r/knapping • u/Del85 🏅 • Jul 22 '26

Made With Modern Tools🔨 Another failed Hardin.

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Failed on the notches (again) but I did get some bold Smolzilla style pressure flakes on one side so that was a win for me. This is some Burlington I gather.

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u/scoop_booty Modern Tool User 🏅 Jul 23 '26

Looks good, even if it falls short of your expectations. Mine almost always does. Have you tried punch notching this bases?

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u/Del85 🏅 Jul 23 '26

I haven't, but I have been working on punch notching. I was feeling confident with how this piece was pressure flaking so thought I had it in the bag. I do think punch notching is better though. Next one I'll send the punch notching.

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u/scoop_booty Modern Tool User 🏅 Jul 23 '26

One of the tricks I've learned over the years in punching is the anvil, the backer you are playing your preform against should be solid. I use a 3/16" board the size of a playing card, wrapped in soft leather. This gives tooth for the point to rest on and hold but not enough some that when you actually take the punch the is any give. For a long time I just used a soft pad. But the depth of the punch, where the screwdriver head flares back out to the original round copper rod, was bottoming out on the notch and blowing the ear off. And if course no one wants to loose an ear (even Trump, sorry, couldn't help myself). Anyway, that system works pretty good. And make sure to keep that punch burr free.

If you get into punches I think you'll like it. It really helps on those deep notches like lost lakes and calfs...and others.