The Knap

A knap, often called a knapping skill or technique, is the process of shaping stone tools by carefully striking or pressing rocks like flint or obsidian to create sharp edges. This ancient method was used by early humans to make tools such as arrowheads, scrapers, and knives. The process involves understanding how different stones fracture and applying precise force to produce desired shapes and sharpness. Knap techniques require skill and experience, as the goal is to create effective, durable tools from raw stone through controlled fractures.