Custom Flintknapping Tools

Advantages of CFT's percussion tools include:

CHOICE OF HANDLE LENGTHS~One size does not fit all. We offer 3 handle lengths--3", 4" and 5". Other lengths available on request.

FULL RANGE OF PERCUSSION TOOLS~Percussors available in these sizes: 5/8", 7/8", 1 1/8" and 1 1/2".

HANDLE END TREATMENTS~Handle ends are protected from splits and wear by copper caps; caps also provide additional grip and comfort.

SOLID U.S. OAK HANDLES~Handles stained and sealed with polyurethane.

LONG TOOL LIFE~When boppers deform or wear through to expose lead they must be refitted with a copper cap. The 1/16" thick bopper cap can't compare with our SOLID, long-lasting copper billets.

COST EFFECTIVE CHOICE~For the cost of 2 or 3 times that of a bopper you get a tool that will outlast 10 or more boppers. 10 is a very conservative estimate.

ADDED WEIGHT FOR KNAPPERS ACCUSTOMED TO A HEAVIER TOOL~A hole can be drilled into the handle and loaded with lead.

CURVED TOOLS WHICH SIMULATE CURVED ANTLER BILLETS~The curve alters striking angles and allows indirect percussion when fluting.

DOUBLE-ENDED CURVED BILLETS~Having a hemispherical hammer on each end of a curved mounting doubles the already long life of our tools. The crook in these tools fits comfortably in the bend of the index finger.

MICRO-FLAKERS IN A VARIETY OF WEIGHTS AND LENGTHS~ Weights range from 3 oz to 7 oz and lengths range from 4" to 6". Diameter is 5/8".

SPALLING HAMMERS~Approximately 1.75 pound hammers are fitted with user friendly varnished oak handles. Weight is forward to maximize efficiency. These hammers are for light duty only; they are not heavy enough to reduce boulders.

ASSEMBLED WITH SLOW SETTING, HIGH-STRENGTH EPOXY~We use slow setting epoxy used in the construction and repair of golf clubs. This material is formulated and proven to withstand repeated impact and to bond metal.

EASILY REPAIRED~In the event of the failure of the epoxy bonds, cleaning the joint with sandpaper and re-applying epoxy repairs the tool. Return any broken tools to CFT for FREE repair for the life of the tool.

BULL-NOSE OPTIONAL HAMMER SHAPE~Knappers who prefer a flatter billet shape can replace the hemispherical with a bull nose billet.

COMPACT TRAVEL KIT~Our 9"x5"x1.25" Beginner's or Travel Kit contains a full range of percussion and pressure knapping tools.

The knapping tools offered here are the result of observations by a novice flintknapper. I'm Richard (Dick) Woolheater. Though I am relatively new to knapping, my engineering background caused me to experiment with alternative knapping tool designs.

There were some deadends and flawed designs. But after about a year of trying I was able to settle on these. 

I will continue to refine my products and add new ones.

After reading parts of Whittaker's book and hitting a few rocks about 10 years ago, I became very confused and gave up. But my curiousity about how Native Americans fashioned those beautiful stone tools remained.

I have since taken lessons from Bill Metcalfe and now attend weekly sessions at the Kylberg barn north of Georgetown. These resources have been a great experience for me. As everyone knows there is no substitute for PRACTICE.

What is offered here is the result of my continuing journey.