' Kaught Knapping '
 

Flint cannot easily be sculpted or carved in a traditional manner.  Flint knapping refers to a gradual reduction process that causes flakes of stone to break off of the original piece.  The process, both in ancient and modern times, generally begins with a technique called direct percussion.  This is accomplished by directly striking the target stone with a tool, such as a hammer stone or bone, to remove large flakes.  The main purpose of direct percussion is to thin the stone to the desired thickness.  The next step is generally pressure flaking.  This is achieved by placing a pointed tool, such as an antler tip or copper-tipped pressure flaker, on the edge of the stone, and applying an inward pressure to the tool.  Pressure will result in removing a small, thin flake from the stone.   Pressure flaking, shapes and refines the piece.  Part of the art is knowing where and how to apply this pressure to a particular piece of a stone.  The final finishing of the implement can include techniques such as notching, stemming, fluting, etc.

Obsidian Point Pendant	Dark Smoke Obsidian Approx 2 1/8 inches long	Dark Smoke Obsidian Turkey Tail Point.  Approx 5 1/4 inches	Obsidian Blade w/Italian Carrara Handle  Approx 8 inches long

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