flint ??

[primitive man]

hi guys im looking for some flint that would be enough for a decent sized knapped knife. i no it is pricey to post as it is heavy but im willing to pay or trade as i need it to do a tutorial. many thanks alex

 

[Gimley]

Can't help at the moment, I haven't got any left, but the next time I'm up in Kent ( and get chance), I'll pick some up. E mail me so I've got that to remind me.
I know where to get Obsidian, if you want some of that.

 

[primitive man]

obsidian would be great mate thanks

alex

 

[Gimley]

Try John or Alex at www.greenlandandgame.co.uk
Just looked at their site, I think they're re-doing it, but it's got contact details.
Tell them you got it from me ( Steve---Cornish Wood Works)?.

 

[primitive man]

that site link didnt work

 

[Gimley]

Whoops, my mistake, sorry. It's www.greenlandgame.co.uk
I put an extra 'and'in there.

 

[g4ghb]

I have a couple of largish bits in the garden somewhere - not sure what size a 'decent sized knapped knife' is but i'll dig them out and measure them for you tomorrow (if I get home before it is dark )

 

[primitive man]

thanks guys

 

[C_Claycomb]

This seems to be a regular problem for you

Since you don't live in an area with flint, what other materials have you tried knapping from the moddern world? While flint is nice, you can learn quite a bit using glass. TV tubes are good thick material, beer bottle bottoms are good, thick plate glass is a bit harder to find and it feels better to get such material from recycling rather than buying anyway. I saw a photo in one book of a point made of toilet bowl ceramic!

I have also read that it is possible to heat treat otherwise unsuitable stones to improve their knapping qualities. Have you been able to give this a try?

http://orerockon.com/Heat_treating.htm
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/BruceMensinger/hinttips.htm

I would imagine that these folks would have information on it, probably its been posted already.
http://paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/forums/10/t/Flintknapping-General-Discussion.html

I am sure that the folk here don't mind getting hit on repeatedly for materials to help you out, but since inventiveness and adapting to local conditions are key to bushcraft, it seems like finding a local material would be a worthwhile exercise in its own right.

 

[primitive man]

i do use as much glass (which is the only material around me) but i find that it just cant compete with flint and obsidian on looks and knappability.and g4ghb just send us a pm when you have some pics or put them here.

thanks mate
alex

 

[Gimley]

Alex, I travel up to Northampton area a couple of times a year in the summer. If I get some could you pick up from me there? If so I'll see what I can do, may be able to get a reasonable amount.

 

[primitive man]

might be able to depending on time mate , thanks for the offer


alex

 

[g4ghb]

Sorry - I haven't been at home in the light yet! - I'm pretty sure I know where it is and I haven't forgotten!

 

[g4ghb]

found it! - is this any good to you? - the tiles are a foot square - It was given to me by a friend but I have no idea where to start in napping so its been 'matureing' outside for a while

 

[abushcrafter]

Come to the Chilterns there's loads here!

 

[primitive man]

g4ghb that flint looks about the right size but looks a little frosty but would be worth a try thanks mate.

alex

 

[g4ghb]

was that due to my storage or mother nature?

 

[primitive man]

mother nature as when you leave it outside in the cold it can develop frost fractures due to the cold, but should be able to make some usable points from it.

many thanks alex