Justin Eldridge
The Beginning
My name is Ronnie J Hazlett II, I am a little known knapper out of central Kentucky. I've spent most of my life in Kentucky;
living, working, and going to school. In late 2002 at the age of 22, I began my knapping quest. Without the limitations that
a steady profession provides (i.e. I was unemployed), I was able to devote almost all of my time to knapping (in some
cases too much time). Locating an online source, I found out about the Clinch River Knap-In, which takes place in Lenior
City, Tn. There I met several knappers, who have since then become some of my dearest friends; guys with names like
Bracken, Hurd, Price, Moreland, Faxon, and several others. All of these veteran knappers were eager to help.
What Kept Me Goining
With a D.C. Waldorf book and video, my first set of tools (purchased at the Clinch River Knap-In from some guy named
Ilene), some small and chunky, but workable pieces of carter cave flint, and with an abundant amount of newly acquired
motivation, I began to mold my craft. It would not be long until the points began to get thinner and wider, oppose to fatter
and narrower. By traveling to many knap-ins (many of which I drug my mom to **thanks mom, I Love you**) and trying to
soak in all knowledge I could, by watching over other knapper's shoulders, I gradually began to progress. It was at about
this same time, through a crazy third party (Dennis knows who I mean), I met Dennis Kerns. Though Dennis had not been
knapping seriously for very long, his friendship was key to shaping the attitude in which I looked at flintknapping. Dennis
taught me that there was more to it than making points, there was a history to the arrowheads, and reasons for how and
why they were made like they were. (Dennis, the part about you shaping my attitude still holds true today, and thanks for
all the encouragement.)
Gaining Experience and Stories
The time between then and know is fill with many knapping stories. I have been to many knap-ins and chipped with a
variety of knappers which have greatly influenced me. I have spent time knapping with the guys that have hidden in the
shadows, Dale Cross and Gil Chumbley (Gil, if you read this, thanks for coming out to many of the recent knap-ins. I truly
appreciate your skill and the conversations we have had). I have also had the chance to knap with Woody Blackwell,
and have probably broke the ringer on Woody's home phone, calling with questions. There is no doubt I have filled up his
email inbox with questions. (Woody, thanks for the help, and for delivering some KR to me in Ky. What you do with a nub
of copper is amazing. I'll always keep the Carter Ross points you made for me. One to remind me that there is no limit to
thinness and skill, and the other to remind me that even the top knappers break a few. gg. This sure makes me focus, but
keeps it all in prospective. Thanks Woody). Another knapper I have gotten to be good friends with over the last couple
years is Tim Dillard. I have had the pleasure of chipping with him several times, visiting him in Illinois, setting up
together at Flint Ridge with Dennis, having him crash on my couch in Ky, and us shooting countless games of pool
together all over the country. Dillard has been a good friend, and always helpful when I had a question, but I always try to
ask those questions when he is not working on a point. (Tim, thanks for the help with my antler questions, there is no
doubt you are a master at what you do. I'm sure going to hang on to those Turkey Tails you made for me, in my tiny
Lexington backyard with the sirens and the city distractions all around. Let's shoot some pool some time, I'll let you have
a chance to win your money back. gg). Along with these guys there have been many others that are great knappers that I
have talked to, many of those have become my friends (I could never name them all...)
kentuckyknappers.com, How the Partners Met
It is also important that I mention something about the other part of the kentuckyknappers.com's dynamic duo, Justin
Eldridge. I had talked with Justin, in passing, at a few previous knap-in's, but it was not until Tom Talley and I attended
Spring Flint Ridge in 2005, that I got to know Justin, and his wife Britney. (It would not be until later that I found out that he
had another female in his life, the super smart dog actor, Moxie.) It was apparent right away that they were great people.
Now they probably wish they had not talked to me, because I keep their spare bedroom pretty tied up. (Justin, I'll pay you
that rent I owe you as soon as I can. gg). They are great friends and I am looking forward to spending some more time
with them this year on the knapping circuit.
