Knapping A Massive Brandon Flint Nodule with Dr. James Dilley

No video

Knapping A Massive Brandon Flint Nodule with Dr. James Dilley

Рет қаралды 96,772

2 жыл бұрын

One of the most famous locations in the UK for flint is Grimes Graves and Brandon. For around 300 years between 2600 and 2300 BC Grimes Graves was mined for thousands of tonnes of high quality flint from the solid bedrock chalk. Earlier mines on the south coast had been dug for axe making flint, while Grimes Graves was primarily mined for flint that could be used for flake cores. The nearby town of Brandon is known for the gun flint trade that created millions of flints which were sent around the world. I was recently lucky enough to get special access to flint from the area including an absolutely enormous nodule! It was only right to share the breaking open of this massive lump of stone to see what is inside.
Filmed Edited & Produced by Emma Jones of ELWJ Media - www.elwjmedia.co.uk
---------
You can support the creation of these videos on our Patreon: / ancientcraftuk
To find out more about my flintknapping and experimental archaeology visit my website or follow me on social media!
Website: www.ancientcraf...
Twitter: / ancientcraftuk
Facebook: / ancientcraftuk
Instagram: / ancientcraftuk

Пікірлер: 208

@postictal7846 2 жыл бұрын

I can imagine the Paleolithic version of Dr. Dilley teaching his family flint napping 200K years ago.

@jonescrusher1 Жыл бұрын

the change in pitch as it breaks off is immensely satisfying.

@ericnealsr9258 2 жыл бұрын

I live in Indiana USA and won a 50 lb nodule of Brandon at a local knapp- in. I can hardly wait to get into it. I've been knapping about 20 years. watching you make that handax has me excited about my chunk. That familiar sound has me foaming at the mouth. LOL Thank you Happy knappin

@tminefski 2 жыл бұрын

Love to hear a rock sing in the reduction phase! Rock on!

@brandonferrell828 2 жыл бұрын

It took me 11 minutes to realize the massive rock behind you was a tarp.

@twothreebravo 2 жыл бұрын

The absolutely beautiful ringing sound from that flint is amazing.

@Ltngstrike 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your experience with such famous lithic material! Well done Sir! Living in the U.S., the closest I've ever been to working any Brandon flint is through reading my copy of "On the manufacture of gun-flints" by Sydney B. J. Skertchly.

@angelwithbrokenwings2456 2 жыл бұрын

Iiuuuui

@pamtnman1515 2 жыл бұрын

Let's Go Brandon!

@toytoy1091 2 жыл бұрын

In the 1960's me & some friends explored every inch of the tunnels at Grimes Graves with torches. They were all open then, and quite remote and unknown to most people. Now they are all shut off with metal bars.

@ancientcraftUK 2 жыл бұрын

Only a little jealous!

@johnnymitnick 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, that’s incredible. Wish things were still as open but people would probably trash them. I got to explore some old mines in the mountains of utah and even the most remote ones that took hours of research to identify and locate have bars in the openings. I thought maybe it was to stop illegal mining (the claim was still active) or to stop spelunkers but who knows. Thanks for sharing

@waveman0 2 жыл бұрын

I would give anything to be able to get my hands on such large nodes of flint. They are magnificent mate.

@LaydlesLife 2 жыл бұрын

Right! You aren’t the only one drooling over that massive fucking boulder of beautiful flint.

@waveman0 2 жыл бұрын

@@LaydlesLife particularly considering I live in Australia and flint is all but unheard of here.

@ancientcraftUK 2 жыл бұрын

I bet the shipping to the US or Australia would be hilarious!

@waveman0 2 жыл бұрын

@@ancientcraftUK agreed, and again in these times of covid, a 60kg flint node would cost thousands of dollars to ship to me.

@LaydlesLife 2 жыл бұрын

@@ancientcraftUK you are correct there, might as well just hop on a flight over there probably still end up spending less haha. I was wondering though do you go out and source all of this stone yourself?

