing you your health and your sweet heart.

[@CaptMike]

Thanks so much for the kind words and thank you for watching my video!

[@Ghostxstrike_gaming]

Good video captain mike. I just bought a kiln the other day will take a while to get here. But been flint knapping obsidian off and on. Thought I would expand to glass as well for flint knapping and other glass projects. Never been to a knap in. Course bout the time I started was about 2 months before COVID kicked off lol

[@CaptMike]

Good luck with your glass kiln and good luck making glass for points. You should be able to make some nice glass blanks to knap. Let me know if I can be of further help.

[@BryanKoenig379]

Very good video

[@CaptMike]

Thank you for watching!

[@addisonphillips9297]

Thank you. Very helpful video. It's truly wonderful for to take your time go share your to share you knowledge with us.

[@CaptMike]

Thanks for watching my video!

[@artichoke890]

Thanks, Sir

[@CaptMike]

Thank YOU for watching my video!

[@rudychavira5558]

Well done

[@CaptMike]

Thanks for watching!

[@silver_salvage_savage]

Good practice technique. Just tossed a thick glass shelf that would've been good practice material 🥵 Have never snapped a single flake yet......

[@CaptMike]

Give it a try. You WILL get hooked!

[@silver_salvage_savage]

@@CaptMike have a tool kit on the way. Bought what I think is a decent chunk of obsidian (10oz-1lb) but I'll probably save that until I feel confident I won't destroy it. In the meantime, I'm going to try and make a pressure flaker from a broken garden tool handle. I got a vase with a THICK bottom at the thrift store....

[@CaptMike]

@@silver_salvage_savage Check with any glass repair shop and they should have plenty of 1/4 inch thick plate glass. That will do fine to practice with. Keep an eye out for busted table tops as that is usually thicker glass. A 1/4 inch copper rod will work just fine for a flaker. Drill a hole in a broom handle and slide the copper into that. Sharpen the end of the copper to suit and flake away. If I can be of help, let me know..

[@jmharper25]

Capt Mike; first off - thank you for your service. 2nd, thanks for this video. Third, can you melt coe90 into colorful pieces that knap? Do you make/sell blade preforms? God bless! 👍🏼🇺🇸

[@CaptMike]

Yes, COE 90 will melt into bill quite well. Actually, you can melt any kind of like glass for knapping. I have made blanks for friens from green and brown beer bottles. It has been awhile since I made blanks to knap due to not being able to guarntee the quality. Most of the time it works, but sometimes, as with stone it does not. See if you can fins someone close to ytou that has a kiln and they can melt some scrap 90 or botles for you. Good luck.

[@glinnphillips4884]

Nice starter info

[@ExpertOfFX]

thank you very much

[@CaptMike]

Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment!

[@danielredus8104]

Sir you are awesome thank you

[@CaptMike]

Thank you for watching!

[@jimv.661]

Excellent video. You are a good instructor. I'm guessing it probably comes from your military experience.

[@CaptMike]

Jim, that did not hurt!. Thanks for watching my video.

[@richardwiley5933]

@@CaptMike I'd want to be in your Company, Captain. When you run out of ammo, get those boys making arrows and atlatal darts. Excellent instructional video, Sir.

[@CaptMike]

@@richardwiley5933 Thank you for watching!

[@davidsain2129]

Great instructional video, Capt. Mike! I am a beginner. How can I find Knapp-ins in my area?

[@CaptMike]

Just try opening your browser and typing in "flint knapers in (your area)". What part of the country are you in?

[@TitusGalliusMontanus]

Just a question: Why the pressure flaker has to have a copper point? Wouldn't an iron nail work the same?

[@CaptMike]

Copper is softer than either bronze, brass or steel, therefor it give a better flaker to glass/stone friction. Also copper is easier to file back to a point after it has worn down. Go ahead and make a flaker out of a 16 penny nail or a horseshoe nail and compair the two. That's the best way .

