personal knapping | McLean Design

quartz wonder full

I thoroughly enjoy flintknapping, on many levels. The challenge, the tranquility, the joy people express when they receive one of my pieces, and almost as much as any of it, the treasure hunt—for stone and what lies within.

Such is the case with this wonderful crystal inclusion. Usually these hinder the transfer of energy and often times force the biface to break. But not this day! Not this Lost Lake...this day, I won!!

On the following pages are just a smidgeon of what I've created over the last 14 years, and I'll update periodically, so check back. None of these pieces are for sale, however, I do work on consignment. So if there's something you'd like, shoot me an email. And of course, if you haven't checked it out yet, don't miss the 2012 calendar!

Enjoy!

imperial cross

I enjoy making crosses, on many levels. The significance of them, the joy people receive in wearing them, and the challenge involved in making them. To date I've made several hundred. I wish I'd kept count... but alas, I haven't. This is perhaps the finest one I've made to date, fashioned from an outstanding piece of Mexican Imperial Jasper. This one goes to the grave with me...unless Pat or the kids want it.

grass clovis

I stumbled across this material a couple of years ago (THANKS DAVE!!!). It's petrified grass from Madagascar. BTW, in case you don't know, Madagascar has some amazing material! I was thrilled to be able to pull this 6 1/2" Clovis from it's clutches.

calf bone handled knife

This creation is made from a calf leg bone using Flint RIver flint for the blade. I love the way the calf bone allows a blade to socket, it's such a clean, purposeful transition. Of course, the calves hate it.

novaculite cross

Made this one earlier this year for a friend. Don't you just love the orb in the arm? Novaculite is such fun material to work. I was pleased as punch with the outcome of this one.

obsidian knife

This knife is made using a deer antler leg bone and translucent Midnight Lace obsidian. I'm not a huge fan of obsidian, mainly because it encourages my blood to stay on the wrong side of the skin, but was fairly satisfied on this day.

pierson dalton

This image shows some of my favorite material, Pierson chert, found locally here in the Ozarks. Laying in the middle is work in process with an inset showing a Dalton made from one of the spalls. I can't get enough of this material, literally. I just love it!

india dalton

India jasper is some of the prettiest material out there. And worked perfectly for this Dalton.

anltler handled knife

Whitetail deer antler handle married with midnight lace obsidian blade.

novaculite lost lake

Here's a great example of what can be done with punch notching. This Lost Lake is made from Novaculite from Hot Springs, AR.

point in stone

Here's a fun one.... a point in stone. These are actually quite tricky to make, having a very awkward chuck of stone in your palm as you try to work out the detailed pressure flaking. This one is made from Camo Reeds Spring chert.