@PaleoGreenByrd 2 жыл бұрын

How has this channel not come up on my feed before now? Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.

@MichaelBrown-zp1sf 2 жыл бұрын

As about a 10 year old boy I had an uncle that was an Indian relic Hunter. He would find arrowheads, spear points, Stone axes etc. I still remember one time he took me to a site on the Savannah River in South Carolina that was an ancient Indian settlement and in places the ground was literally littered with shards of Flint or churt. I can only imagine how many hundreds if not thousands of years the site was used.

@damlynch9295 2 жыл бұрын

I can imagine all the points that are buried there

@DD-kc5pw Жыл бұрын

As a beginning knapper your detailed description of why the shockwaves travel the way they do was very enlightening. Thank you for that! You just picked up a new Patron.

@kenwintin3014 2 жыл бұрын

As a knapper in the USA, I agree with Orion. I have to control myself to not be jealous of all those huge nodules. Keep up the good work and we can drool over you flint supply. Merry Christmas.

@izabelabhering7041 2 жыл бұрын

Really amazing work! Thank you for another lesson!

@steveclark5357 4 ай бұрын

you explain the process of lithic reduction very well sir, very well done

@jk07ist 2 жыл бұрын

What a fantastic nodule! Let’s go, Brandon!

@shawndilley2569 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video. Thank you from a fellow Dilley.

@garthkeck2003 2 жыл бұрын

I expected it to take hours to do that beautiful hand axe. No wonder guys here in the USA are finding so many arrowheads. A couple of elders with talent like yours could do several in a day. Thank you for the tutorial.

@phrotojoe 2 жыл бұрын

That looks like the best rock I've ever seen,send some over.

@jimajello1028 2 жыл бұрын

Greetings Dr. James Dilley. I have been a Lithic Technologist/Researcher involved in reconstructive Archaeology. Using only organic materials ( bone, stone, antler etc) for 30 years I have reconstructed core & blade, pecked & ground, & bifacial stone tools in application to gain information. I have collected 3 tons of Brandon Flint used for ballist from different harbors in North America (NJ., Pennsylvania, New York & Maryland). Could you share your knowledge on heat treatment of this material to make it more workable? Also, the principles of hydration in the ground and it's molecular expansion of the material. Since I seek to do only organic approaches I have found heat treatment very difficult without ruining the Flint. This video was a outstanding demonstration by you. Thank you for sharing your extensive knowledge. Vince James (Ajello)

@locksmithmuggle 2 жыл бұрын

The sound of knapping flint carries for miles. I imagine many tribes throughout history met this way

@jameskolar9655 Жыл бұрын

I’m not a knapper! I did enjoy this vid though, made special by your concise and clear explanations. Thank you.

@johnnyrotten6191 2 жыл бұрын

I picked up a few palm sized stones while in the middle east for OIF. Happened upon a field of stone and, as I walked across, it sounded as if I was walking on chunks of glass. Broke one open and was amazed. Though many times smaller than what he has there, they looked identical, both internally and externally. Brought several home. My wife was incredulous that I would go to war and bring home "rocks" as souvenirs. Of course, being hugely into archery hunting, once I explained flint knapping and ancient arrowheads, she understood.........but still walked away shaking her head. Hey, you married me!... Still haven't touched them, as I know NOTHING about knapping.....yet. One of these days...

@richardwiley5933 2 жыл бұрын

Women love to say that men don't understand them, but, can't we say the same? This stuff is in our DNA, so they'll just have to live with it. 😁

@notmyworld44 2 жыл бұрын

I tried flint knapping once many years ago, myself, but never got very far with it. We lack the proper material in our area. I'm very glad I happened upon your channel this evening. Subscribed!

@American-Plague 2 жыл бұрын

Glass is a fine substitute..and free. Especially old T.V. screens (or even glass bottle bottoms for pressure flaking).

