Knappers

[Boswell]

Where do you get your flint/obsidian? I have seen alot of people on here recommend neolithics. But my queston is what you buy flakes, spalls, raw rock, preforms or slabs? Im thinking of ordering a little of each and then seeing which I like best. But I was hopeing you guys might have some advise?
Thanks Guys
Boswell

[ishiwannabe]

I just go for a walk and pick it up....havent learned to knap yet though. My area is loaded with chert, to the point that the Native Americans around here traded it for just about everything.

[rockcracker]

Neolithics is a great source.Craig is a great guy and will help you in desiding what you acually need to help you learn.I started with and still use alot of glass.Old TVs and computers are a great source.Also try to get to a knapin,youll see more rock than any other place.
goog luck.

[Linc]

I get mostly flakes from Craig.I have gotten slabs from him but I prefer flakes.

Jamie, What chert do you have near you? Eusopus,snakehill,normanskill,onondaga or oriskany?

[1gutpile]

Clint, when busting TV screens and computer screens make sure you don't breath the dust..very harmful...I usually put on a mask or bandana when working screens...gut

[Notso]

I have been using slabs purchased from local rock shops in WI. I will be trying some of neolithic's
preforms in the future, though. Looks like a great way to end up with a great point.

[southernarcher]

I would recommend not buying raw rock,or nodules,cobbles.I would suggest buying either preforms or spalls.For a beginner big hunks of rock,or nodules,will reveal alot of gravel,due to a lack of spalling skills.I went and got about 500# of rock when I started and man did I ruin some good rock.I would buy spalls or preforms.Good Luck!
There are alot of different places to get rock,knap-ins are good if there are any close enough for you to attend.If not there are places like neolithics,red rock lithics,etc.Also,try the classifieds on paleoplanet.

[Seven]

I've purchased a lot of spalls form Craig at Neolithics.  I LOVE his heat treated Texas flint and  his heat treated English.  Great prices on materials and tools and he is a fantastic guy to do business with.  Don't forget that glass is knappable.  Bottle bottoms are what taught me how to do it.  
-Chad

[ishiwannabe]

Linc, I have no clue....all I know is that it is A. very abundant, and B. there was a vast trade network back in the day. You can literally walk around in the woods, or on the shoulder of roads and pick the stuff up. When the farmers disc their fields, people walk those looking for arrowheads. Numerous village sights from the Mohicans....usually in the flats. From what I learned in Native American Studies....it was the main reason for the Mohicans being as "wealthy" as they were when Europeans first arrived. I could send samples...    
Now to my question....any particular book or video that you guys recommend??

[southernarcher]

I would like some samples,or directions to the places to pick it up.

[Linc]

Jamie, You have mail.  

[ishiwannabe]

Back at ya Linc.

[oneshot1]

Jamie what you are finding is called...Coxsackie Chert, was used by the Abos and traded all over the North-east, it's my favorite arrowhead material next to the Pa jasper, and I find alot of relics here in Montgomery, Ny, 65 miles south of you made of Coxsackie..(Ps: the "Mohicans" are a white mans name for a group of people that were living in that area at that time(500 years ago)...Around Coxsackie,NY they have found Abo sites that date to 12,000 before present)

[oneshot1]

Oh and on the wide spread trade by the Abos... they have found Blades made of Knife River Flint from YellowStone, WY. in Dutchess County, NY. Good material was traded across the entire country. Take care.

[ishiwannabe]

Thanks oneshot, I didnt know what name to call it. I have never heard of the Abo either...I will have to do some digging. Thanks for the info, it is much appreciated.

[Jason Lester]

I have preforms slabs (I guess you'd call them) I got of the big auction site. Thier obsidian. The pics below are a couple points I made today. Keep in mind I've only done a total of 4 including these 2. The preforms make it look like I know more than I realy do. I'm happy with how they turned out but I'd lik to find a source so I could rely learn.

[ibohuntwhitetails]

Those look awesome. I wish I culd do things like that. One day I may finally get the paitence t sit down and take time to do things such as that. Seems these days if I can't get it done right now or that day it just gets put off.

Tom

[oneshot1]

Jamie...just useing the "Abo" tag to call the people who where here first ie: American Indian. When folk's find out I collect arrowheads they always ask "What Tribe does it come from?"...since there are no written records, and the groups from coast to coast called themselves mostly " The People" ...Abo has replaced the word "tribes". Photo is of a 4 1/2" coxsackie Mansion Inn Blade(Coburn type),terminal Archaic 3000bp....

[ishiwannabe]

Good stuff.