old_heli_logger
Registered: 06/11/09
Posts: 11
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Coon4492
Registered: 06/15/09
Posts: 37
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Reply with quote | #2 |
I try to flintknapp but It never works out. I have a DVD and a couple of books on the subject but it doesn't make much sense ,I've watched a few "how to" videos on youtube but they don't help much. This guy in the video is pretty skilled at it I don't get what he's doing though. I can never predictably remove a certain flake I don't get that cone explanation everyone mentions too. Before I even knew what flintknapping was I just use to bash up rocks into sharp pieces and use those pieces like a knife. It was simple and the pieces worked. You could throw those sharp pieces in a pocket or something and when one dulled you switched to another piece. Was it crude and simple? yea but it got the job done. I guess a good flintknapped knife would preform better.
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"Do not fear mistakes. You will know failure. Continue to reach out."
- Benjamin Franklin |
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old_heli_logger
Registered: 06/11/09
Posts: 11
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Reply with quote | #3 |
The "cone explanation" that everyone talks about is called conchoidal fractures; you will see this a lot of times on broken glass. It sometimes breaks with a bulbous concentric rings. We used to shoot our BB guns at the bottom of broken beer/pop bottles and sometimes we would get a perfect little cone shaped piece that is a perfect example. Hope that helps...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conchoidal_fracture
Good luck!
Steve
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Smyle
Registered: 07/01/09
Posts: 33
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prariewolf
Moderator
Registered: 11/28/06
Posts: 105
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Reply with quote | #5 |
I only took time to watch about the first four minutes of this video. Obviously this fellow knows hot to knapp and here is incorporating a technique I've not seen in the past - but will certainly try.
But - the guy is advanced. This is not a how-to for a beginner. Things are being done, flakes are being removed but nothing is being done here to illustrate to the beginner how to do it.
Since all of flintknapping relates back to the removal of one flake, learn that. Also learn it by direct percussion rather than pressure flaking.
I have yet to see a good “how-to” video on knapping that actually does explain what is happening. They all have been good, or relatively good knappers but have no idea of what to tell YOU, the beginner, just what is happening and how he is going about doing it. I attempt to do this in my first tape on knapping.
It ALL comes down to a few - seven or so - basic rules - all deriving from one. The “cone”. Learn AND UNDERSTAND them and you'll have it made.
One flake at a time. The best made, most intricate knapped piece was made by removing flakes. One at a time. If you understand these basic rules of how and why to remove A flake, well, you'll be a flintknapper.
I firmly believe that there are so many frustrated beginners out there because those who know knapping well enough to teach these basic have advanced so far that they forget that YOU, the beginner, have no understanding of these basics. Everything that he says, does and demonstrates is over your head and without some guidance of these basics you're simply left behind.
Knapping is learned in stages. You cannot grasp what is being demonstrated in the stage/platform one or more steps beyond what you have a grasp of. I can't explain what I mean by the center-line of mass unless you have a good solid grasp of some of these initial basics. It takes a lot of time and a lot of broken rock to learn how to predictably remove flakes to “make an arrowhead.
This subject is too in depth to cover here - I hope that I haven't done more to confuse rather than teach.
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Prairiewolf.net |
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Coon4492
Registered: 06/15/09
Posts: 37
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Reply with quote | #6 |
Actually this has helped a little bit. Its going to be some time before I master the art of flintknapping but I knew that when I started trying. I have D.C waldorfs book and I read through a few pages and said what the hell is he saying  . I do have your book john primitive wilderness living and survival skills which I've been liking alot(especially that one trap you mention I love that trap) Your flintknapping section made more sense than D.C waldorfs but I havent quite mastered this skill yet. I just gotta keep trying it will come to me eventually. For now I'll improvise with bad stones or bone.
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"Do not fear mistakes. You will know failure. Continue to reach out."
- Benjamin Franklin |
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old_heli_logger
Registered: 06/11/09
Posts: 11
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Reply with quote | #7 |
Thanks John! Your book definitely has the best explanation of the technique involved in the process of removing a flake with control. Your diagrams of the proper angles involved with removing a flake or spalling large flakes are priceless to a beginner like me. Thanks again! Steve |
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dixieangler
Registered: 06/11/09
Posts: 72
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Reply with quote | #8 |
Quote: Originally Posted by "Coon4492"
I do have your book john primitive wilderness living and survival skills which I've been liking alot(especially that one trap you mention I love that trap)
This is THE BEST BOOK OF IT'S KIND IN EXISTENCE. Period!
Absolutely. The whole range of skills. That JM (John McPherson) trap trigger is great for a lot of different traps. I don't know what else to call it unless it has another name other than the John McPherson trap trigger. I believe John said in the book that he came up with it but I am not sure.
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Robert M. |
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old_heli_logger
Registered: 06/11/09
Posts: 11
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Reply with quote | #9 |
No doubt. Are you talking about the improved Paiute dead-fall trap or the two rounded sticks with the string wrap? Both are very impressive...talk about sensitive to any movement.
Thanks!
Steve
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dixieangler
Registered: 06/11/09
Posts: 72
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Reply with quote | #10 |
Quote: Originally Posted by "old_heli_logger"
Are you talking about the improved Paiute dead-fall trap or the two rounded sticks with the string wrap?
Not Paiute. Yes, the two rounded sticks with the string wrap. Look in John's book for "his" trap trigger. He does say, "MY" trigger in the book, pg.154. It is like a rolling trigger but is shaved on on side flat and to a point for the trigger stick. The rounded "rolling" end of this trigger stick is placed against the rounded support stick and a loop of cord holds the trigger stick just by the flat tip of the point against the support stick. Any slight movement will pull the trigger stick tip from the cord.
I like the Paiute trigger also along with the rolling trigger and the JM trigger. Simple and effective trap triggers for lots of different kinds of traps, not just deadfalls. Spring snares also.
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Robert M. |
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old_heli_logger
Registered: 06/11/09
Posts: 11
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Reply with quote | #11 |
I agree, and John says in his book that the really cool part about the rounded stick with string wrap is that you can set the trigger separately from the dead-fall...
Good stuff!
Steve
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