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 compete with our SOLID, long-lasting copper billets.

BILLETS EASILY RE-DRESSED~Dings in the hammer end of billets may be smoothed with a light hammer.

COST EFFECTIVE CHOICE~For the cost of 3 or 4 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.

MICRO-FLAKERS IN A VARIETY OF WEIGHTS AND LENGTHS~ Weights range from 7 oz to 9 oz and lengths range from 4" to 6". Diameter is 5/8".

ASSEMBLED WITH SLOW SETTING, HIGH-STRENGTH EPOXY~We use high strength epoxy used in our construction. 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. These tools must be kept dry and out of water to keep this service in force.

COMPACT TRAVEL KIT~Our 9"x5"x1.25" Beginner's or Travel Kit contains a 5/8", 7/8" and 1 1/8" percussion tools and a pressure knapping tool.

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.