prepping antler for flint knapping?

[mamabear]

I have some material that would be good for points, & I have lots of antler, but not sure how to prep it. are there any good sites explaining process (that doesn't involve video, I'm on dial up)

 

[dances for eels]

I'm not sure if you are wanting to make an antler hammer for percussion flaking or use the tines for pressure flaking or looking to make a notching tool but a site like this may be of help to you. Besides this page, you could spend a long time here searching all the info.


http://paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/topic/46193/much-help-needed-working-antler

 

[centfladigger]

what kind of antler are you using and is it green/fresh? if your wanting percussion you can use most cobbles or rocks or use a 2 inch copper cap
( unweighted) on a handle, unless your going abo.

here is a great site I have been on for a number of years

http://paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/directory

 

[Real de Tayopa Tropical Tramp]

HI LUV: You can also use a large soft iron nail. I know, I know .

Don Jose de Mancha

 

[mamabear]

thanks folks for the input. will check these sites out. I am having to stay in more than I like & am sick of knitting & cooking, so I thought since I have the material I might as well learn, I know nothin about it, so I'm just hoping to learn. I have both sheds & from hunting.
thanks again,

 

[greydigger]

I have some obsidian that I picked up in the wild.
Would that work OK for points?

Grey

 

[dances for eels]

There are many types of obsidian and a fantastic variety of colors and patterns, but, yes, it is an excellent choice for point making. Historically, obsidian from northern California/Oregon was a choice trade item and greatly prized.

 

[CaptainRobin]

To make a precussion hammer, cut the antler off at the first tine (or cut the tine off if the handle will be too short and cut beyond it), round the thicker end with an angle grinder or bench grinder, and start preforming your stone. To make a pressure flaker, use antler tines, and grind the tips to a three sided point, and start your pressure flaking work on your preforms. FYI, moose antler bases make the best precussion flakers. Deer tines make better pressure flakers. Elk antler is a bit too porous and not as strong.
Robin

 

[russau]

THANKS to ALL that posted info for us all to read and understand ! All of it has been very helpful for me to be able to make 1 point each for my wife and my best friend ! The weather has been real crumby lately for us all BUT I've got some work lined up making these points ! It may take me awhile to get something worthwhile , but I need to do this before it's to late for me to give it to them ! Life is short , don't waste it on trivial things !