How to Make an Ovate and Pointed Handaxe for

#Knaptime season 2 is back!

This season begins with arguably the most iconic tool from the Stone Age: the Handaxe!
Dr. James Dilley goes through the process from raw nodule to finished tool through a primary reduction sequence using hard hammers before a secondary refinement sequence using antler hammers. The objectives of this episode is to start thinking about platform preparation and making tools thinner by invasively flaking. Reading edge angles allows the flintknapper to dictate how shock travels through the rock, just be sure to keep your platforms tidy!

Comparing some real handaxes gives an important sense of imperfection that should be kept in mind while replicating these tools (not pieces of artwork). You’ll also get to see a tiny handaxe from Swanscombe to show that there isn't really a solid set of guidelines for these tools.

Grab your hammer stones and antler hammers and get ready to knap-along!

Filmed Edited & Produced by Emma Jones of ELWJ Media - www.elwjmedia.co.uk

A special thanks to the Lithics Society and the Wymer Bursary.

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