The Bio Continues
Getting back to my lengthy, quasi knapping biography, ......as of December of 2006 and into the present I have recently
graduated from the University of Kentucky with a B.A. in History and a B.A. in Classics. What does this mean... nothing
really, other than now I have two pieces of paper with matching University of Kentucky logos, and a huge student loan.
My future plans are directed toward law school, but for now I lucked into a lithics analysis job at the University of
Kentucky's Archaeology Department. What does this mean... not much either, other than I get to look at a lot of abo
debitage, oppose to my own modern debitage, and get paid by the hour to do it. In my off time, working along with Justin, I
am hoping we can turn this site into something useful, not only to ourselves, but to you reading this, current knappers, and
those future knappers to come.
Special Thanks
I want to further thank all those mentioned in this bio ( and many who are not) for helping me develop my current knapping
skills ("skills", used here as a loose term). I want to also thank my mom for coming with me on several knap-in trips. I
do now, and I will always, cherished those memories. Also, thanks to my dad for traveling with me to my first knap-in at
the Cross Eyed Cricket, I'll probably remember seeing that 6 pointer just before we pull into the turn off, for years to
come. I Love you guys. Mary Ann, I could never leave you out sis, thanks for collecting my early work, someday I'll
replace those paper weight points with Sweet Water Bifaces. To all the blue birds out there flying with crippled wings and
with dead worms in their mouths. Lastly, but certainly, not least, I would like to thank God for giving me the life he has.
He has given me not only the desire, skills, and positive friends around me, but also He has placed me in a life that
allows for such luxuries. Thank you.
Early Buyer Thanks
Without giving away too many of my outlets for my work (I know other knappers are always looking for potential buyers), I
want to thank all those people who bought my early work, especially those who knew me when I used to knap in
McKinney on the porch of my old house. K.M. & K.M, J.C., M.H, L.J., if you guys are reading this, you know who you are...
thanks. Two other guys I would like to mention, along with buying many of my early points, have become two of my
closest friends, Mark West and Ducker Tully. Along with helping support my college fund, you help me stay on course, try
to produce better points. Thanks. Still want you to know I do not like to put a bevel on a point!
More Special Thanks
I want to thank all of you for taking the time to view the site. If you see me at a knap-in or have question via email, do not
hesitate to ask.
What Is My Tool Kit Made Up Of?
Items and their discriptions of use.
Other Extras you may want to consider....
My name is Ronnie J Hazlett II, I am a little known knapper out of central Kentucky. I've spent most of my life in Kentucky;
living, working, and going to school. In late 2002 at the age of 22, I began my knapping quest. Without the limitations that
a steady profession provides (i.e. I was unemployed), I was able to devote almost all of my time to knapping (in some
cases too much time). Locating an online source, I found out about the Clinch River Knap-In, which takes place in Lenior
City, Tn. There I met several knappers, who have since then become some of my dearest friends; guys with names like
Bracken, Hurd, Price, Moreland, Faxon, and several others. All of these veteran knappers were eager to help.
What Kept Me Goining
With a D.C. Waldorf book and video, my first set of tools (purchased at the Clinch River Knap-In from some guy named
Ilene), some small and chunky, but workable pieces of carter cave flint, and with an abundant amount of newly acquired
motivation, I began to mold my craft. It would not be long until the points began to get thinner and wider, oppose to fatter
and narrower. By traveling to many knap-ins (many of which I drug my mom to **thanks mom, I Love you**) and trying to
soak in all knowledge I could, by watching over other knapper's shoulders, I gradually began to progress. It was at about
this same time, through a crazy third party (Dennis knows who I mean), I met Dennis Kerns. Though Dennis had not been
knapping seriously for very long, his friendship was key to shaping the attitude in which I looked at flintknapping. Dennis
taught me that there was more to it than making points, there was a history to the arrowheads, and reasons for how and
why they were made like they were. (Dennis, the part about you shaping my attitude still holds true today, and thanks for
all the encouragement.)
