My Flintknapping Journey
I began flintknapping in spring of 2010. I was inspired to do this from an interest in primitive/traditional skills. When I learned that flintknapping was a craft still practiced, I watched a few videos on the subject. I used a three-inch long piece of antler as pressure flaker and a hammerstone to create my first point from a thin flake. That summer I was only crushing the edges of flint flakes to the shape of an arrowhead. I began percussion when I was able to obtain a piece of obsidian, my tool kit had expanded to include a copper rod and a "copper bopper." When fall came, I was able to watch Ed Mosher, a master knapper from Indiana, knap. Ed also gave me advise and tips. In January of 2011, while at a primitive archery expo (another hobby of mine), I met with the Michigan Flintknappers. I was welcomed to come inside their table space, where I was given hands-on instruction by Dan Belknapp. Copper tools were all I was experienced in using, but I wanted to learn to knap ABO, which is with all traditional tools. I finally manned up, bought a billet, and made the slow transition to antler and hammerstones. This was during the summer/fall. Late fall of 2011 was when I made my first completely ABO points, which also greatly exceeded my previous work in quality. I have continued down this path since, my skill and obsession ever growing. I have been an active member of the Michigan Flintknappers, attending several functions (knap-ins) a year. I have received lessons/instruction from Dan Belknapp, Don Gilson, Bob Love, Ed Mosher, and Frank Stevens, and several others. I also do several demonstrations every year, both formal and informal.
Gathering Kaolin flint
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