What Is Flint Knapping?
Flint knapping is the process by which stone tools are made. Knapping is done by hand, and this type of toolmaking has been around since prehistoric times.FlintFlint is a hard sedimentary stone found in numerous locations around the world. Although it is a hard stone, flint breaks off into sharp, pointed sections, making it ideal for tools.KnappingFlint knapping is done by first striking the flint with another type of stone or hard object, which is used like a hammer. This breaks the flint into pointed pieces, which can be further shaped into a hatchet or arrowhead.SharpeningTo sharpen one end of a piece of flint into an arrowhead, pressure is applied to the end of the flint so that flakes break off. Small flakes are broken off the flint so that it tapers to a very thin point at one end.UsesFlint knapping was used to make tools throughout much of human history. Today, it is only used by a small number of indigenous tribes in remote areas of the world for hunting purposes. Enthusiasts a
