When Flint Knapping How Do You Thin Flint?

Humans have used flint knapping to create tools since the beginning of the human race. You hit a piece of stone against a piece of flint, causing the flint to shatter and flake. Knapping is the process of removing pieces of flint by striking flint with another stone. You may be able to thin flint by knapping but you may need some practice to execute effectively. Hitting the flint too hard can shatter it completely.

Things You'll Need

• Smooth rounded stone
• Flint

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Hold a piece of flint with your fingers.

   • 2

     Strike the flint with a glancing blow, using a smooth, rounded stone. A piece of flint will break off. Be careful not to strike your hand or pinch it between the flint and the smooth, rounded stone.

   • 3

     Rotate the piece of flint while repeating step 2 until the piece of flint is as thin as you want it.