I watched this video 6 or 7 years ago and I just wanted to say that this video was the thing that got me into primitive archery and bushcraft in general. I just wanted to say thank you because since then I make flint points, bows, and arrows all the time. It has really became a part of my life. And I don’t think I would have ever started it if I hadn’t watched this. You inspired me a lot and I thank you so much.

@primitivepathways

11 ай бұрын

Thanks so much, so glad to hear my videos inspired you.

I am of Native American ancestry and have spent 3+ decades investigating knapping flint arrowheads. This is the first tutorial I have encountered to get down to the "brass tacks of things". Thank you !

@chrispoteet1

7 жыл бұрын

You Ned to check out ( bohunter) he has several series there the most informative out there.

@psykopanda11

5 жыл бұрын

Do you have one of those descriptive names?

@primitivepathways

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! Really glad you enjoyed the video.

Very well explained. For 33 yrs. I too have used only traditional organic flintknapping tools. This is the only path to true knowledge. Thank you for sharing your insight.

I'm a recent artifact hunter and the points I find amaze me just with the craftsmanship alone. Your videos are great at showing and giving an idea of how these things were really made. Educational and awesome, thank you!

Excellent video, Billy. You should video all of your knapping. Very enjoyable to watch.

@primitivepathways

9 жыл бұрын

ANXIETOR thanks so much!

@Josie6969.

7 жыл бұрын

ANXIETOR kidnapping

@tamhrablair6636

6 жыл бұрын

ANXIETOR

"The old guys"

Thank you so much for this wonderful antler flaking video, Billy. I learned a lot!!

Enjoying your videos a lot. I'm in N the Georgia mountains and working on improving my primitive skills. I'm fairly proficient at fire starting, stalking, building small snares and deadfalls, etc, but really have not spent much time with knapping and paleo-tool making. Please keep sharing your knowledge and experience. Very much appreciated.

Yesterday after finding you, wanted that exact help on traditional tools. Thank you. So much appreciated. Getting hooked. ❤

Yes, thank you for sharing your knowledge of the use of organic materials that were traditionally used in early Lithic Industries. I won't have anything to do with copper tools in the 30 years that I have been Knapping. Great video! I also really enjoyed your video on knapping quartz. Thank you.

Nice, that you did not edit out the shear is a testament to professionalism, it shows no matter how good you are, something can always go wrong.....then to continue to work with what you had - awesome thanks

That "ugly" point probably represents most points of pretty much any time period. I don't think humans back then cared much for looks as far as a hunting point goes. Many articfacts I've seen people find don't represent those wonderful illustrations and casts some knappers try to recreate, so don't fret over it because it works.

@primitivepathways

9 жыл бұрын

NecroBanana You're absolutely right. Even my crude points are much more refined than a lot of the ancient ones I've found. I've shot and killed animals with some VERY ugly points and they definitely work. Beauty wasn't a requirement for them to be effective, and ancient people knew that. I believe a sharp edge is much more important, as well as a well-crafted arrow. A perfectly flying arrow with a crude but sharp point will kill much faster than a perfect arrowhead attached to an arrow that doesn't fly well....

@Hopewellmj

9 жыл бұрын

primitivepathways I have hope then….cuz I can't make a pretty one yet! You make it look so easy that I would like to poke you in the eye sometimes, JK! I have been at it 3 months now and am way better than before but I struggle with pushing flakes and creating sharp edges. Love your videos and appreciate your help. I will refer your to my humble sight when I not embarrassed to show you my work…thanks again!

@jakemaddox76

6 жыл бұрын

If you look at some of the paleo points, in particular Clovis points, they are very beautiful and masterfully created. And yet they were much more "back then" than many of the common points found today. Not in total disagrement with you, but I have some theories as to why this may be the case. Of course you have varying degrees of artists, as well as some taking more pride in workmanship than others. The same is true today as it was in antiquity. This is where it becomes purely speculatory, but I think that it may reflect the abundance of fauna and bountifullness of the time. One has more time to be concerned with detail and aesthetic value in times of plenty than those who have to focus more on sheer survival. This is what happened in Europe during the Renaissance Peroid, as individuals could focues more on perfecting their skills and mastery at craftsmanship and less worried about finding the next meal. This becomes apparent when you look at all the fauna the Clovis people had at their disposal from mammoths, mastodons, North American camel, giant ground sloth, horses, deer, muskox, buffalo, elk, etc. This is a big reason why the Clovis culture was so successful. (And no I don't think they hunted them to extinction). After the Younger Dryas peroid, the megafauna were gone and we don't see the return of a culture (Folsom) for a few thousand years. Another possibility is that the Clovis people may have been descendants of the originators of the technology, yes I'm talking about the Solutreans. Those that came after may have "imitated but never duplicated" their craftsmanship. Not saying that there are some beautiful points that came after Clovis, but as you say they are definitely more rare. Many scholars and paleontologists also think that there was kind of a mystique around the points (Clovis), almost a religion to their culture, which I also believe. It gave them life. This would place more emphasis on the craftsmanship and detail of the point as it held special significance to the individual making it. But in all, I do think that many ancient people did value the raw beauty of a finely crafted point, just as we do today. Whereas others were simply looking to get meat on the firepit as quickly as possible. :-)

