Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute

Month: November 2025

11/30/25 Shepherd’s Pie: A Comfort Food with Historic Roots

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Shepherd’s pie is a savory baked dish consisting of minced meat topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden. Its roots lie in the British Isles, where it emerged as a practical solution for households to repurpose leftover meat.
 
The term shepherd’s pie was first recorded in Scotland in 1849. It was distinguished from cottage pie by its use of lamb or mutton, reflecting the shepherd’s role in tending sheep.
Here’s a straightforward way to make it:
 
Ingredients:
1 lb ground lamb (or beef if you prefer cottage pie)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup beef or chicken broth
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp flour (to thicken)
Salt and pepper to taste
4–5 large potatoes, peeled and boiled
4 tbsp butter
½ cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar (optional, for topping)
Instructions
 
Prepare the filling:
In a large skillet, brown the ground lamb or beef. Drain excess fat.
Add onion, carrots, and garlic; cook until softened.
Stir in tomato paste, flour, Worcestershire sauce, and broth. Simmer until thickened.
Add peas, season with salt and pepper, and let it cook for a few minutes.
 
Make the mashed potatoes:
Mash boiled potatoes with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
 
Assemble the pie:
Spread the meat mixture evenly in a baking dish.
Top with mashed potatoes, spreading to cover completely.
Sprinkle cheese on top if desired.
 
Bake:
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and slightly crisp.
 
Serve:
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
 
What sparked this article? Me trying to figure out dinner tonight based on leftovers (Thanksgiving).
 
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11/30/25 Radiation Survival After a Nuclear Event: Free and Paid Medical References

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Surviving radiation after a nuclear event requires both immediate protective action and long-term medical management. Radiation exposure can cause acute radiation syndrome, internal contamination, cutaneous injuries, and delayed effects such as cancer. The first step is to seek shelter in a reinforced or underground location to minimize exposure. Decontamination is critical—removing contaminated clothing and washing exposed skin reduces radioactive particles. Medical triage should focus on early signs of acute radiation syndrome, such as nausea and vomiting within hours of exposure. Supportive care, including hydration, antibiotics, and in some cases bone marrow stimulants, may be necessary. Survivors must also be monitored for long-term health effects, including organ damage and cancer risk.

Several authoritative resources provide guidance on radiation survival and treatment:

  • Medical Management of Radiological Casualties (AFRRI Handbook) – A concise military medical guide covering acute radiation syndrome, decontamination, and treatment. Available free as a PDF.

  • Radiation Emergency Medical Management (REMM) – Developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the NIH, this is a free, open-access database with interactive tools for clinicians.

  • CDC Radiation Emergency Treatment Guide – Free resource offering clinical guidance for healthcare providers during radiation emergencies.

  • IAEA Medical Management of Radiation Injuries – A comprehensive international reference for medical personnel with detailed treatment protocols. This is a paid publication, costing approximately €57.

  • Medical Consequences of Nuclear Warfare (Borden Institute) – A U.S. Army textbook covering acute radiation syndrome, triage, and psychological effects. Available as a free digital download.

  • Mayo Clinic Guide on Radiation Sickness – Freely accessible online, offering a public medical overview of diagnosis and treatment.

Together, these resources form a critical foundation for understanding and managing radiation exposure. Free guides such as AFRRI, REMM, CDC, the Borden Institute’s textbook, and the Mayo Clinic provide accessible knowledge, while the IAEA publication offers a paid but highly detailed international perspective. By combining immediate survival steps with trusted medical references, individuals and communities can better prepare for the aftermath of a nuclear event.

11/30/25 Surviving a Nuclear Attack: Practical Steps and Resources

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The threat of nuclear attack is one of the most sobering realities of modern life. While the likelihood may seem remote, history and current global tensions remind us that preparedness is not paranoia—it is prudence. Surviving such an event requires understanding the dangers, planning ahead, and acting decisively when the unthinkable happens.

The Threats

A nuclear detonation brings multiple hazards:

  • Blast wave: The initial explosion can level buildings and cause catastrophic injuries.

  • Thermal radiation: Intense heat can ignite fires and cause severe burns miles from the blast site.

  • Fallout: Radioactive particles carried by the wind can contaminate vast areas, posing long-term health risks.

  • Infrastructure collapse: Power, water, food supply chains, and medical systems may fail, leaving survivors isolated.

How to Survive

Survival depends on immediate action:

  • Seek shelter quickly: The best protection is underground or inside a reinforced building. Basements, storm shelters, or purpose-built fallout shelters provide the greatest safety.

