Stone Tools & Flintknapping Course 2023 – WA

In this workshop, you’ll learn how to turn common stones and obsidian into useful tools. You’ll create a basic stone knife and other tools to take home.

Flintknapping: Making Stone Arrowheads

You’ll also be guided through the process of making obsidian arrow points. Using obsidian and the traditional flintknapping methods that were used by prehistoric people, students will learn percussion techniques for core and biface reduction, and pressure techniques for finishing spear and arrow points.

Class demonstrations and discussions will include a variety of topics including the use of obsidian and stone materials other than obsidian such as flint and chert. The class is designed for beginners new to flintknapping. Students will make stone points to take home.

Students should bring:

Thin leather gloves or neoprene/nitro garden gloves (Alderleaf also has gloves that can be used)
Glasses or safety goggles (Alderleaf has goggles that can be used)
All students must wear long pants and closed toed shoes or boots while flintknapping.
If you have done any flintknapping prior to the class please bring examples of things you’ve made. (no prior experience necessary)
If you have flintknapping tools, leather pads or antler you would like to use for tools, please bring them. (Alderleaf equipment is also available for use)
Bring any knapping materials you have that you would like to work on. (Alderleaf provides obsidian for the class)