Knapping a Neolithic Flint Axehead for

James explores one of his favourite tools to knap: the Neolithic axe head in this episode of #KnapTime. As well as how to produce a good quality axe using impure material, James will look at managing surface topography to allow flakes to travel across the flint surface without causing hinge or step fractures. The more ridges and concavities he can remove the better the axe head, and quicker the grinding/polishing time once its fully flaked!
Filmed Edited & Produced by Emma Jones of ELWJ Media - www.elwjmedia.co.uk
A special thanks to the Lithics Society and the Wymer Bursary.
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[@alinanikolenko2360]

I'm very glad you continue the flint knapping series! Pity I couldn't ask you in that because it is late night for me (+6 hours to your) so I write here. You mentioned before that paleolithic handaxes were used not for lumber works but for butchering. Could you please make a series with usage of handaxe? Especially with more "raw" hand axe in work. I mean, modern replicas mostly more refined and edge is pretty aligned in comparison to archaeological examples. Does it really make difference or not? I tried to find such video on TH-cam but so far I found only bison butchering with stone knife on Hunt Primitive channel. It is interesting too but not that much difference with work of steel knife; handaxe is different tool so I'm really curious to see hog/pig butchering with it or even simple chicken to get an idea of how it really works.

[@FischerNilsA]

Sounds like a plan.
Disassembling a carcass,
producing straight spear or atlatl shafts,
produce articles of clothing or a dugout boat.
But then Dr. Dilley is a knapper.

[@peterschmidt6360]

Incredible how the stone splits exactly how you want it to split. But great explanation, so I will try it again for myself :)

[@hashassassin830]

You're back! Heck yeah

[@HunterJE]

Certainly tricky to work but imagine that inclusion-rich flint will result in a gorgeous finished object after grinding

[@davidhuth5659]

WOW! Amazing work!!

[@dooleyfussle8634]

Enjoy your work. I'm trying to remember the differences in your approach with the paleolithic handaxes. I'll go back and take a look at those videos. Also, I assume those punches turn up in neolithic tool kits...

[@LSOP-]

Hype

[@graceholland4823]

𝐩яⓞ𝓂𝓞Ş𝐦

[@mr.stickstone7445]

Great video Mr. Dilley! I am an aspiring knapper in Alabama in the states and every video you post helps me further my neolithic studies!

[@tonywatson987]

Super video James, very interesting to see the thought process involved as you knap the flint; I could follow very well and after a few minutes predict exactly where your next strike would be and the effect it would have, most enjoyable!
Can I suggest a video on how the blades were mounted in the hafts? I know from experience that it's not a simple hole with the blade jammed in; care must be taken not to add pressure across the width, or the wood will split, but how to successfully achieve this and provide a secure grip on the blade?
I think many others would appreciate your insight...

[@nikolaimeriadoc696]

I watched this while doing some work of my own: knitting a hat with yarn I just combed and spun. Very different disciplines but nevertheless I was struck by how thoroughly you must understand knapping to be able to make those kinds of near instant assessments of the flint ! With spinning you don't really need to think about what you're doing--it's all in the hands and the wool. But knapping, this other prehistoric human activity, seems to require such precision and planning. Always fascinating to see how prehistoric trades compare. Thank you for the great video !

[@PenDragonsPig]

We used to find flint shards in a Cornish field where it was known there was a village at one time. Where did that flint come from? I also found, somewhere else, the front half or a green stone axe- who would have used it. I’m guessing it could have broken in a fight.

[@folke_hagall2946]

This is brilliant!

[@rlamacraft]

How long would a flint axe last for? Can the edge be honed over and over, or was it a near continuous process of making new ones?

[@tylerfry3930]

I was wondering the same thing.

[@micahmann6967]

I'd love to work a knarly nodule like that lol. I wish I had chunks to work that were a quarter that size 😂

[@OneInterestedPerson]

Well shot, great explanations on the nature of the material and well shaped!

[@chrissie1057]

thank you. very interesting info.

[@rowanbcapr]

So glad you're back!

[@Luke_explores]

Brilliant video

[@Bravo21]

Fascinating Dr. _ Thank you for the demonstration. It is Amazing to think how long it took our ancestors to learn these techniques and acquire the skills needed to manufacture these weapons and tools.