Gaining Experience and Stories
The time between then and know is fill with many knapping stories. I have been to many knap-ins and chipped with a
variety of knappers which have greatly influenced me. I have spent time knapping with the guys that have hidden in the
shadows, Dale Cross and Gil Chumbley (Gil, if you read this, thanks for coming out to many of the recent knap-ins. I truly
appreciate your skill and the conversations we have had). I have also had the chance to knap with Woody Blackwell,
and have probably broke the ringer on Woody's home phone, calling with questions. There is no doubt I have filled up his
email inbox with questions. (Woody, thanks for the help, and for delivering some KR to me in Ky. What you do with a nub
of copper is amazing. I'll always keep the Carter Ross points you made for me. One to remind me that there is no limit to
thinness and skill, and the other to remind me that even the top knappers break a few. gg. This sure makes me focus, but
keeps it all in prospective. Thanks Woody). Another knapper I have gotten to be good friends with over the last couple
years is Tim Dillard. I have had the pleasure of chipping with him several times, visiting him in Illinois, setting up
together at Flint Ridge with Dennis, having him crash on my couch in Ky, and us shooting countless games of pool
together all over the country. Dillard has been a good friend, and always helpful when I had a question, but I always try to
ask those questions when he is not working on a point. (Tim, thanks for the help with my antler questions, there is no
doubt you are a master at what you do. I'm sure going to hang on to those Turkey Tails you made for me, in my tiny
Lexington backyard with the sirens and the city distractions all around. Let's shoot some pool some time, I'll let you have
a chance to win your money back. gg). Along with these guys there have been many others that are great knappers that I
have talked to, many of those have become my friends (I could never name them all...)
kentuckyknappers.com, How the Partners Met
It is also important that I mention something about the other part of the kentuckyknappers.com's dynamic duo, Justin
Eldridge. I had talked with Justin, in passing, at a few previous knap-in's, but it was not until Tom Talley and I attended
Spring Flint Ridge in 2005, that I got to know Justin, and his wife Britney. (It would not be until later that I found out that he
had another female in his life, the super smart dog actor, Moxie.) It was apparent right away that they were great people.
Now they probably wish they had not talked to me, because I keep their spare bedroom pretty tied up. (Justin, I'll pay you
that rent I owe you as soon as I can. gg). They are great friends and I am looking forward to spending some more time
with them this year on the knapping circuit.
The Bio Continues
Getting back to my lengthy, quasi knapping biography, ......as of December of 2006 and into the present I have recently
graduated from the University of Kentucky with a B.A. in History and a B.A. in Classics. What does this mean... nothing
really, other than now I have two pieces of paper with matching University of Kentucky logos, and a huge student loan.
My future plans are directed toward law school, but for now I lucked into a lithics analysis job at the University of
Kentucky's Archaeology Department. What does this mean... not much either, other than I get to look at a lot of abo
debitage, oppose to my own modern debitage, and get paid by the hour to do it. In my off time, working along with Justin, I
am hoping we can turn this site into something useful, not only to ourselves, but to you reading this, current knappers, and
those future knappers to come.
Special Thanks
I want to further thank all those mentioned in this bio ( and many who are not) for helping me develop my current knapping
skills ("skills", used here as a loose term). I want to also thank my mom for coming with me on several knap-in trips. I
do now, and I will always, cherished those memories. Also, thanks to my dad for traveling with me to my first knap-in at
the Cross Eyed Cricket, I'll probably remember seeing that 6 pointer just before we pull into the turn off, for years to
come. I Love you guys. Mary Ann, I could never leave you out sis, thanks for collecting my early work, someday I'll
replace those paper weight points with Sweet Water Bifaces. To all the blue birds out there flying with crippled wings and
with dead worms in their mouths. Lastly, but certainly, not least, I would like to thank God for giving me the life he has.
He has given me not only the desire, skills, and positive friends around me, but also He has placed me in a life that
allows for such luxuries. Thank you.
Early Buyer Thanks
Without giving away too many of my outlets for my work (I know other knappers are always looking for potential buyers), I
want to thank all those people who bought my early work, especially those who knew me when I used to knap in
McKinney on the porch of my old house. K.M. & K.M, J.C., M.H, L.J., if you guys are reading this, you know who you are...
thanks. Two other guys I would like to mention, along with buying many of my early points, have become two of my
closest friends, Mark West and Ducker Tully. Along with helping support my college fund, you help me stay on course, try
to produce better points. Thanks. Still want you to know I do not like to put a bevel on a point!