@notmyworld44 2 жыл бұрын

@@American-Plague Odd you should say that. I have two large chunks of slag glass in my garden that I would love to dispose of. Got those from an Ozark mountain souvenir shop too many years ago. 😀👍

@kensanity178 2 жыл бұрын

I tried it years ago too, with this attitude: (how hard can it be? We all know what an arrowhead looks like. Hell, anyone can do that.) But it's not easy, and it takes practice, and perseverance, that I suspect few people have.

@notmyworld44 2 жыл бұрын

@@kensanity178 True! I enjoyed this comment! 😊

@ChrisPBacon-jl7oc 2 жыл бұрын

Also im so glad your back to uploading

@TheSapientBean Жыл бұрын

Just went down to La Hougue Bie, spoke to Derek, who told me about you Dr.Dilley, Glad to have met him and watched this video.

@seandepoppe6716 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you that was really informative and impressive. Thanks for sharing

@Joetech-tb7wd 3 ай бұрын

Good work Doc

@jeroylenkins1745 Жыл бұрын

That flint is so very musical

@jonathanreynolds2227 2 жыл бұрын

Can you do a lot more of the over-the-shoulder angle, please? It's by far the most instructive about how you are tackling the problems thrown up by the flint.

@watcherspirit2351 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the best demonstration I've ever seen of this art.

@user-se8cw5vr4q 6 ай бұрын

Someone’s DNA is expressing!

@gibsondrummer 2 жыл бұрын

In 200 thousand years some future paleo anthropologists are going to find your flint napping site and make a vide describing the activities of people in the post war period of so called “modern” human society on great Britain They will,describe in great detail the beautiful flakes left behind

@Naturallystated 2 жыл бұрын

Well done! You make the flint look so forgiving. I have focused on obsidian which could be obtained through prehistoric trade networks in Southern California. Some of it is very difficult to work. It would be great for you to do a knapping comparison between flint and obsidian, if you have not already.

@georgepretnick4460 2 жыл бұрын

Good video, there Doc. I'd love to access a big nodule of that Brandon flint. I'm down to loo tank ceramic and glass jar bottoms.

@richardwiley5933 2 жыл бұрын

We all have to start somewhere - I'm on glass bottles and cheap ceramic plates. It's all great learning material. 👍

@ChrisPBacon-jl7oc 2 жыл бұрын

Ive never seen a rock and been so happy

@oldgamerchick 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful stones thank you for sharing

@megaman992 2 жыл бұрын

The amount of spall flakes you can get to make things from that is insane..

@barryoconnor721 2 жыл бұрын

Let's go Brandon flint!

@williewonka6694 2 жыл бұрын

Alright, Let's go Brandon!

@eugenestandingbear6516 2 жыл бұрын

Love your handling of big pieces. You make it look easy , but I know it isn't. Good show.

@GWA_UK 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing video chap. Subbed

@sarah-janemcconnell6661 2 жыл бұрын

It’s beautiful

@michaelkelly8955 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic.

@lifesforliving4929 5 ай бұрын

Excellent - I want that hand axe!

@brittinghammerforge9441 2 жыл бұрын

Let’s go Brandon…flint

@antben 2 жыл бұрын

Great mastery.

@et7100 2 жыл бұрын

That stuff is making my mouth water. You are lucky. I could never have such luck. Make a Danish dagger

@scotthaddad563 2 жыл бұрын

Well, Let’s Go Brandon! Flint that is.

@Dominic.Minischetti 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely awesome brother!

@geoffreybudge3027 2 жыл бұрын

In America we have chert mostly which can be heated and worked . Black colored stone is not heat treated . I was given a piece of Danish flint already a flake it’s self and as I banged on that stone it was almost impossible to flake . I take my hat of to those across the pond who have the strength and stratagem to work these wonderful stones . 🇺🇸😃😃

@fload46d 2 жыл бұрын

I found a small worked piece here in northern Indiana. It was broken and not sure if it was a blade or an atlatl point or spear point. It was about 1 1/4" X 2" black flint.

@gmill2316 2 жыл бұрын

I’d love to get ahold of a few spalls of that!! Ive knapped all types of North American materials but there’s something about the European true flint that I just lust over.

