More
refinement. Doc's carefully programmed flake removals are starting
to show up regularly spaced and matching with flakes from the opposite
side. Knappers would refer to these as well spaced flake scars. Nicely
patterned flake scars produce prettier blades, and are often considered
a demonstration of the knapper's prowess.
Edge
on. Only a few places to fiddle with and we'll be done.
Here's
the "debitage" (waste stone) pile left after finishing the
blade. Many of these flakes are useable as cutting tools simply by abrading
the side held next to the hand (for safety), or to be made into smaller
knives, arrow points, drills, scrapers or other tools. This is also
the amount of material a Native American trader would not have had to
carry when he (or she) took out only biface stage material.
The
finished 7 inch blade. Note the evenly spaced flake scars, matching
with other scars from the opposite side, and smooth edges. A beautifully
knapped knife blade, or with several knotches at the wide end, hafted
onto a spear. All told, several hours of intense concentration, and
lots of years of practice in the school of hard knocks, cuts, scrapes
and jabs.All
contents copyrighted © 2002 | Tom Sterling
Tom Sterling PO Box 1621 Coupeville WA 98239
Last Updated:Monday March 24, 2008
All
contents copyrighted © 2002 | Tom Sterling
Tom Sterling PO Box 1621 Coupeville WA 98239
Last Updated:Monday March 24, 2008