How to Make Arrowheads
Knapping is the technical term used for the skill of chipping stone, obsidian, chert, glass or any hard material into hand-held tools such as points, arrowheads, drills and knives. The art of knapping has been in existence since ancient times when early man made stone tools for hunting game for food. Remains of these ancient artifacts are scattered all over the world and sometimes one is fortunate enough to find an unbroken stone tool.Generally, most finds are imperfect in some way due to damage by animal, man or simply inclement weather conditions.
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Things You'll Need
- Ishi Sticks
- Flakers
- Notchers
- Abraiding stone
- Leather Palm Cover or
- Thick Denim Cover
- Safety Goggles
Instructions
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Practice Makes Perfect
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1
Place leather palm cover over your palm to protect your hand from razor sharp ancient tools. Wear eye protection to protect your eyes from flying shards.
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2
Hold the piece that you want to work on, in the palm of your hand. The piece can be any hard material including bone, stone or flint.
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3
Rough up the edge of the piece you want to work on with the abraiding stone. The purpose of this is to give more of a grip when you use your ishi sticks and flakers.
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4
Take hold of the flaking tool and apply pressure just inside the edge that you need to start flaking. Firm steady pressure is needed to accomplish this task and when one flake has been successfully sheared off, turn the piece over and flake off a piece from that side. Even flakes are the key. There are bound to be some mistakes made while learning how to knap; however the hobby is addicting and practice makes perfect.
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5
Grab the ishi stick for deeper cuts horizontal with the piece. Instead of applying pressure until the flake shears off, use an inwards and downwards motion to flake larger chunks from your piece.
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6
Repeat Step 4 until the entire piece has the flaked look you are trying to achieve.
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7
Take the notching tool and notch each side near the bottom of the piece. The notch should drop out. Repeat the same process on the opposite side of the notch that you just made.
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