The fourth annual Cajun Knap-In was held April 16 through the 19th at Cotile Lake Recreation Area, near Alexandria, Louisiana. The site is really wonderful, with full shower and bathroom facilities for those who chose to camp out. There were about 25 knappers of all skill levels present, demonstrating techniques, trading items, and generally having a good time. Steve Behrnes put on quite a show with his awesome lithic reduction technique. He is surely one of the best and is very willing to help out the novice knapper.

Mike Kelly

Mike Kelly gave us a demonstration of his pressure flaking as well as some of the neat little tools and tricks that he has picked up over the years. Don Cormier from Canada impressed everyone with his firemaking kit. He was able to light a fire consistently in under a minute. A fairly large number of people came from the surrounding to watch the knappers, and buy some of the excellent points that were on display. The rain on Saturday tended to slow things down a bit until the big Crawfish boil got under way. Then things picked right up. A good time was had by all and we are already looking forward to next year's event.

Report & Photos © Tim Mayeux1998
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