@rohraspy1590 2 жыл бұрын

Just scrumptious!

@danchampion5197 2 жыл бұрын

Let's go Brandon!

@adroaldoribeiro4529 2 жыл бұрын

Bro, you look like Alexander Dreymon. Stupendous work with that stone 👏

@joerobertson3478 2 жыл бұрын

Killing me!!!

@woodsinme 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice.

@artiomrusch6984 2 жыл бұрын

Lovely work

@brianjohnson8918 2 жыл бұрын

Ah, dang. I though this was a movie about Kidnaping a massive guy named Brandon!

@RedEyedPatriot 2 жыл бұрын

One could only have hoped. 😂

@bottling.hobo. 2 жыл бұрын

Let's go Brandon Flint nodule!

@froggystyle642 2 жыл бұрын

I might be subbed to this channel, but I came looking for this

@woodbeez6046 2 жыл бұрын

Very cool. I subscribed.

@kennethpensyl7791 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing

@greenjack1959l Жыл бұрын

That bit of Cortex is playing havoc with my OCD, lol!

@pittuk6500 2 жыл бұрын

Not the Brandon i was expecting, but still a good video!

@garycousino4016 2 жыл бұрын

Believe early English ships to North America carried flint as ballast to trade with the indians

@davidjohnson-pz2df 2 жыл бұрын

AND you smell the flint !!!!!

@williamburdon6993 2 жыл бұрын

Fascinating!

@mt1452 2 жыл бұрын

Love your videos, it is interesting to learn about the European knapping traditions. I would love to see your take on a cody point from over here though, as it seems totally different from anything you guys have over there.

@jamebrooke894 Жыл бұрын

A bit??? That's a mini Boulder!!

@davidlatimer3567 2 жыл бұрын

I watch a lot of knapping videos. I appreciate your straight forward educational style. And your skill level. Do you realize what it does to a fellow knapper stuck here in the states to see so much beautiful flint and not be able to aquire any? I've searched the web for Danish and English flint. I'd like to get 200 to 300 pounds for my own use. Yet can't find a source. Will Lord ignores my pleas. Perhaps you could point me in the right direction. This year I had the great honor of sitting down with Greg Nunn of Utah. He was telling me of a trip to your part of the world and the things he learned about the Danish dagger. Do you know of him? Thank you for your time and sharing your knowledge Dave Latimer Full time Nomad,USA

@ancientcraftUK 2 жыл бұрын

I certainly know of Greg Nunn and his amazing work! The only UK quarry I know of that will ship flint internationally is Needham Chalks. They ship flint by the tonne bag and send it all over the world

@et7100 2 жыл бұрын

They were not no where near as big but Craig Rattiz with nothilic's is the only one I know of .good luck. If you find a big score remember me.

@davidlatimer3567 2 жыл бұрын

ET wonder what a tonne cost?

@et7100 2 жыл бұрын

@@davidlatimer3567 if it is under $1000 a ton, I'll take 2.

@davidlatimer3567 2 жыл бұрын

I contacted the quarry and they emailed a name and a number. As soon as I land somewhere warm I will call.

@theabhorrentchef7226 2 жыл бұрын

That’s a nice sized chunk of flint. It’s not quite large enough to make a proper flint sword though. We must continue the search

@integr8er66 2 жыл бұрын

I have SOOOOO much grey flint and chert on my property and its really a bit of a pain in the back. When you grade the roads you can plan on some flat tires until it gets laid over. At any rate I've been trying to find a way to sell it, or let people hunt for the pieces they want for a little extra money.

@stevewebster5729 2 жыл бұрын

Have you ever tried to produce a large core from a block like that, such as the one found by Wessex up near Silbury Hill. It would obviously need to be a block of flint that will stay 'whole', but there's a challenge for you : )

@ancientcraftUK 2 жыл бұрын

It’s been on my challenge list for a while. They really look very sculptural, clearly made by a confident knapper

@greenjack1959l 2 жыл бұрын

My mouth is watering, Lol!

