Flint Knapping and Primitive Glues - A day learning ancient crafts

£120.00

Join us for a comprehensive one-day flint knapping workshop where you’ll learn essential techniques to craft functional stone tools and arrowheads. Perfect for beginners and outdoor enthusiasts, this hands-on course covers everything you need to start creating your own flint artifacts.

The day begins with an introduction to the history and uses of flint in traditional toolmaking, showcasing a variety of flint tools and crafts. You’ll explore methods for flake removal and learn how to transform larger stones into usable smaller pieces.

Throughout the course, you will gain practical skills in:

  • Sourcing quality flint and raw materials

  • Assessing stone quality for knapping

  • Creating platforms and strategic blade removal techniques

  • Mastering flaking methods using different tools including hammerstones and flakers

  • Understanding what makes a good flint knapping kit

Under the expert guidance of instructor Billy Souter, students will focus on producing arrowheads, cutting blades, and drill tips. You will also get the unique opportunity to craft a flint drill using your handmade points, expanding your traditional crafting skills.

This course is ideal for anyone interested in primitive skills, bushcraft, and archaeological crafts, offering a solid foundation in the ancient art of flint knapping.

Date:

Join us for a comprehensive one-day flint knapping workshop where you’ll learn essential techniques to craft functional stone tools and arrowheads. Perfect for beginners and outdoor enthusiasts, this hands-on course covers everything you need to start creating your own flint artifacts.

The day begins with an introduction to the history and uses of flint in traditional toolmaking, showcasing a variety of flint tools and crafts. You’ll explore methods for flake removal and learn how to transform larger stones into usable smaller pieces.

Throughout the course, you will gain practical skills in:

  • Sourcing quality flint and raw materials

  • Assessing stone quality for knapping

  • Creating platforms and strategic blade removal techniques

  • Mastering flaking methods using different tools including hammerstones and flakers

  • Understanding what makes a good flint knapping kit

Under the expert guidance of instructor Billy Souter, students will focus on producing arrowheads, cutting blades, and drill tips. You will also get the unique opportunity to craft a flint drill using your handmade points, expanding your traditional crafting skills.

This course is ideal for anyone interested in primitive skills, bushcraft, and archaeological crafts, offering a solid foundation in the ancient art of flint knapping.

“The course will focus on students producing Arrowheads, creating blades for all manner of uses and making drill tips. Aside from knapping, students will have the opportunity to use some of their Flint points to make a Flint Drill with the guidance of the instructor.
Flint drills are a wonderful example of simple but incredibly effective Stone Age technology. A tool that is in theory easy to make but has so many practical applications. These drills are regularly used on our Bone Tools and  Primitive Fishing Kit courses for various purposes.
Primitive glue making will be a key component of this craft so students will learn how to make their own resin glue and see the variety of materials that can be incorporated into the glue depending on the desired tool.
By the end of the day the aim of this course is to have students going away with a solid understanding of basic knapping techniques, a variety of simple flint tools/components and primitive resin glue. A fantastic course for anyone looking to learn more about primitive skills whether you are inexperienced or are wanting to build on your existing knowledge.” Billy Souter

What’s Covered in the Flint Knapping Course

  • Tool selection and safe use: All tools and materials are provided. While you’re welcome to bring your own, we may recommend using our specially selected tools for safety and effectiveness.

  • Cutting and crafting techniques: Learn precise methods for shaping and crafting flint tools.

  • Material selection and processing: Discover how to choose and prepare the best flint for knapping.

  • Flint knapping methods and techniques: Master core skills including flake removal, platform creation, and blade shaping.

  • Natural glue production: Explore traditional methods for making glue from natural materials to aid your crafts.

Course Details

Time: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Price: £120 per person
Location: Private woodland on the Harewood Estate near Harrogate (exact directions sent with booking pack)

  • Each participant will craft and take home an arrowhead, flint drill, and other handmade items

  • Small group size with a maximum of 8 guests ensures a calm, focused atmosphere and plenty of instructor interaction

  • Full kit list provided after booking; you’ll just need warm layers and a mug

  • The course includes a campfire lunch featuring warming soup and bread

  • Suitable for ages 16 and over; under 18s must be accompanied by a participating adult

  • Please review our Terms & Conditions before booking

Lead Instructor: Billy Souter