  • Stay put: Radiation levels are highest in the first 24–48 hours. Remaining sheltered during this period is critical.

  • Decontaminate: Remove outer clothing and wash exposed skin to reduce radiation exposure if you were outside during fallout.

  • Ration supplies: Food and water must be carefully managed to last through the dangerous period when leaving shelter is not safe.

Importance of Prevailing Wind

One of the most overlooked survival factors is the direction of prevailing wind. Fallout travels with the wind, meaning areas downwind of the blast are at greatest risk. Understanding local wind patterns can help you choose safer shelter locations and plan evacuation routes once radiation levels decline. In many regions, winds follow predictable seasonal patterns—knowledge that can save lives.

Things to Stock Up On in Advance

Preparation is the difference between desperation and resilience. Essential supplies include:

  • Water: Stored in sealed containers, enough for at least two weeks.

  • Non-perishable food: Canned goods, freeze-dried meals, and grains.

  • Medical supplies: First aid kits, potassium iodide tablets (to protect the thyroid from radioactive iodine), and basic medicines.

  • Protective gear: Respirators, gloves, and durable clothing to reduce exposure when outside.

  • Lighting and power: Flashlights, batteries, and solar chargers.

  • Communication tools: Hand-crank radios to receive emergency broadcasts.

Recommended Resources

Several guides and suppliers provide deeper knowledge and practical tools for nuclear preparedness:

  • Nuclear War Survival Skills – A classic manual offering tested techniques for shelter building, radiation measurement, and survival strategies.

  • After the Blast – Focuses on the psychological and practical realities of life after a nuclear event.

  • The Nuclear War Survival Bible for Preppers – A modern resource tailored to today’s preparedness community.

  • Nuclear War Survive Nuclear World War Three – Explores scenarios and survival tactics for large-scale nuclear conflict.

  • ReadyMadeResources – A trusted supplier of survival gear, radiation meters, and long-term food storage solutions.

 

Conclusion Surviving a nuclear attack is not about fear—it is about foresight. By understanding the threats, preparing supplies, and learning from trusted resources, individuals and families can increase their chances of enduring the unimaginable. Knowledge, preparation, and calm action are the true shields against catastrophe.

11/28/25 From Shoulder Dislocation to Restoration: The Cunningham Method in Motion

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A dislocated shoulder is a painful and often alarming injury, but in many cases, it can be treated effectively without surgery. Among the various reduction techniques, the Cunningham method stands out for its simplicity, gentleness, and reliance on the body’s natural relaxation response. This technique uses traction, muscle relaxation, and massage—particularly of the trapezius, deltoid, and biceps muscles—to guide the shoulder back into place. I was fortunate enough to learn this skill when I went through Wilderness First Responder training.
 
Understanding the Dislocation
Most shoulder dislocations are anterior, meaning the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) slips forward out of the socket. This can happen during falls, sports injuries, or sudden arm movements. The key to successful reduction is relaxing the surrounding muscles, which are often in spasm due to pain and trauma.
 
The Cunningham Technique: Step-by-Step
This method is ideal for cooperative patients and does not require sedation or forceful manipulation. Here’s how it works:
1. Positioning the Patient
• Sit the patient upright in a chair with a straight back.
• The affected arm should be adducted (resting close to the body), with the elbow bent at 90 degrees and the forearm resting on the patient’s lap or gently supported by the practitioner’s arm.
2. Establishing Calm and Comfort
• The practitioner should reassure the patient and encourage deep, slow breathing.
• A calm environment is essential. Muscle tension is the enemy of reduction.
3. Gentle Traction
• Without pulling, allow the natural weight of the practitioner’s arm (if their right shoulder is dislocated, reach across with your right hand and hook it gently in the bend of their elbow. Have them place their right hand on your right shoulder; opposite for a left shoulder dislocation) to provide light downward traction.
• No jerking or sudden movements—just steady, passive support.
4. Targeted Muscle Massage
• Begin massaging the trapezius (upper shoulder/neck area) using circular motions.
• Move to the deltoid (shoulder cap) and then to the biceps, especially the biceps brachii.
• Use a kneading motion: thumb in front, fingers behind the arm, applying firm but comfortable pressure.
• This massage helps relieve muscle spasm, which is often the main barrier to reduction.
5. The Moment of Reduction
• As the muscles relax, the humeral head may slip back into the socket without a dramatic “pop.”
• Watch for subtle signs: the shoulder contour normalizes, and the patient may feel sudden relief.
 