@springbloom5940

5 жыл бұрын

@@jakemaddox76 Its likely that 'beautiful' artifacts only exist today, because the were 'beautiful'(well made). That is, only the finest examples survived. Furthermore, the larger points, like the Clovis spearheads, are easier to make in detail, because the flakes are amall in relation to the piece. I sincerely doubt anyone put very much effort into hunting points that were likely to be lost or broken, with their first use. Most functional arrow points were of bone, or even wood, because they were 'cheap' and required little effort. I have a couple antler points collected from around New Braunfels, Texas.

@roverman985

4 жыл бұрын

I totally agree. They wasnt making points for some kind of show. They made them for survival and that's it. As you said also, the prey isnt going to know and they wont have a chance to reject it. Keep up the good work.

Great! I have antlers but was never sure if I had to do something special to use them. The info you shared is much appreciated.

i love your glass flint knapping video. The blue glass arrow point is amazing. It has awoken a desire to learn the craft. Thanks for the videos and keep them coming! :)

Thank you so much Billy for all this info I'm just starting out and I just made my own tools with help from ur video and all I can really say is thank you. You have been such an inspiration for me and getting into this wonderful talent that can take years to master. Thank you

@primitivepathways

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'm currently uploading an intensive video showing how to make your arrowheads thin.

I watch your videos multiple times. Thank you.

I've learned more from your videos than all the rest combined you are an awesome teacher thanks man

Excellent work, even more so due to the unfortunate break, but you managed to salvage that very nicely in my opinion. I am hoping to pursue this and bang out some of these. Thanks for the inspiration and well made video.

My Grandfather was a farmer in IL and he had a nice arrowhead collection. He would see arrowheads in the dirt from his tractor. The collection was later stolen but maybe I can create a new collection myself.

Thank you. I appreciate the “reality”, not everything works out perfectly every time. I’m on the early side of learning and hadn’t understood the edge set-up ideas that you demonstrated. Useful video.

man your music and the way you work drew me in keep it up...

So glad I found your channel. Your amazing at Flint napping. I always wanted to try it. Now I'm going to give a shot. Now we're do I look or get good Flint. I live in North Texas. Great channel. Ronnie. Texas.

@primitivepathways

4 жыл бұрын

Around Central Texas like Junction, San Antonio, and Georgetown there are lots of flint deposits. I don't know how extensive they are because I'm not that familiar with the state, but that's where I've found flint when I was there.

Awesome, thanks so much for making this. Have 2 antlers perfect for using, getting a horseshoe nail from a friend...soon I'll be set up thanks to you!

Very nice functional arrow point and demonstration Billy.

It is amazing and a job well done, I appreciate what you did and think it is amazing man! I have been collect some flakes that are on a farm that I just started finding artifacts. I am going to try and learn!

I really enjoy your videos and i once was chipping a point and a very long flake drove threw the leather and into my hand my favorite material to work is obsidian its gorgeous and also a bit of an easier material as well, i also use only stone and antler tools thankyou for the videos keep knapping :)

Excellent Billy! Thanks for the great video!!

I had an anthropology teacher back in college that could flintknap masterfully. You make it look easy, but I know that you must have put a lot of perseverance to get as good as you are showing.

@primitivepathways

9 жыл бұрын

Erl Tyriss yes it does take a lot of practice, but once you learn the feel of what to do it's not really that hard. Getting there, however takes work!

I am always looking to learn new primitive skills Thanks for the tips

Nice job man love watching you make cool things inspires me to do the same

Very clear demonstration and explanation. Thanks.

You're really good at that :) Nice video.

wow.. I think it´s beautiful work!!

