I've been knapping for several years under the instruction of master knapper, Claude Van Order, who uses antler and stone billets for percussion, copper and antler for pressure flakers. My first large knap-in was the First Cajun in Louisiana. There I found all kinds of gadgets Claude never told me about, like rubber hand pads, Ishi sticks, nylon handled copper pressure flakers and copper billets, or as Claude calls them, "copper-boppers!" Another thing I found there was slabs. I came home entirely corrupted, much to the dismay of my purist teacher, and ready to flake using all my new-found gadgets. One trouble I found though, was pushing long pressure flakes further than 3/4" to 1" across the slab. I could do small points. but not large blades. Then I met Jim Stokes of Groveland, Florida. He showed me a tool for working slabs; he invented it out of necessity because arthritis prevents him from percussion work. I demonstrated this tool in Texas at Maxdale in March. It was a big hit amongst the Texans, and it was my turn to introduce a new gadget! Jim and I attended the Third Cajun where Jim sold and demonstrated his slab working tool.

This innovative tool really helped me and with Jim's permission, I want to let others know about it. The tool measures about the width of your palm, about 3.5". It is 1.5" deep and 3/4" thick. An antler or solid graphite rod is centered between two copper pressure tips spaced 3/4" to either side. The graphite or antler is 7/8" to 1" long and copper tips are 1/2" long. With this tool you can push flakes up to 2" long. The slab is held in a leather pad horizontally with the tool held firmly against the slab. The graphite rod is placed on top of the slab and one copper tip is placed on the platform. I find a square edge is best. With your hands supported between your legs using your arms and legs, apply pressure, then tilt the copper tip up and remove a flake off the top of the slab. Repeat...The other copper tip is used when the graphite tip runs off the slab and you need to use it.

See me or Jim Stokes at the Florida Knap-in at Lenochee State Forest, Feb. 21-23rd, or the North Georgia Knap-in April 4-6th, 1997 for a demonstration!

Mark Condron [email protected]
9414 Manati St.
Spring Hill, Fl 34608.