[@chrisharrisseacaptainchris]

I wish I had some of them birth control glasses!

[@CaptMike]

You making fun of my "Mr. Magoo" glasses?

[@chrisharrisseacaptainchris]

Thanks man you make it easy to understand!

[@CaptMike]

@@chrisharrisseacaptainchris Thanks for watching!

[@eddiestone5762]

That was helpful I enjoyed it

[@CaptMike]

Thanks for watching!

[@richardcummings7079]

Great tips. Thanks.

[@CaptMike]

Thanks for watching!

[@richardcummings7079]

I'm 70 yrs. old and have been knapping for about 2 months, so I watch as many videos as I can to learn how to Knapp properly.

[@JustinJJHCS1]

Face shield!! I usualy use glass for artwork frames and 3d printer bed i had some one ask me why the bed flanked off with the plastic part on the bed when it cooled off . I told them atomic instability from heating and cooling.

[@CaptMike]

Good idea seeing as many people have them now, but I use safety glasses, but be sure to use something!

[@dmaschy599]

1 heard that the Myans used volcanic glass to opperate on their people,sharp.

[@CaptMike]

Obsidian has one of the sharpest edges you can get.

[@mkhaleeq9801]

Also Mike how can I polish away the sharp edges on the glass ? What is the best material which doesn’t leave the glass opaque looking ?

[@mkhaleeq9801]

Captain Mike . I need to do this on cast art glass for a Chandlier. Can you do the flaking without the braiding ? The glass I have to this on is 22cm blocks which are 2cm by 2cm thick . I need to flake one face of the glass

[@CaptMike]

2mm is pretty thin. I will have to run a test and see if I can flake a face theat thin. What colors are you working with?

[@mkhaleeq9801]

@@CaptMike thank you Captain Mike . It’s 2 CM not 2mm. The blocks are 22cm long and 2cm wide and 2cm high .

[@CaptMike]

@@mkhaleeq9801 That's about 3/4 inch thick I think. That is no problem to flake. By "braiding" what do you mean?

[@mkhaleeq9801]

@@CaptMike sorry that was a typing error . I meant abrading

[@CaptMike]

@@mkhaleeq9801 It makes it more difficult, but with minor abraiding (just where you will flake) it is possible.

[@lyfandeth]

Glasses are good, but trust me, splinters do get past them. $10-15 buys damn good safety goggles. Visit to the ER for an eye splinter? $300-500 fast. And that's for the smallest splinter. Cut resistant steel or fiber gloves sold for skinning fish, butchering meat, handling glass trash cost anywhere from $5 to $50 the pair.

[@CaptMike]

Good tips, thanks!

[@canadiangemstones7636]

Not wearing gloves is what you might call army smart.

[@CaptMike]

I know and I have paid the price.....but it is what I do. Go Army!

[@terryflack447]

Like it.

[@debbieknapp477]

Are you a potter as well ?

[@CaptMike]

Yes, I work a little on the wheel and lots of slip casting. Hand building is fun, but I have not done that in a while.

[@arctictimberwolf]

Somebody stole My Gloves again. Whosoever steels from Me is Condemned to the Lake of Fire. No Exceptions and No Forgiveness. Mankind is Condemned in it's entirety from this point forward and I will only Forgive and save those of My Choosing upon their request for forgiveness and acknowledgement that I AM GOD Almighty. That'll be all 10-4

[@eddiestone5762]

I don't where face panties

[@CaptMike]

Me neither!

[@lyfandeth]

Asbestosis, silicosis, black lung disease and eventual lung failure from microscopic particles going in and getting stuck there is no joke. Will one day's knapping kill you? No. But it all adds up, over your life. Real macho men wear breathing filters and just dare anyone to laugh at them. A safety mask won't kill you.

[@robertlangley258]

You were too far from camera, not worth watching.

[@CaptMike]

Sir, you are welcome to your opinion. You were free to discontinue watching anytime you felt like it.