Tip's for the Beginner
1. A good tool kit is imperative to beginning flintknappers. Keep tools in good shape, this is a must if your goal is to produce quality knapped pieces.
2. Copper rod inserts in wood handles make an excellent substitute for antler pressure flakers. Old tool handles are good for this, provided that they are made of oak or some other hardwood. The use of pine is not recommended. I, personally, like the pressure flakers made of Delrin with copper rod inserts. These are available from several vendors.
3. Be willing to experiment with different tools and techniques.
4. Always wear safety glasses and use hand protection.
5. Be patient! Work slow, and try to analyze what you are doing. Most important, don't try for instant success. Instead, try to learn basic skills. Good work habits in the beginning can help prevent problems later.
6. Practice, practice, practice. Flintknapping is a motor skill involving hand/eye coordination. If you find yourself getting mad, breaking your preforms and things are just going wrong in general, put it aside for a day or so, and come back to it. You may find that a little rest will improve your mind to muscle coordination and awareness.
7. Thinning - Use the best quality raw material available and heat treat when necessary. Heat treating will greatly improve the workability of most material. Accent irregularities in the working edge. Isolate and grind platforms.
8. Communicate with other knappers in your area and exchange ideas and techniques. There are also excellent publications and videos available on the market pertaining to flintknapping.
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