@Flint

[Okwaho]

So where do I find flint and what exactly does it look like? How do I know I've come across it?

[pocomoonskyeyes]

First , most will have a "chalky"covering,(it really writes like chalk) but not all "chalk" contains flint. I'm including a picture of some I am taking to the Jamboree this weekend. If you have a good quality piece of iron or carbon steel try striking a spark flint when struck against a ferrous metal will spark. but so will some other stones like agates and some quartz.

[Okwaho]

Interesting, thank you that helps. So where is the ideal place to look for it?

[crashdive123]

Judging from that bucket - the field next to Poco's house.

[crashdive123]

On a more serious note Okwaho - I have found the following write up to be useful. (not in the area I live so much)

The best advise I can give to the "flint hunter" is this: familiarize yourself with geological maps of the areas you plan to hunt. Look everywhere, in plowed fields, look in the gravel of creek and river bottoms, construction sites, under bridges and eroded roadside ditches. Be sure to get permission from land owners first! I assure you it is not worth the risk. The rewards are greater when material is gathered with a blessing from the land owner. Beware of "freeze fractured" flint. This is flint that has been exposed to freezing and literally frozen. The problem starts with this. Flint and all other stones contain moisture deep within the stone, when the temperature falls well below 32 f. the result of the expanding freezing moisture is fractures the flint. This is a bad thing for knappers. This material is useless unless the pieces are large enough to knap. You want pure crack free stone. It can be a serious challenge to find high grade stone. If you plan on getting material from construction sites, get them before it freezes. These stones have never been exposed to freezing temperatures and when they do, they will likely suffer. Searching creek and river bottoms can be a lot of fun. Take a big copper billet and start testing the gravel to see what is inside. You never know what you might find!

In summary, do a lot of research. Talk to artifact hunters, they know what the flints look like from their area. Don't waist your time in areas where there is no flint to be found. Don't expect other knappers to reveal their sources. Many a knapper has spent years to find their "honey holes". Remember, always get the land owners permission to hunt rocks on their property! Try to hunt areas that have not been exposed to freezing. Use common sense, have safety equipment along. Take Band-Aids, gloves, safety glasses and long pants. Just take a day off work and get a tank full of gas and have fun exploring the country side. It's great fun! you never know what you might find!

[Okwaho]

Lucky guy. I bet it will turn out I have got a huge load of it right beside my house also.

[Okwaho]

Thanks that is very helpful. I'm planning on making a spear, I'll keep yall posted on how it turns out.

[Rick]

You don't have to look just for flint. A lot of rocks make sparks.

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...ght=fire+rocks

[panch0]

Never thought of trying flint mapping. Now that is old school and would be something I would really love to try. Man I love this forum!

[Okwaho]

I have the same questions about obsidian. Like where to find it and what it looks like. And how I can come to obtain sinew.

[Rick]

I would bet these chaps could put you on to some rocks in your area:

http://www.mndm.gov.on.ca/default_e.asp

You might also try your local university's geology department. You could also look for knappers in your area. They are everywhere so I'm sure you can locate some in Ontario. Google for them.

Any of the above should be able to tell you where to find flint or obsidian in Ontario.

[Okwaho]

I cant find any maps on that site

[2dumb2kwit]

I've never tried flint knapping. Mostly because there is no flint in my area....or any other rocks, for that matter. So now, on the weekends, I'm more into cat napping!

[Rick]

No maps. I meant contact them directly. They probably have brochures they can send you. Several years back I contacted my state department of geology concerning gold deposits. They sent me a ton of information. More than I ever dreamed they would send me. Ontario government knows where all the geological deposits are. You just need to touch base with them. I'm sure they can help or refer you to someone who can.

[Okwaho]

Ahh yes another question is the technique of knapping.

[pocomoonskyeyes]

Okwaho try this it might help you out,also do a search on youtube and you will find plenty to get you started.
http://www.arrowhead-maker.com/?gcli...FQMNDQoduzy2fA
Click on the "I already have it" and download the PDF

[Okwaho]

Thanks for that link it is very helpful. The only thing is that I don't have modernized knapping tools.

[crashdive123]

You don't need modern tools. You can use another rock for a billet and a large nail for a pressure flaking tool.

[snakeman]

you don't need modernized knapping tools. a hard rock will do for taking flakes of a bigger pieces of rock, and i have seen deer antler tines be used as well as using a nail for pressure flaking.

[Rick]

Oh, my head. It's deju vu all over again!!!!