Well, I found some obsidian and bought it. Got a pound in four interestingly shaped pieces, none of which had any obvious seam down which to split it into smaller and usable pieces. Can anyone give a bit of instruction on how to do this? I've knapped flint from larger pieces to usable flints many times... they ain't particularly pretty, but they have always worked as well as anything I've ever bought. From the earlier discussion of obsidian, I have the urge to see if it's possible for me to do with it. Thanks for any info.

I've got a book on knapping,but I've never tried anything serious....There's lots of tutorials online.....I think....If you continue the project,please give reports here,I'm interested,but never seem to get the time to play with it...

I appreciate your return on this and I'll check online for some tutorials... hopefully, one on obsidian. I can do flint. I did try the smallest of those I got and got lots of shards and mess. Looked like I dropped a black beer bottle

As I understand it, obsidian is essentially a natural glass. Different than flint. No expert advice from me except to advise, wear eye protection when chipping/knapping.

One thing I do remember from my reading is that glass/obsidian isn't as "tough" as flint,but still fractures in a concoidal manner....Dunno if that'll help,but there it is....

I remember studying conchoidal structure and fracturing in physical geology in college, but after seeing the online tutorials on sectioning and preparing a piece of obsidian for knapping, I
thought I'd be able to get a smaller slab to begin my efforts, but guess my talent lies with leather, so I think I'll pass on the obsidian idea and stick with what I know. It does put out a mighty spark, though...

Shoot you should've told me and I would have gathered a bunch up for you and sent it to you. Like I've said we've got it coming out our ears. I've never tried knapping it. It's pretty cool to find them old arrowheads and think about some Indian sitting around making it.

Well, darn I appreciate that... I really do. If I ever hit my head hard enough to make me want to try this again I'll ask you for some. Marie is STILL hollering about black shards, powder and such all over my 'lair' in the basement... It's actually easier for me to clean it up rather than puttin' up another door with a lock! Might get around to it (cleaning) one day, hehe

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Mountainneer:
Shoot you should've told me and I would have gathered a bunch up for you and sent it to you. Like I've said we've got it coming out our ears. I've never tried knapping it. It's pretty cool to find them old arrowheads and think about some Indian sitting around making it.

Iffin you got more of it than you can handleI could take a bit of it.

Hanshi,sounds like you're needing good sized pieces for beginning work,if obsidian is as touchy as that....

Hanshi... if you're a pilgrim in working obsidian like yours truly, I recommend you take BT's suggestion and start with a piece maybe the size of a Volkswagon hehe

Hanshi, I'll have to look around to find you some decent sized chunks but I'm sure I can get you some. I'll let you know when I've got some and then we'll talk about gettin' them to you.

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Mountainneer:
Hanshi, I'll have to look around to find you some decent sized chunks but I'm sure I can get you some. I'll let you know when I've got some and then we'll talk about gettin' them to you.

Sounds great, Idaho. I'm much obliged.

On the topic of knapping (of which I know very little), I recall as a kid sitting at Norm Blaker's house watching him knap flint, obsidian, even glass. He has some video's out there and I can think of nobody better to learn from. Just search his name and knapping. I wish now I paid more attention back then. Hanshi's right, young guys should hang out with old guys.

Hey Mr. Hanshi, I've got several chunks of obsidian gathered up. If you're still interested you can PM me your info if you like.
Got a a few different sized chunks so you can have a variety.