Micro-Knapping Tool Kit
Dan’s micro-knapping tool kit includes a stereo microscope. (It’s a lot harder to make micro arrowheads without it, but it can be done.) He also has a pressure flaker with a sharp copper nail for making pre-forms, and smaller pins and nails for finer chipping. He always has some clear tape to protect his fingers while pressure flaking. Dan uses a small grinding stone for the edge of the pre-form prior to chipping. A rubber pad cut from a tire holds the point while chipping. On the pad is a red piece of stone typical of the size and shape that Dan likes to start with. The penny offers scale reference. The small hafted knife in the center has a turtle bone handle, with real sinew to keep the blade in place.
Various Micro Points
Dan has created other micro weapon shapes as well, from spear points to daggers. The handles were made out of tiny bones found in owl droppings.
Micro Knife
A microscopic knife with an arrowhead style point made from fire opal.
Micro Knife
A miniature knife chipped from obsidian.
Dan at Work
Dan at work with his microscope. This photo was taken by Val Waldorf in August, 2002 at Flint Ridge, Ohio. The picture was taken for the October, 2002 Chips publication for flint-knappers (Vol.14, #4).