Hey man awesome video. That "ugly" point was still pretty incredible to me, keep it up

Man your skills are amazing thank you for sharing this knowledge

I just found your stuff and learned something. The bigger the platform the more and deeper flake that will be removed. Thanks.

Good tutorial,Billy .

nice video. keep it up. I'm up to Flint knapping. thanks helping me. you helped me with my education. thank you extremely much Billy :)

I'm late to your video , but new to knapping. I found your video very helpful

Hey it’s been years but I learned a lot from this video. Thanks! 🙏

@primitivepathways

3 ай бұрын

I'm really glad it helped! I'm working on releasing more videos soon...

Good work. When I use the blades for close in cutting without the frame I use the pull stroke.

i just LOVE watching you filnt Billy... it's so calming and satisfying. keep up the great work, always looking forward to new videos!

Thanks for the knowledge!

Well that makes me feel better that a pro can mess up! I am glad you are using primitive tools. Lots of other videos the guys have all these fancy rigs it’s like a knife factory for stone. If I have to get all those tools, I’ll just use my Dremel! Lol

Thanks so much for the video !! I learned a lot

This is fascinating to watch! Will you ever do a video on larger blades?

Very Nice Job !!

Some days I end up in the most interesting places on KZread

Thank you very much for this video and thanks for the shout out haha!!

@primitivepathways

9 жыл бұрын

Bobby Adams You're very welcome, and thanks for the video request!

I love the sound of pressure flaking

You are the man brother.

Great video, I'm just getting into this!

@primitivepathways

8 жыл бұрын

+WELSBY ROOTS It's addicting!!

Good video thanks.

This seems very relaxing...

Wow Billy's your very talented I love your videos

i think it would be a good idea to do a vid on the importance of abrading and platform prep as i (and i'm sure a lot of others) can't find any good vids on why and how to do it. anyway just a suggestion great vid keep it up!!

I´m not very good at flintknapping, so tomorrow i´m gonna try kidnapping.

@primitivepathways

4 жыл бұрын

Let me know how it goes!!!

@chappelloutdoors8817

4 жыл бұрын

Primitive Pathways 😂💀

@Jacksonvolvanic-zl7sx

11 ай бұрын

NFL me too

@davearonow65

7 ай бұрын

I think you should try dirtknapping.

If you are having a hard time finding antler check out big pet stores, they are used as chew toys. You can find some bigger ones to use as mallets and small tines for flaking.

Soo cool I've got to learn more

good job bub !!!!!

Awesome episode wowzer. 🙃☕🐾💖

Show us how to add backing to a bow! Also what do you use? Fiberglass, sinew? Thanks! Love the show!

Very cool

Like your videos Man very informative. Was just up in Georgia this last week my dad lives up in eatonton. Was wondering if you ever use Florida chert?

Nice video.

@cameronhunt5967

9 жыл бұрын

I think for the penitration tests they should use ballistics jel, it is designed for testing the power of guns and can be easly set into a mold of any depth. It is supposed to simulate the consistency of flesh.

Thanks for another great video, Billy.

can u do a vid on how to find shed antlers or antlers in general?

Have you ever tried making like a broad head arrowhead out of a chunk of flint. If so that would be flipping awesome!

Also, when I teach my students or do a demonstration I explain that copper may have been used after six thousand years ago when the knowledge of smelting was probably known. The Archeological record indicates that copper was highly prized & mainly used for ornimants. I dought copper in large billet sizes were used. To my knowledge none have ever been found. One of earliest copper pressure flakers were found in a cave in NY State. It's date is a few thousand BP. However, I do believe the Hopewell culture did pressure flake using copper around this same time period.

Allen=i like the replaceable horse shoe nail flaker. Good idea!

U can also Flintknaping all type of stone because i tried also but not make any arro head

personally i really like big dense hammer stones. about the size of a big potato.i have a old one i found that had been used ;) , anyhow its the best hammer stone i ever used.ive found i use the same tools you use. having a variety is the difference from making a point or not sometimes.

Interesting thank you.

@primitivepathways

2 жыл бұрын

Very welcome

Hello, I really like your movies, and I try to learn as much as I can and then try to put into practice what I've learned. Just a question in relation to the horn tools. Since it would be impossible for me to find horns so conforming, is it possible to use horns to other animals? For example suede? Thank you in advance for your time.

When i was taught flint napping it didn't include these kind of tools just using different size rocks and i can see the difference in quality.

I tried some flintknapping with Quartz. Which is the same as flint with a mineral hardness of 7.. But when trying to do fine tasks the tips always broke off.. Tips?

Just Kool, thanks.

