How To

How to Make a Knife Out of Rock

Contributor
By Civita Dyer
eHow Contributing Writer
(2 Ratings)

It may be the Internet age and although the very idea of fashioning a knife out of rock may seem primitive to many, it could give you a glimpse into the life of Stone Age people. Moreover, you will also feel a sense of achievement that they surely must have felt eons ago. If you think that shaping a knife out of rock is a breeze with the modern tools of today, think again. You will be surprised to learn that it can be quite difficult. In fact, it can take many hours of hard work and even months to perfect. However, if you are the patient, persevering type, here's how to make a knife out of rock.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Sturdy, outdoor work table and space Sharp-edged piece of rock Flaking tool or chisel Sharpening tool Chipping tool
  1. Step 1

    Search for a piece of sharp-edged rock. Ensure that it is suitably sized to match the size of knife you intend to shape. Make sure that it is not too heavy to handle or work on.

  2. Step 2

    Use a chipping tool to start your work. The ideal one should be easy to hold, relatively light for ease of use and must also be hard. Although another suitably shaped rock could be used, metal or bone are also good alternatives.

  3. Step 3

    Look for a good flaking tool. If you have difficulty finding a suitable flaking tool that's hard and sharp enough to flake off pieces of rock, you may use a sharp-edged chisel instead. If Stone Age tools are your choice, you may use a sharpened piece of bone or antler.

  4. Step 4

    Hold the rock firmly on your knee and start chipping. Keep close to the shape of knife you wish to have. Place the sharp end of the rock on one side and use small, angular blows while chipping. Obtain a basic, rough knife shape when chipping is completed.

  5. Step 5

    Reach for the sharpening tool. To give your knife the desired sharpness, place the blade of the sharpening tool roughly parallel to the flaked, knife edge of the rock. Then press the latter hard against the tool's blade and gently scrape off little flakes of rock until achieving a fairly, sharp knife edge.

  6. Step 6

    Finish sharpening the knife. To hone your knife to a fine, sharp edge, you may use sandstone or any other rough material to rub along the knife edge. As an alternative, you may use a piece of chipping rock to achieve the desired sharpness.

Tips & Warnings
  • Use flint rock, as it is the ideal material for your knife. Flint rock is easy for knapping, chipping, flaking and sharpening at an angle. Make fluid relaxed blows while chipping, as this will allow for better control and will lessen arm fatigue.
  • Do not work without wearing safety gloves to avoid cuts. Do not work without protective eyewear to avoid injury to eyes from minute rock flakes or dust.

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