Tons Of Knapping And Not A Single Chip (Obsidian)

[BrotherJim]

Obsidian (/əbˈsɪdiən/) is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed when lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimal crystal growth. It is an igneous rock.

Obsidian is produced from felsic lava, rich in the lighter elements such as silicon, oxygen, aluminium, sodium and potassium. It is commonly found within the margins of rhyolitic lava flows known as obsidian flows. These flows have a high content of silica, giving them a high viscosity. The high viscosity inhibits diffusion of atoms through the lava, which inhibits the first step (nucleation) in the formation of mineral crystals. Together with rapid cooling, this results in a natural glass forming from the lava.

Obsidian is hard, brittle, and amorphous; it therefore fractures with sharp edges. In the past, it was used to manufacture cutting and piercing tools, and it has been used experimentally as surgical scalpel blades.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Boy what a Bowie ...

Obsidian when fractured, resulting in sharp edges, is said to be 50-500 times sharper than steel (depending on knapping). While that may sound GREAT, Obsidian is comparatively VERY fragile. One would not think of using an Obsidian knife for most tasks taken for granted when steel is used. Obsidian just wouldn't stand up to hard work without some damage likely.

That said, as far back as millennium ago, cave people used Obsidian for tools and weapons LONG before they could even spell Obsidian ... and we came out okay ... we just came up with more durable tools and weapons. Besides, if those cave folk (and later woodland and plains people) did break their tool or weapon ... they just picked up another rock and got to knapping.

Today, Obsidian tools and weapons are often relegated to display art, while nonetheless functional as intended.

The example I have is a Midnight Lace and Red Obsidian Bowie Knife with Deer Antler Handle. The flint knapped blade is the heart of this one of a kind flint knife and I'm standing by in case of Saber-Toothed Tiger or Woolly Mammoth and such ... so get behind me

 

[Railsplitter]

That is a very unique knife!

I owned a knife with what the maker (Mike Alsdorf) referred to as "Onyx/Obsidian" handle inlays. I never quite understood that as I think those are two different materials. I also never found out what the gold strands are but I sure do miss that knife.

When I sold it I liked the Mother of Pearl version better. Now that it's gone I like the Onyx/Obsidian version better. Go figure.

 

[BrotherJim]

That is a very unique knife!

I owned a knife with what the maker (Mike Alsdorf) referred to as "Onyx/Obsidian" handle inlays. I never quite understood that as I think those are two different materials. I also never found out what the gold strands are but I sure do miss that knife.

When I sold it I liked the Mother of Pearl version better. Now that it's gone I like the Onyx/Obsidian version better. Go figure.

View attachment 1540871

Beautiful knife. I'd have regretted selling it too I think

 

[waynorth]

Nice Bowie!! Never seen one that big!! Wow!!

I think I'll take a knap!!
Beads and Arrowhead excavated in B.C. by Yours Truly.
Coast Salish

 

[BrotherJim]

I could certainly make it past a metal detector with this Bowie
But the gate agent might wonder about the bulge on my hip
No metal was harmed in the making of this knife

 

[BrotherJim]

Nice Bowie!! Never seen one that big!! Wow!!

I think I'll take a knap!!View attachment 1540872 View attachment 1540873
Beads and Arrowhead excavated in B.C. by Yours Truly.
Coast Salish

Love the arrowhead, beadwork and picture composition !!! Nice

 

[BrotherJim]

 

[joeradza]

I did some rudimentary knapping of obsidian while in grad school but nothing like that which was done by the Maya and Aztecs who were able get foot long and longer blades from their cores. I do have several small scars. That stuff is sharp!

 

[waynorth]

This Obsidian has been sitting on a bookshelf for 20 years, at least!!
Might make some nice blades - for someone else??!!

 

[BrotherJim]

This Obsidian has been sitting on a bookshelf for 20 years, at least!!
Might make some nice blades - for someone else??!!View attachment 1540938

OUTSTANDING !!! ... the Waynorth Lambsfoot is pretty dang nice too I might add. I deeply regret missing those each time I see one. Folks are right proud of them for a reason. One can hope one day, some may be available again ... and I'm alert and swift enough at the keyboard to snag one LOL. Bring 'em back Charlie !!!

 

[kamagong]

I have a hard enough time sharpening steel. How do you dress the edge on obsidian?

 

[BrotherJim]

I have a hard enough time sharpening steel. How do you dress the edge on obsidian?

I'm with ya kamagong ... knap it I guess. Like sharpening, there's a knack to it I think. I'd just whack another rock and pick up the sharp part HA

 

[Un-Chained]

I have one, groovy translucency

 

[BrotherJim]

I have one, groovy translucency
View attachment 1540953

GORGEOUS Un-Chained !!! Just gorgeous

 

[Nixelplix]

I have a box of obsidian nodules stashed away in the thought that I would try flint knapping some time. It really is a cool artform.

 

[Cooter Brown]

One would not think of using an Obsidian knife for most tasks taken for granite when steel is used. Obsidian just wouldn't stand up to hard work without some damage likely.

Sorry.

 

[Fodderwing]

B BrotherJim , Un-Chained beautiful pieces guys and very interesting history.

 

[lambertiana]

Nice Bowie!! Never seen one that big!! Wow!!

I think I'll take a knap!!View attachment 1540872 View attachment 1540873
Beads and Arrowhead excavated in B.C. by Yours Truly.
Coast Salish

The closest match I can find is Departure Bay point, 1600-2400 years old. Scroll down for a few examples. You can peruse that site to see if something else is a good match.

http://www.projectilepoints.net/Points/Departure Bay.html

 

[lambertiana]

I have a hard enough time sharpening steel. How do you dress the edge on obsidian?

Resharpening was done by knapping a fresh edge. A lot of the larger points, such as Clovis, show extensive resharpening and are nowhere near their original size.

 

[Sacto]

Interesting knives. This is not obsidian, but it is a similar knife my son made out of a spearhead he had and an antler.

The kids were really into rocks for a while, so we brought them to an obsidian mine a couple years ago and dug up a bunch. I could make a big blade out of this piece if I knew what I was doing.