California Knappers

Monthly Flintknapping Get-Together

The California Knappers, which began in 2010, is a knapping get-together of flintknappers who like to flake stones, learn from each other, trade for materials and meet fellow lithic knappers. The get-together is open to flintknappers of all levels and expertise --- from novice, intermediate and advanced knappers. Anyone who is interested in the skill of making stone tools is more than welcome. We meet one day in every month. Check this webpage for monthly dates.

Flintknapping:
Knapping is the shaping of flint, jasper, agate, chert, quartzite, obsidian or other conchoidal fracturing stone through the process of lithic reduction to manufacture Stone Age tools.

"The word knap means 'to snap or break by a smart blow'. The word flintknapping was coined to describe the manufacturing of gun flints. Not all stones that can be worked into tools are flints, but the label stuck. In present day, the term is commonly and broadly used to describe the prehistoric skill and ancient craft of making flaked stone points, arrowheads and tools."
Definition by Grog Verbeck

Knapping tip of the month:
YouTube video: Knapping a Blade Core Using a Rocker Punch by Craig Ratzat

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhIx4En1Bc8

Compilation of Knapping Tips

Update on the August 27 knapping get-together:
Flintknappers from our California Knappers get-together joined other knappers at the Coyote Hills Knap-In. It was a good learning experience watching some of the advanced knappers work on their stone points. The knap-in was held at Coyote Hills Regjional Park in Fremont.

Photo Album

Information for the NEXT California Knappers Get-together

NOTE: Only for the September get-tgether, we will meet and knap at the Stone Age Olympics event at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont. See the address and important information below.

Date: September 25, 2016
Time: 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont, CA 94555
The knappers will meet at the far end of the Old Quarry parking lot. If you arrive after 9:30, walk to the Diary Glen campground.
Parking Fee: I will get you on the participant / volunteer list, which will get you free parking.
Important Information: Since we will be joining the Stone Age Olympics event for the September knapping get-together, here are some important information concerning the event. From the Old Quarry parking lot, it will be an eight minutes walk to the Dairy Glen campground, where the event will take place. If you will need transport of your knapping equipment from the Old Quarry parking lot, you must promptly be at the far end of the parking lot before or at 9:30 in the morning. Please be prompt. I will have a park vehicle transport all of the knappers equipment to the campground. You can then leisurely walk to the Dairy Glen campground. If you arrive late, you will have to walk to the campground, pick up the wheeled cart at the knapping area and get your knapping equipment from your vehicle at the Old Quarry parking lot. Then, wheel everything back to the campground. We will be set up under a canopy. Look for the knappers.
You must send me an e-mail telling me that you will be coming, so I can add your name to the participant / volunteer list. The kiosk attendant will let you drive through without paying the parking fee, if your name is on the list.
Only the knappers will be in the knapping area. The public will not be allowed to knap. They can ask questions about knapping or may just watch. You can work on any of your knapping projects during the event. Or take a break and wander around the event.
Send me an e-mail, if you plan to attend.

DIRECTIONS TO COYOTE HILLS REGIONAL PARK:
Heading I-880 south, take the Decoto/Dumbarton Bridge/84 exit near Fremont. Turn right onto Highway 84 headed west. Take the Paseo Padre/Thornton exit. Turn right at the end of the exit. Turn left when you get to Patterson Ranch Road. Drive on the main park road to the Old Quarry parking lot. Drive to the far end of the parking lot. Meet before or at 9:30 (be prompt) at the Old Quarry parking lot, if you want your knapping equipment transported to the Dairy Glen campground.
Heading I-880 north, take the Decoto Rd. exit near Fremont. Turn left, headed west. Take the Paseo Padre/Thornton exit. Turn right at the end of the exit. Turn left when you get to Patterson Ranch Road. Drive on the main park road to the Old Quarry parking lot. Drive to the far end of the parking lot. Meet before or at 9:30 (be prompt) at the Old Quarry parking lot, if you want your knapping equipment transported to the Dairy Glen campground.
Coming from the Dumbarton Bridge, headed towards Fremont, take the Paseo Padre/Thornton exit. Turn left at the end of the exit. Turn left when you get to Patterson Ranch Road. Drive on the main park road to the Old Quarry parking lot. Drive to the far end of the parking lot. Meet before or at 9:30 (be prompt) at the Old Quarry parking lot, if you want your knapping equipment transported to the Dairy Glen campground.