May 4th: Introduction to Flintknapping- The Art of Making Stone Tools
Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (includes a lunch break)
Location: Rochester Folk Art Guild, 1445 Upper Hill Road, Middlesex, NY
Come and learn from Edgar Brown, a primitive technology expert, in this hands-on introduction to flintknapping—the ancient craft of making stone tools. Used for thousands of years across cultures, flintknapping transforms raw stone into practical tools like scrapers, burins, drill points, knives, and projectile points.
This workshop will cover the fundamentals of lithic technology, including:
The history and cultural significance of flintknapping
Traditional vs. modern knapping tools and techniques
The physics of fracture mechanics—understanding how stone breaks
Hands-on practice shaping stone into functional tools, including sharp projectile points
All tools and materials are provided (see what to bring section below), with an option to purchase tools from the instructor.
What to Bring:
Leather or other work gloves (required)
Eye protection (glasses or goggles) (required)
Optional: Your own flintknapping tools (basic materials will be provided)
Course Fee:
Tuition: $100 (includes materials, instruction, and lunch)
Scholarships are available for all students—email us at programs@folkartguild.org to discuss.
Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (includes a lunch break)
Location: Rochester Folk Art Guild, 1445 Upper Hill Road, Middlesex, NY
Come and learn from Edgar Brown, a primitive technology expert, in this hands-on introduction to flintknapping—the ancient craft of making stone tools. Used for thousands of years across cultures, flintknapping transforms raw stone into practical tools like scrapers, burins, drill points, knives, and projectile points.
This workshop will cover the fundamentals of lithic technology, including:
The history and cultural significance of flintknapping
Traditional vs. modern knapping tools and techniques
The physics of fracture mechanics—understanding how stone breaks
Hands-on practice shaping stone into functional tools, including sharp projectile points
All tools and materials are provided (see what to bring section below), with an option to purchase tools from the instructor.
What to Bring:
Leather or other work gloves (required)
Eye protection (glasses or goggles) (required)
Optional: Your own flintknapping tools (basic materials will be provided)
Course Fee:
Tuition: $100 (includes materials, instruction, and lunch)
Scholarships are available for all students—email us at programs@folkartguild.org to discuss.
Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (includes a lunch break)
Location: Rochester Folk Art Guild, 1445 Upper Hill Road, Middlesex, NY
Come and learn from Edgar Brown, a primitive technology expert, in this hands-on introduction to flintknapping—the ancient craft of making stone tools. Used for thousands of years across cultures, flintknapping transforms raw stone into practical tools like scrapers, burins, drill points, knives, and projectile points.
This workshop will cover the fundamentals of lithic technology, including:
The history and cultural significance of flintknapping
Traditional vs. modern knapping tools and techniques
The physics of fracture mechanics—understanding how stone breaks
Hands-on practice shaping stone into functional tools, including sharp projectile points
All tools and materials are provided (see what to bring section below), with an option to purchase tools from the instructor.
What to Bring:
Leather or other work gloves (required)
Eye protection (glasses or goggles) (required)
Optional: Your own flintknapping tools (basic materials will be provided)
Course Fee:
Tuition: $100 (includes materials, instruction, and lunch)
Scholarships are available for all students—email us at programs@folkartguild.org to discuss.
Important Safety Information:
Flintknapping involves working with sharp edges and flying stone debris. Safety will be part of the instruction, but participants must bring leather work gloves and safety glasses.
Who Should Join:
Recommended for ages 16+
Younger students may attend with parental permission
We're happy to discuss any concerns with you—please reach out to us at programs@folkartguild.org
Open to all levels—from beginner to advanced
About the Instructor: Edgar Brown
A passionate educator and practitioner of primitive technology, Edgar Brown has been flintknapping for over 30 years. He is a longtime member of the Genesee Valley Flint Knappers Association, past president of the Friends of Ganondagan State Historic Site, and a New York State certified teacher. Edgar brings a deep knowledge of historical and modern knapping techniques, making this an engaging and informative experience for all participants.