Palm sized deer antler tine pressure flaker tool
featuring a ready-to-go tapered tip and a rounded base to fit
comfortably in the hand. Perfect for traditional notching, edge retouch,
and other general pressure flaking of points and blades. Sold
Individually.
These finished and
ready-to-use traditional (aka Abo) flakers are made from the
tines of mule deer antler sheds. Sizes range from approx 5.5 - 8" in
length. Tine color, shape, and size will vary. Sold
individually.
Antler is softer than modern knapping billet materials like
copper, aluminum, and steel. This allows the antler tine point to 'seat' on
a stone edge platform and disperse the pressure of flaking without crushing the
edge, thus giving antler it's forgiving nature. Though not as easy to
learn with as copper flakers, antler and bone flakers coupled
with well placed platforms can produce some nice flaking and is
actually very efficient when mastered.
Antler flaker points can dull and require re sharpening constantly if
used on overly thick or ground platforms and edges. The point can be resurfaced many times by hand with a piece of
sandstone, a rasp, or sander to extend the life of the
flaker.
________________________________________________
Traditional tools are also known
by flint knappers as 'abo' tools (derived from the
word aboriginal). These terms refer to tools that are made of natural
materials and are similar in function to the implements used
by our stone tool making predecessors throughout the course of human
technological development. Examples of other abo tools include
hammerstones of various densities and shapes, antler tine flakers, rib bone
flakers, lashed flakers, wood billets, sandstone edge modifiers, and
billets created from the base or 'crown' section of antler.
Flint knapping with traditional tools is immensely rewarding,
though challenging to use and not the easiest to learn with. There remains
something to be said for recreating the process that is largely accepted as one
of the most important technological advances in human history with nothing more
than items found on the forest floor.
Thick and durable traditional leather leg pad helps
prevent damage to your clothes and leg during
percussion knapping and provides support when pressure flaking. Sold
individually.
Professional grade pressure flaker with durable
plastic handle featuring two set screws locking in a hardened copper
nail. Allen key included for quick adjustments and nail replacement.
Graded for beginners and our own kit material, these small
spalls and flakes range from 2-4 inches in length. Mix may include:
heated keokuk chert, Georgetown flint, heat
treated novaculite, obsidian, and/or dacite. Sold by the pound
(3-5 pieces per lb).