Why This Works
The Cunningham technique leverages the body’s own mechanics. By relaxing the muscles that are pulling the humeral head out of place, and applying gentle traction, the joint can realign naturally. It avoids the risks of forceful manipulation and is especially useful in settings without access to sedation or advanced equipment.
 
Aftercare
Once the shoulder is reduced:
• Immobilize the arm in a sling.
• Apply ice to reduce swelling.
• Refer for follow-up imaging to confirm reduction and rule out fractures.
• Begin rehabilitation within days to restore strength and prevent recurrence.
 
Why You Should Have This Knowledge
In a world where help might be hours—or days—away, knowing how to perform a shoulder reduction like the Cunningham Method can be the difference between a manageable injury and a full-blown emergency. This technique doesn’t require sedation, special tools, or brute strength—just calm, confidence, and a basic understanding of anatomy. That makes it a perfect fit for wilderness medics, preppers, outdoor guides, and anyone building a serious preparedness plan. Pair this knowledge with a compact sling, a cold pack, and a laminated instruction card, and you’ve got a shoulder rescue system that fits in your backpack. When the trail gets rough and the stakes are high, it’s not just about what you carry—its about what you know. And this is knowledge worth carrying.
 
Gear Up for Anything!
Whether you’re preparing for the unexpected or just love the outdoors, we’ve got you covered. Explore top-quality preparedness supplies, survival gear, and more at:
🌲 Sky North Outfitters
🛡️ U.S. Preparedness
Visit us at survivalschoolmichigan.com and get ready for whatever comes your way.

11/25/25 When the Sky Turns Red: Surviving a Nuclear World War III

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Imagine the unthinkable: a nuclear World War III. Not a distant nightmare, but a real, unfolding catastrophe. Cities vanish in seconds. Infrastructure collapses. The air becomes poison. And for those who survive the initial blast, a slower, invisible killer begins its work—radiation.
 
If a nuclear event were to strike the United States, the aftermath would be catastrophic. Beyond the immediate destruction, survivors would face a medical crisis unlike anything modern healthcare has ever handled. Radiation sickness, or Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS), would become the frontline battle.
 
What Radiation Sickness Looks Like
Radiation sickness doesn’t announce itself with a bang. It creeps in. Within hours to days, symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue begin. The severity depends on the absorbed dose of radiation—measured in grays (Gy). The higher the dose, the faster and more severe the symptoms.
 
What Diagnosis Hinges On
Time to vomiting: The shorter the interval post-exposure, the higher the dose.
Blood tests: A drop in white blood cells signals bone marrow damage.
Dosimetry: If available, personal dosimeters or Geiger counters help estimate exposure.
Symptom progression: Neurological symptoms, skin burns, and gastrointestinal distress indicate high-dose exposure.
 
Determining the Absorbed Dose
To assess the absorbed dose, clinicians rely on:
Exposure history: Proximity to the blast, duration of exposure.
Symptom onset: Especially vomiting and fever.
Lymphocyte depletion kinetics: Serial blood counts over 48–72 hours.
Biodosimetry: Chromosomal analysis (dicentric assay) when available.
Radiation detection tools: Survey meters and dosimeters.
This data guides triage, prognosis, and treatment.
 
Treatment: Time Is Blood
The goal is clear: stabilize, decontaminate, and treat. Here’s how:
1. Decontamination
Remove clothing: Eliminates up to 90% of external contamination.
Wash thoroughly: Use soap and lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing damaged skin.
Isolate contaminated individuals: Prevent spread to others and the environment.
2. Bone Marrow Support
Radiation destroys the marrow’s ability to produce blood cells. Without intervention, infection and bleeding become fatal.
Colony-Stimulating Factors (CSFs): Filgrastim (Neupogen), pegfilgrastim (Neulasta), and sargramostim (Leukine) stimulate white cell production.
Transfusions: Red cells and platelets as needed.
Antibiotics and antifungals: Prophylactic or therapeutic use to prevent sepsis.
3. Internal Contamination Treatment
If radioactive particles are inhaled, ingested, or enter wounds, specific agents are used:
Potassium Iodide (KI): Blocks radioactive iodine from being absorbed by the thyroid. Must be taken within hours of exposure.
Prussian Blue: Binds cesium and thallium in the gut, enhancing excretion.
DTPA (Diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid): Chelates plutonium, americium, and curium, aiding in their removal via urine.
4. Supportive Care
IV fluids: Prevent dehydration and support renal clearance.
Pain management: Especially for burns and GI symptoms.
Nutritional support: High-calorie, high-protein intake to support healing.
Psychological care: Trauma, grief, and anxiety will be rampant.
 
