Discusses hammerstone platforms and shows how they differ from antler billet type platforms. Demonstrates how to set up platforms for early biface thinning using hammerstones. Thjis is part 1 of a 3 part series.
I have many old hammerstones. They are faceted and have the grind wear you describe. I have some that are worked down to a point and think they were used for making axes and other groundstone tools. By far one of my favorite finds in the field. Most arrowhead hunters walk right past them.
@MrROCKRobster I think the picture jasper will take the full 450 degrees and might need a bit more but should show some improvement. I've only worked a small amount of it and it was a bit grainy, but beautiful stuff and it worked well enough. Hope the hammerstones work for ya, I need to make another trip to the beach to find some more, good ones can be hard to find. Be sure to collect small ones as they work well on really small bifaces and are a good way to get the feel of how to use them..jim
So when you are working a rock, do you have an idea of what the top and bottom, and sides are before you work it, or do you figure that out as you go??? Thanks great information
i got a bunch of small picture jasper i wont to heat it up. I have a turkey roaster that goes to 450 what should i heat it to? and how long? i went out this past weekend to one of my locale creek beds in 5 degree weather to find the best hammer stones, scene the wife wont let me knapp for the winter no place to do it, but i can be ready for spring ........ thanks rob
@paleomanjim i got some ranging form the size of a quarter to a softball size hammer stones. i got the jasper form Ebay form dough boy is the seller not a bad price. ........Rob
Flint does require a tougher hammerstone than obsidian. I prefer sandstone because of the grip, but you need a bit harder sandstone that wont fall apart in use. Mostly a matter of trial and error
+Ethan Gill Cuts are normal with knapping but with the proper technique they are usually very minor. I have never had a sever cut or one that required stitches. Severe deep cuts are usually the result of poor technique. Obsidian and glass will cut more readily than cherts....
