Flintknapping

[AlexC1981]

Hello All,

Anyone do any flintknapping? I'd like to see some things you've made.

My nephew has requested a kit for his 13th birthday. He loves the Primitive Technology channel on youtube, which has got him into this. I'd quite like to have a go myself.

I've been doing a bit of googling and found some kits for sale (link below). Do you think they look ok? I don't know much about the subject.

https://sites.google.com/site/hangingwood/home/Fli...

Also looking for a source of suitable stones if anyone can help? I thought these looked ok, but wasn't sure about what sizes to ask for.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AMAZING-English-Flint-S...

[ChevronB19]

Can’t comment on the kits, we never used these ‘boppers’.

I’m a geologist (ok, I was, I deal with radioactive waste now), and my PhD was in Quaternary geology (referred to by real’ geologists as ‘gardening’). To be honest, I’d look for nearby archaeology units or museums, they often run flint knapping courses.

My biggest recommendation would be some serious goggles, and also a face shield if possible - flint is bloody sharp (hence its use). I know more than one blind geologist from whacking things with a big hammer, and I came close before in our pre H&S times. Don’t get them interested in fossil pollen, hydrofluouric acid is nasty!

[ApOrbital]

Whay he said ^

[AlexC1981]

Oh gosh you're right. I thought there was a small chance he would hurt his hand, but didn't even think about the face and eyes.

He's not going to have the discipline to use a face shield if I get him one. I think I'll have to get him something else. Bugger. I've already told him he can't have a survival knife. Maybe there is something along these lines I can get him that's a bit safer.

Edited by AlexC1981 on Thursday 14th May 22:16

[ChevronB19]

Try getting him a beginner microscope? It’s what set me off on the long trail...

[boxy but good]

And some of these.. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cut-Resistant-Working-P...

OR some stout leather gloves.

Ask me how I know !!...........( still got a piece in my right thumb, 20 years on !! )

[ChevronB19]

AlexC1981 said:

Oh gosh you're right. I thought there was a small chance he would hurt his hand, but didn't even think about the face and eyes.

He's not going to have the discipline to use a face shield if I get him one. I think I'll have to get him something else. Bugger. I've already told him he can't have a survival knife. Maybe there is something along these lines I can get him that's a bit safer.

Edited by AlexC1981 on Thursday 14th May 22:16

If you’re anywhere near Cambridge I can get you in touch with an expert

[AlexC1981]

That's very kind of you. We are about 90 minutes away from Cambridge, but I think my sister would rather I get him something safer. Shame as I'd have loved to have tried this at 13.

[geeks]

ChevronB19 said:

my PhD was in Quaternary geology (referred to by real’ geologists as ‘gardening’).

[Ayahuasca]

Where did Stone Age knappers get the their kits from as they didn’t have eBay?

I have found many Stone Age arrow heads and scrapers, and they are still sharp! Not found any boppers yet will keep looking.

[ChevronB19]

Ayahuasca said:

Where did Stone Age knappers get the their kits from as they didn’t have eBay?

I have found many Stone Age arrow heads and scrapers, and they are still sharp! Not found any boppers yet will keep looking.

They used antlers in the main, might not go down too well these days, taking down Bambi...

[sussexcoast]

A decade or so ago I did a two day flint knapping course at Weald and Downland museum. It was run by John and Valerie Lord, a very knowledgeable and interesting couple. I believe their son Will also runs courses. Well worth attending one if you can (Covid permitting).
With properly fitting goggles, stout gloves and clothing, I’m sure all will be well.
(John used to have a booklet you could buy, with the basics of knapping in it)

[boxy but good]

sussexcoast said:

A decade or so ago I did a two day flint knapping course at Weald and Downland museum. It was run by John and Valerie Lord, a very knowledgeable and interesting couple. I believe their son Will also runs courses. Well worth attending one if you can (Covid permitting).
With properly fitting goggles, stout gloves and clothing, I’m sure all will be well.
(John used to have a booklet you could buy, with the basics of knapping in it)

I subscribe to Will Lords FB channel.
https://www.facebook.com/willlordprehistoricsurviv...

Some very interesting stuff on there,

[AW111]

I'd say 13 should be old enough to learn discipline in wearing PPE.
Make wearing eye protection part of knapping, and point out the reasons why.

Teenage boys will always find risky things to do - at least taking precautions can lessen the consequences.

[sherman]

AlexC1981 said:

l've already told him he can't have a survival knife. Maybe there is something along these lines I can get him that's a bit safer

What could possibly go wrong?

[AlexC1981]

AW111 said:

I'd say 13 should be old enough to learn discipline in wearing PPE.
Make wearing eye protection part of knapping, and point out the reasons why.

Teenage boys will always find risky things to do - at least taking precautions can lessen the consequences.

Speaking to his mum, she's given the given me the all clear since he's already been breaking up stones in the garden and wearing goggles. Perhaps he's more sensible than I gave him credit.

He's also been digging for clay in the garden and wants a kiln. The little caveman

[jet_noise]

On the book of faces there's a Time Team fans group. They may be able to assist

[Sway]

AlexC1981 said:

AW111 said:

I'd say 13 should be old enough to learn discipline in wearing PPE.
Make wearing eye protection part of knapping, and point out the reasons why.

Teenage boys will always find risky things to do - at least taking precautions can lessen the consequences.

Speaking to his mum, she's given the given me the all clear since he's already been breaking up stones in the garden and wearing goggles. Perhaps he's more sensible than I gave him credit.

He's also been digging for clay in the garden and wants a kiln. The little caveman

Get him watching Alex Steele on YouTube. He'll want a charcoal forge!

For reference, I think Alex was about 13 when he started. Now, he's an utter badass smith.

A mate works at the Weald and Downland. This year I was planning a knife making course over a charcoal forge. Guess that'll be next year now.

Mrs isn't keen - she knows full well once I've done one, I'm going to want my own forge!

[AlexC1981]

Cheers guys, I ended up ordering from the website I posted earlier plus some flint stones, cut proof gloves and a face shield. Should keep him out of mischief for a bit. I'll post some photos if he makes anything decent with it.

[ChevronB19]

AlexC1981 said:

Cheers guys, I ended up ordering from the website I posted earlier plus some flint stones, cut proof gloves and a face shield. Should keep him out of mischief for a bit. I'll post some photos if he makes anything decent with it.

Always nice when someone feeds back on a thread! For reference, if he wants to go fossil hunting, those Estwing hammers linked above are brilliant. I was given a secondhand one by a friends mum when I started my geology degree, and I still have it. Way, way better than the standard ‘cheap’ geological hammers, and one of those things where it’s well worth the extra investment.

He will hit his thumb though!