@BryanCrowson 2 жыл бұрын

Dr. Dilley, have you had a shard of flint hit your safety goggles hard enough that it would have injured your eye, if you were unprotected? How frequently do you reckon that ancient people suffered eye injuries from this process?

@ancientcraftUK 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, a couple of times. But the worst time was when I was overseeing someone else having a go. A flake detached with force and deflected off a piece on the ground. I think it might have happen occasionally in the past, but the circumstances of my story are very very rare

@idlando 2 жыл бұрын

A pleasure to watch, perfect zen before bedtime. Perhaps I should consider learning this art..

@Kurzes_Spiel 2 жыл бұрын

Definitely give it a try. Don't expect to make beautiful tools right off the bat, though. Start with making simple slicing and chopping tools, like the first knappers did.

@francismarcoux8944 Жыл бұрын

Hand axe is mostly usefull to de articulate fast a leg or the head. Usefull if your steeling part of a predator kill

@johncicero5980 2 жыл бұрын

New meaning to LETS GO BRANDON!

@flatwater5 2 жыл бұрын

"Let's go, Brandon!"

@philwaters9751 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent stuff... xxx :-)

@thomasdykstra100 2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful audio...

@scottmacleay7018 2 жыл бұрын

I'm from Brandon suffolk!

@steveraney9094 2 жыл бұрын

that rock wants to snuggle in that gravel pile behind u says you both can get more comfortable

@LuxisAlukard 2 жыл бұрын

On average, how much bigger is piece of flint compared to finished product (axe head or hand axe)? Five, six times bigger, maybe? Thanks for the video, it's great!

@crow1066 2 жыл бұрын

The sound of the flint nodules and the hammer stones sound almost like a strike onto cast iron. In amongst making flint axes etc, are you able to identify other peoples knapping style by comparison to yours in the present day knapping community?

@francismarcoux8944 Жыл бұрын

Lucky

@causewaykayak 2 жыл бұрын

You ever watch Will Lord (knapper) making stone tools ?

@Wildernessquestoutdoors 2 жыл бұрын

Good stuff, English flint is tough to chip

@Sonic_Ox 2 жыл бұрын

Let's Go Brandon!

@magnoliaweathershield443 2 жыл бұрын

Dr Brandon Flint-Nodule is such a great character name. …and his lovely wife Professor Chert Flake-Napper (for the I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue fans among us)

@stevethepirate8907 2 жыл бұрын

Lets go Brandon

@jimajello1028 2 жыл бұрын

Dr. Dilly I truly enjoy your videos & knowledge that you share. I noticed when you are percussion striking your Bifaces freehand sometimes upon the strike the biface tends to lower it's hand held position. Doesn't that change the actual angle of contact with the billet? If your wrist was supported on your leg pad better support would give more exacting point of strike, energy transference, & save excessive vibration from being transfered into the wrist /hand area? Respectfully, Vincent James Ajello

@AlternateFropile 2 жыл бұрын

"I'm not gonna make one giant stone tool out of this." I wish you would though 😅

@reecetaylor2626 2 жыл бұрын

What could one use in place of an antler

@airdrop1670 2 жыл бұрын

Man that's hard , sounds almost like hitting a anvil .

@nokiot9 2 жыл бұрын

Does all silica come from diatoms?

@vitosmandolinadventures8466 2 жыл бұрын

Hi there! Brilliant job! Would you be able to make another video how to make flint knap for wall?

@ancientcraftUK 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve never actually done any masonry or flushwork knapping before. Essentially it’s taking chunks and trimming them unifacially like a giant scraper

@youlemur Жыл бұрын

thank you for your content, and i have two questions that might give you some ideas for future videos :) what is the difference between knapping and chipping and subsequently knapped and chipped stone industry? what is the difference between blades, or bladed tools, and flaked tools? if you can make one.. thanks .)

@steveclark5357 4 ай бұрын

I too let the stone tell me what it wants to be, it just seems the way