Preparedness Is the Only Cure
In a nuclear event, chaos will reign. Hospitals will be overwhelmed. Supplies will dwindle. The only way to survive is to prepare now—with knowledge, with stockpiles, and with a plan.
This isn’t fearmongering. It’s reality. And in that reality, the difference between life and death may come down to what you know—and what you have on hand.
 
Get gear, supplies, and more knowledge at survivalschoolmichigan.com

11/24/25 Grid-Down Medicine: The Prepper’s Guide to Stocking Life-Saving Supplies

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When the grid goes down, access to hospitals, pharmacies, and emergency services may be severely limited. Preparing now with the right medical supplies and knowledge can mean the difference between resilience and vulnerability. Stocking up is not just about having bandages—it’s about building a comprehensive medical kit and the know-how to use it.
 
Essential Medical References
Knowledge is as critical as supplies. Consider adding these trusted resources to your preparedness library:
Merck Manuals – A cornerstone of medical reference for conditions, treatments, and procedures.
Nurses’ PDRs (Physician’s Desk Reference) – Valuable for understanding medications, dosages, and side effects.
From The Shepherd’s Purse – A guide to herbal remedies and natural healing.
Where There Is No Doctor and Where There Is No Dentist – Practical manuals for medical care in austere environments.
Ragnar Benson’s medical survival books – Focused on unconventional but practical survival medicine.
Doom and Bloom (doomandbloom.net) – A website dedicated to medical preparedness, offering guides, kits, and training.
These references ensure you’re not just stocked with supplies, but also equipped with the knowledge to use them effectively.
 
Three Guidelines for Stocking Medical Supplies
1. Stock up as much as you can – In a grid-down scenario, scarcity is the rule. More is always better.
2. Rotate your supplies based on expiration date – Medications and sterile items degrade over time. Keep your stock fresh by rotating.
3. Use gauze and duct tape – Gauze has an indefinite shelf life, and duct tape is versatile for securing dressings, splints, and makeshift repairs.
 
Fish Antibiotics: A Prepper’s Secret
In a world without pharmacies, fish antibiotics have become a popular option among preparedness-minded individuals. While these are intended for aquarium use, many preppers stock them due to their similarity to human antibiotics. No prescription required. Sources include:
These outlets provide options for stocking up now, before supply chains falter.
 
Final Thoughts
Medical preparedness is not optional—it’s essential. By combining supplies, knowledge, and practical guidelines, you can safeguard your family’s health in uncertain times. Whether you’re building a small kit or a full medical cache, start today. Disclaimer-This article is for informational purposes only and does not amount to medical advice. I am no doctor. The information is for a worst case, grid down scenario (or what I call the future).
 
Subscribe, stick around, and join the growing APSI family. Come on out and train in the wild. I look forward to hearing your story around my campfire. Stay prepared, stay informed, and stay resilient.
 
For first aid supplies and survival kits, training and more articles, check out survivalschoolmichigan.com

11/20/25 Stories of Survival: Hugh Glass-The Man Who Crawled Out of His Own Grave

