Quick Answer
To sharpen tools made from stone, use a combination of percussion and pressure flaking techniques, such as using a hammerstone for rough shaping and a pressure flaker for finer details. Flintknapping requires patience and practice to achieve the desired edge.
Preparing the Tool
Before sharpening a stone tool, ensure it has been properly prepared through initial knapping. This involves creating a rough shape using a hammerstone, focusing on removing large flakes and shaping the tool’s overall form. For tools like arrowheads and blades, aim for a thickness of 1/8 inch (3-4 mm) and a width of 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm).
Percussion Sharpening
To refine the edge using percussion, select a suitable hammerstone that is harder than the tool material. Hold the tool firmly with a leather or cloth pad to prevent damage, and strike the hammerstone at a 20-30 degree angle. Focus on removing small flakes and shaping the edge, maintaining a consistent striking force to avoid chipping the tool. Aim for a total of 10-20 strikes per edge, checking the tool’s progress after each set.
Pressure Flaking
For fine-tuning the edge, switch to pressure flaking using a pressure flaker or a sharp stone. Hold the tool firmly and apply gentle pressure to remove small, controlled flakes from the edge. Focus on creating a smooth, even edge with a slight bevel, typically around 5-10 degrees. This technique requires patience and fine motor control, but yields a razor-sharp edge with minimal risk of chipping.
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