Awesome video Billy!! I'm just getting into flint napping myself. I'm just wondering. You said a few times to set up your edge properly. How exactly do you do that? I don't think it was described in the video. I did see you using the one stone to rub across the edge. Do you dull the edge to set it up? Also how do you know when to flip the flint over and work the other side? Again awesome video and big fan of your videos. -Thanks

@primitivepathways

9 жыл бұрын

NorthernSelfReliance Watch my video on making blue glass arrowheads...I show good close-ups of how to set up your edges: kzread.info/dash/bejne/hJqpuMWlm9CqgMY.html

Can you flintknap a piece of tile? I've seen a video on it but he used very modern equipment and id love to see you make an arrowhead out of tile lol.

nice work thanks and by the way what part of ga we live in same state

Thanks for the video. I've tried some knapping in the past, but never really attempt a whole point. I want to change that. Have you done a video on using glass from bottles? And how to remove the bottom of the bottle?

@robadams234

9 жыл бұрын

Watch the video about the blue glass arrowheads. That's the best way I would think to remove the bottoms.

@BlackOwlOutdoors

9 жыл бұрын

Bo Cannon​ Bobby Adams​ Thanks for the info fellas

Your so lucky to be able to have the opportunity to find antlers and flint nearby: I have to buy the stuff online, and it's damn expensive. I can't wait till' I move to America, where I can get better opportunities with bush craft.

@XplodinJones

9 жыл бұрын

RegaRayRocks I posted this as a standalone comment but I thought you might want a notification... I actually managed to find some nice sized antler in my local Ralphs grocery store. It was in the dog toys area and cost me $2 each. They're about 3-5 inches each

@regstar212

9 жыл бұрын

xjones Lucky find. Flint is still a problem, though.

@XplodinJones

9 жыл бұрын

Same for me, stay with beer bottle bottoms. PrimitivePathways has some tutorials on how to knap them. The blue glass ones are exquisite

@regstar212

9 жыл бұрын

xjones Yeah, I have seen some of their videos, and they look pretty awesome.

I find a lot of arrowheads and tons of flint chippings etc. I have always been interested in making them, and like you I want to make them "authentically" . Where could I buy those modern tools? Your's seems to be the most informative beginners vid I have watched. As I said, never have tried it before, so everything will be from step 1.

@FremontLeland

5 жыл бұрын

zenarrrow where do you find arrowheads

As flint is not available in my area I want to start knapping glass this year. I always find beer bottles in the forest, so material is plenty. But what do I do with the waste in the forest. I mean the razor sharp glass flakes?

Will you make a video on making a bow string

very cool Billy, I need to find a source of flint for myself, were you able to make anything out of that Jasper or Agate?

@primitivepathways

9 жыл бұрын

Antonio grizzly Antonio No I haven't had a chance to work that stone you sent me. Been too busy with work! But I will get on it as soon as I can get some free time! Thanks again for that stone...it's beautiful!

Do you know what the pimas used as knapping stone I can't find anything online. And if I could make a bow out of palo verde and mesquite?

when i use glass, is it best when it's hardened (glass from old greenhouse) or new glass.

What is the "traditional" or "prehistoric" way of removing the tines from the main beams? Did they burn through it?

Hey billy I know that this is probably a stupid question, but where can I get flint or obsidian. I am only 14 and am trying to get into flint knapping but cant bcz I don't have any kind of flaking rocks. I have though tried glass but just failed miserably and I think that if I get something else, it might be easier for me to learn and become a master flintknapper. I really cant drive to some place and get some so I thought I might ask you. Thx

Nice

How did you train for the survival shows?

primitivepathways thanks man!

Wish I could do that

Do you think that y'all could do a video with an older Welsh longbow, I would love to be able to come out and let you use mine, but it's got about sixty years on it and the wood is finally starting to go. I have had conversations with people before about it and they never believe me about its power capabilities. I'm sure this question is a little out of place.

Have you ever made Folsom points? Do you have video?

great video! also the sound of your hammer stone striking your material,kinda sounds like a squirrel on high alert. many a squirrel has ruined another perfectly good deer hunt lol.

15:20 is an 'overshot' flake, taking off the opposing edge...fundamental to many paleo techniques.

@primitivepathways

9 жыл бұрын

touchnova Yup! I'd rather be trying to do it than to have it happen unexpectedly however....

@touchnova

9 жыл бұрын

primitivepathways That was for the non-experts. :)

Billy you should teach how to make a antler/bone arrowhead :)