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In the raw, merciless wilderness of early 1800s America, where nature didn’t care who you were or how tough you thought you were, one man proved that survival isn’t about strength—it’s about mindset. His name was Hugh Glass, and his story is a masterclass in grit, willpower, and the unshakable belief that you don’t quit, no matter what.
Glass wasn’t born into legend. He earned it the hard way. Born around 1783, he lived a life full of mystery and danger long before he became famous. Some say he was captured by pirates. Others claim he lived among the Pawnee. But in 1823, he signed on with a fur-trading expedition heading deep into the wilds of the Missouri River basin. That’s where his real story began.
While scouting near what’s now Lemmon, South Dakota, Glass was mauled by a grizzly bear. The attack was brutal—his leg was broken, his scalp torn, his throat punctured, and his back shredded. Hugh Glass and his companions killed the bear, but they were sure Glass would not survive. Two men, John Fitzgerald and 19-year-old Jim Bridger, were ordered to stay with him until he died. But after a few days, they panicked. They took his rifle, his knife, and all his gear. They then buried him in a shallow grave and left him for dead.
But Hugh Glass didn’t die. He crawled his way out of his own grave, before dragging his shattered body across more than 200 miles of hostile terrain to reach Fort Kiowa. No food. No weapons. No help. Just raw determination. He survived on berries, roots, and scavenged meat. He set his own broken leg. He let maggots clean his wounds to stop infection. He crawled, limped, and willed himself forward.
That’s the power of mindset. Glass wasn’t superhuman. He was just a man who refused to give up. He didn’t survive because he was lucky—he survived because he decided to. In the face of betrayal, pain, and impossible odds, he kept moving. That’s what separates those who make it from those who don’t. In survival, your body will break. Your mind can’t.
When he finally reached safety, he didn’t rest. He went after the men who left him behind. He found Bridger and forgave him. Fitzgerald had joined the army and was out of reach. Some say Glass let it go. Others say he had no choice. Either way, he lived by his own code.
Glass returned to the frontier, wounded again in another fight, and eventually killed in 1833 during a clash with Native Americans near Fort Cass, Montana. But by then, his legend was already carved into the American wilderness.
Hugh Glass’s story has been told and retold, from frontier campfires to Hollywood. The Revenant (2015) brought his ordeal to the big screen, but no film can fully capture what he endured. Because this wasn’t just a story of survival—it was a story of mindset.
When everything is stripped away—your tools, your strength, your allies—what’s left is your will. Hugh Glass proved that if your mind is strong enough, your body will follow. He didn’t just survive. He overcame. And that’s what makes him a legend.
Today, a monument stands near the site of his bear mauling by Shadehill Reservoir in South Dakota, a silent tribute to a man who crawled through hell and lived to tell the tale.

11/19/25 One Year, One Person, One Chance: The Ultimate Dry Goods Survival List

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When the lights go out and the trucks stop rolling, it’s too late to wonder what you should’ve stocked. In a world where the rule of law collapses and survival becomes a daily fight, food isn’t just sustenance—it’s power, leverage, and life itself. This isn’t about comfort. It’s about calories, shelf life, and the cold math of staying alive. Below is the breakdown—one person, one year, no second chances:
 
Staple Carbohydrates (Energy Base)
White rice – 60 lbs
Pasta – 40 lbs
Rolled oats – 30 lbs
Flour (white) – 60 lbs
Cornmeal – 20 lbs
Instant potatoes – 15 lbs
Dry beans (variety) – 60 lbs
Lentils – 20 lbs
Sugar (white or brown) – 60 lbs
Honey or molasses (optional) – 10 lbs
 
Protein Sources
Powdered milk – 20 lbs
Powdered eggs – 6 lbs
Peanut butter powder – 10 lbs
TVP or freeze-dried meat – 10–15 lbs
Protein powder – 5–10 lbs
Jerky (vacuum-sealed) – 5 lbs (optional)
 
Fruits & Vegetables (Dehydrated or Freeze-Dried)
Dehydrated vegetables – 20–30 lbs
Freeze-dried fruits – 15–20 lbs
Tomato powder – 5 lbs
Potato flakes – 10 lbs
Dried mushrooms – 2–3 lbs
 
Baking & Cooking Essentials
Salt – 10 lbs
Baking soda – 2 lbs
Baking powder – 2 lbs
Yeast (vacuum-sealed) – 1 lb
Vinegar powder – 1–2 lbs
Spices (total) – 5 lbs
Bouillon cubes/powder – 2–3 lbs
 
Drink Mixes
Instant coffee/tea – 2–5 lbs
Electrolyte powder – 2–3 lbs
Powdered juice (Tang, etc.) – 5 lbs
Hot cocoa mix – 5 lbs
 
Miscellaneous
Hardtack or pilot bread – 10 lbs
Ramen noodles – 20 packs
Dry soup mixes – 10–15 lbs
Pancake/biscuit mix – 20 lbs
Mylar bags + oxygen absorbers – for repackaging
Manual grain mill – if storing whole wheat or corn
 
This setup gives you around 750–850 lbs of food per person per year, which is a solid baseline for long-term survival. You can adjust based on dietary needs, climate, or physical activity level.
Learn more and shop survival food and emergency kits at survivalschoolmichigan.com

11/18/25 The Day The Internet Died

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The Day the Internet Died
 
It started with silence. A few apps refused to load. A few websites blinked out. Then, like a spreading blackout, the collapse consumed everything. Cloudflare — the unseen backbone of the modern web — had fallen. And with it, the world’s digital lifeline snapped.
 
Spotify went mute. Uber drivers sat idle, their maps frozen. Social networks dissolved into static. Even the systems designed to track outages were swallowed by the void. For hours, humanity stared into the abyss of a world without the internet.
 
