Alaskan Moose Antler Punches - 3 Pack
Solid Moose antler punches of various widths and lengths for use with indirect percussion techniques. Sold in packs of 3 punches.
Our 3 pack of antler punches are good for use with indirect percussion techniques for flake removal. Made from premium Alaskan moose antler, these have very little pith (marrow). These moose punches are larger and more dense than the deer punches we carry. Each punch included is sanded, tapered, and ready to go.
Each three pack is different, and included are various sizes of punches. Each punch will vary from 3 to 5 inches in length, and 1/2 to 1+ inch wide at the base.
Antler is softer than modern knapping billet materials like copper, aluminum, and steel. This allows antler punches to 'seat' on a stone edge platform and disperse the percussive impact without crushing the edge, thus giving antler it's forgiving nature. Though not as easy to learn with as copper billets, antler tools coupled with well placed strong percussion strikes can remove some nice uniform flakes and is actually very efficient when mastered.
After use the antler punches will develop a flat spot on the dome. The dome can be resurfaced many times by hand with a piece of sandstone, a rasp, or sander to extend the life of the tool.
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Traditional tools are also known by flint knappers as 'abo' tools (derived from the word aboriginal). These terms refer to tools that are made of natural materials and are similar in function to the implements used by our stone tool making predecessors throughout the course of human technological development. Examples of other abo tools include hammerstones of various densities and shapes, antler tine flakers, rib bone flakers, lashed flakers, wood billets, sandstone edge modifiers, and billets created from the base or 'crown' section of antler.
Flint knapping with traditional tools is immensely rewarding, though challenging to use and not the easiest to learn with. There remains something to be said for recreating the process that is largely accepted as one of the most important technological advances in human history with nothing more than items found on the forest floor.