Piddlin with some slate

[NeoGeo]

Well the other day while hunting Comanch's new spot.I found some slate in the creek and kept it.Well buddy this is what I wanted it for.It is my first time and the pics suck,but here we go.

I used only Primitive(gosh I dislike that word)tools.
I knocked the flaky edges off with a hammerstone.Then shaped it up with a fresh thin flake(well a few of them).The one shape that worked the best was one the was Spokeshaved shaped.Then I used a few pieces of thin limestone to smooth it...I am still working & learning,so be kind....lol

Starting out.



I was shocked to see what was under there.




It is kinda hard to work,but so worth it.I am trying to learn to do it as they did...By doing...so we shall see...Thanx for looking..

[comanche]

Very cool Frank,,,I found a 3" point out on top of the Hill ,,out next to the hospital.
You and TD must have just missed it,,,Best find out there so Far///c

[NeoGeo]

As promised here are more..
This is how I started.


here are some of the tools used..



You can score it out like glass.once it has the overall shape I want,I shave it down.






Smooth it down with this side..


And polish it with the other,...NEXT

[NeoGeo]

And polish it with the other side



My tool stash....


This is still a work in progress,but I will keep you updated....


But I have found that flake tools wotk the best...It was the same as when I was working bone...Flakes did the job the best...BUT not for long....I had to make more often.I will have to pay more attention to flake I find while diggin.....

[comanche]

Very cool Neo,,Let me know if you want more I will get it over to you,,,Looks like a Neat project///c

[NeoGeo]

Yeah I could use some more.I am blowin though it...Thanx man

[comanche]

I just wonder if there is some way you could cure it to harden it up some,,,Boil?Bake?
Just a Thought////c

[NeoGeo]

I think that once it's polished that it the protection.I plane to make a small one to wear and find out.

[NeoGeo]

Plus once you oils and such get into it...ya know..It may still be fragile but it should be fine....imo

[comanche]

I will try to scout out some in the banks to see if I can find some older,, harder material,,,
I just wonder how the Native Americans Slate was so much harder?///c