The Fragile Empire
We were told the internet was a decentralized marvel, a web too vast to fail. That was a lie. The truth is darker: a handful of companies hold the keys, and when one stumbles, billions are dragged down.
 
One bug in Cloudflare’s systems was enough to fracture the illusion. The outage wasn’t an attack. It wasn’t sabotage. It was worse — proof that the empire we’ve built is fragile, brittle, and terrifyingly easy to break.
 
The Dominoes Waiting to Fall
This was only a glimpse. Imagine if the blackout had lasted days instead of hours.
Stock markets frozen, unable to trade.
Hospitals cut off from critical systems.
Supply chains paralyzed, food and medicine trapped in limbo.
Governments unable to communicate with their citizens.
 
The outage was short-lived, but it revealed the nightmare scenario: the internet is not eternal. It is a tower of cards, and the collapse has already begun.
 
The Beginning of the End?
Next time, it might not be a bug. It could be sabotage. It could be war. It could last longer. And when it does, the blackout won’t just silence your favorite apps — it could silence the world itself.
 
The Cloudflare outage wasn’t just a warning. It was a prophecy. The day the internet truly dies, civilization as we know it will go with it.
 
Want to prepare for the grid going down? Dig into survivalschoolmichigan.com for information, training, and preparedness supplies.

11/18/25 Flintknapping Glass

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Flintknapping Glass — Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute
 
“Working glass is both a challenge and a joy. At Arcturus, we teach that patience, clean strikes, and good habits are the foundation of every successful knapper. Don’t expect perfection at first—expect to break a lot until your hands learn the rhythm of conchoidal fracture.”
 
Safety First
“Glass is unforgiving. Protect your eyes with wraparound safety glasses, and your hands with snug leather gloves. Long sleeves and sturdy shoes are non-negotiable. Glass throws razor flakes and dust—so wear a mask and work outdoors or in good ventilation. Respect the material, and it will respect you.”
 
Choosing Your Glass
“Start with bottle bottoms, cullet, or slag glass. These are affordable and predictable. Avoid tempered or laminated glass—it won’t fracture the way you need it to. A clean, slightly convex blank is your best friend.”
 
Tools of the Trade
“Your billet is your voice. Use antler or copper for soft percussion, and a smooth stone if you need to spall off larger pieces. For refinement, a copper-tipped pressure flaker or antler tine will let you shape and sharpen edges. Always abrade your platforms—strong edges make strong flakes.”
 
Preparing the Blank
“Detach the bottle bottom cleanly, then strike near the edge to create palm-sized spalls. Aim for 6–10 mm thickness. Look for convexity and avoid flaws. A good blank sets the stage for everything that follows.”
 
Core Techniques
• Platform prep: “Grind the edge until it’s dull and sturdy. Keep your platform angle around 60–70°. This is where flakes are born.”
• Percussion reduction: “Strike lightly, just inside the edge, with inward-and-down energy. Let the flakes run across the face.”
• Pressure flaking: “Seat your tool slightly inboard, push and snap downward. This is how you refine symmetry and sharpen edges.”
 
Making a Simple Arrowhead
1. Square and abrade the edge — “Strong platforms are the key to reliable flakes.”
2. Form a bifacial preform — “Alternate faces, keep it lens-shaped, thin to 4–6 mm.”
3. Outline the triangle — “Nibble with pressure flakes, keep both faces convex.”
4. Thin the midline — “Use soft billets sparingly; stop when flakes run clean.”
5. Refine edges and symmetry — “Alternate pressure flaking, abrade often, keep the edge centered.”
6. Shape the base and notches — “Square the base, notch with careful pressure. Balance is everything.”
7. Final sharpening — “A few gentle flakes give you a keen edge. Don’t overwork—glass is quick to chip.”
 
Troubleshooting
• Hinge fractures: “You struck too close or on a weak platform. Build convexity, abrade more, strike inward.”
• Crushed platforms: “Your edge was too sharp or thin. Grind heavier, use a softer billet, lighten your strikes.”
• Overshots/snaps: “Too much force or too thin a midline. Ease up, preserve thickness, keep faces domed.”
 
Practice Wisdom
“Start with larger blanks—they forgive mistakes. Watch experienced hands, mimic their rhythm, and take notes on your own strikes. When flakes stop running, don’t force it—re-prep your platforms. Flintknapping is a dialogue with the stone or glass. Listen carefully, and it will teach you.”
 
“I am practicing this ancient art, and like you, am merely a student forever seeking to hone my skills. Hopefully I will see you in the wild!”
 
Contact us if you have additional questions about a class! [email protected]
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