How do you nap flint I really want to know how to work flint but I don't know how to

I have tried to bash one piece against the other but it always ends up splitting and a just cant find on the web how to do it.

Please help me
:2(

6 answers
sort by: active | newest | oldest
Feb 14, 2011. 7:08 AMaeray says:
Flintknapping is an art and a science, with tens of thousands of years of human experience behind it. "The Art of Flintknapping" by D. C. Waldorf is a great place to start, but finding a lesson in your area would speed up the learning curve and give you ready access to suitable materials. Expect to spend a lot of time practicing (and being frustrated) and keep a box of band-aids nearby.
Feb 14, 2011. 2:37 PMaeray says:
As a side note: You don't have to use flint. Depending on where you are at, obsidian, chert, fine-grained basalt, and other materials might be more available. Ishi often used thick glass. Porcelain toilet lids ("Johnstone") also work well if you're stuck in an urban environment.
Feb 14, 2011. 5:14 AMorksecurity says:
If you're websearching (which should find detailed instructions), it may help to know that the word is normally spelled "knap".

Beyond that: Having the right flint, practice and patience help a lot.
Feb 14, 2011. 12:25 AMrickharris says:
Feb 14, 2011. 12:18 AMsteveastrouk says:
You strike away from an edge, not into it, with glancing blows.

Pro

Get More Out of Instructables

Already have an Account?

close

PDF Downloads
As a Pro member, you will gain access to download any Instructable in the PDF format. You also have the ability to customize your PDF download.

Upgrade to Pro today!