knapped

Knapped is the past participle of knap, and in common usage describes stone that has been shaped by removing flakes. In archaeology and lithic technology, knapping refers to the deliberate shaping of lithic materials—typically flint, chert, obsidian, quartzite, or similar stone—by controlled strikes or pressure to produce tools or weapons. The characteristic result is a sharp edge formed by conchoidal fracture, along with a ridged surface showing ripple marks from flake removal.

Two broad families of knapping techniques are percussion flaking and pressure flaking. Percussion flaking uses a hammerstone or billet to strike the stone, removing large flakes and establishing the general shape of a core, blade, or tool. Indirect percussion adds a punch or intermediary tool between hammer and core to improve control. Pressure flaking applies pressure with a pointed tool (bone, antler, copper) along the edge to detach small flakes for fine retouch and edge refinement. Flake removals create platform facets and core preparation marks that archaeologists use to interpret technique and chronology.

Practiced since the Lower Paleolithic, knapping produced a range of implements, including cores, scrapers, knives, and projectile points such as arrowheads and spear points. The quality of the final edge depends on material properties, platform preparation, striking angle, and retouching. Skilled knappers plan the sequence of flake removals to minimize waste and maximize control over flake size, thinning, and edge geometry.

In modern contexts, knapping is pursued both as flintknapping—an activity in experimental archaeology—and as a hobby. Safety is important because sharp edges and airborne shards can cause injury.