More Special Thanks
I want to thank all of you for taking the time to view the site. If you see me at a knap-in or have question via email, do not
hesitate to ask.
What Is My Tool Kit Made Up Of?
Items and their discriptions of use.
- 35lbs. dumbell----used for spalling
- Red dot cue ball----used for early hammerstone work.
- Wal-Mart Bags----used as a lap pad. Must be gathered in several hundreds before they are effective. I would
suggest, the self check out line, so you can get them pre-flattened. - Distilled Water----used in the pressure flaking process. Apply the water to a heated area of the point to produce
the desired pressure flaked pattern. This can be very tricky to do. Using a small, hand-held propane torch you
can heat a desired area to be flaked, and the apply Minuit amount of distilled water (Disani also works very well,
but may not be able to produce as long of a flake due to water impurities. The method of dripping the water onto
the point will have to be experimental, and is usually different from knapper to knapper. I would how ever
suggest using a syringe for the small flakes and making pine tree type serrations. - A roll of 53 Pennies----used for percussion. Super clued, in a rolled fashion. I found that the regular roll of 50
cents was just a little lite for my liking. - Marshmellows----when compressed and allowed to season (or stale) for a period of about 6 months, they make an
excellent percussion billet. You can form them to any size needed for your tool kit. Their ability to take off thin
antler billet type chips from flint is remarkable, and they are much more cost efficient. That is if you can wait for
them to cure without eating them first. - Bonsi Tree Wood billet---used in the percussion stage. These type wood billets are almost as scarce as ivory, but
they produce about the same style of flakes. Also they are usually only used for finishing billets, due to their small
size. - 22. Cal Rifle----used to flute clovis, cumberland, and folsom points. Keep in mind you will need a strong nipple
and accurate aim for this process to work. I also suggest using 22 shorts, you tend to get too many overshot
breaks with 22 long rifle rounds. Remarkably, I have the success ratio up to 2 out of 100. Once it worked #99,
and on #100 I missed (with my last round) on a clovis and ended up leaving it as an agate basin, so I called this
one a success too. - Butterknife----used in the notching process. Having the blade portion dipped into crushed diamonds allows you to
notch through the thickest of points, as easy as cutting through butter.
Other Extras you may want to consider....
- Old VHS cassette cases, for storing points. And if you are in Tim and Woody's class, you can use a more modern
DVD case. - Dye kit--used on Johnstone and poor quality Burlington to enhance color scheme. This will allow you to alter the
stones color, but not consistency, to emulate breathtaking Flint Ridge, or an old Ty Dye shirt. - 74 Honda Gold Wing Bug Shield--because safety is paramount. You can adhere this to your chest, somehow, to
keep the flakes from getting into your eyes. Alternate years can be used, but try to keep it in the mid to late 70s
era for best results.
| The Kentucky Knappers |
| Hazlett |
Ronnie Hazlett II
Who is this guy? Want to know a little about his knapping history? Tool
choice? Better be sure... ...it is king of a long read.
choice? Better be sure... ...it is king of a long read.
| Eldridge The other mastermind. |
What I Do When I Am Not Knapping.
I currently install pools for Clearwater fiberglass pools and spas.
What Sparked My Knapping Interest?
Growing up in the hills of Kentucky (far enough from the city to matter), when most were dating, drinking, smoking, and
gaming, my best friend was a creek near my parents’ house. It provided me with enough relics, fish, and flint to keep me out
of trouble.
My stepfather, Dale Farris, planted the initial seed for relic hunting and for flintknapping. After that it seemed to grow into
an addiction. Then, one day in the early 1990’s, I saw a man walking in the creek by the house. He was short in stature and
he was wearing a funny little hat. His name was Joel Robinson. Joel introduced Dale and me to the world of knappers and
knap-ins. My first knap-in and initiation to the Ooga Booga clan happened at Robbie Robinson’s house, which is Joel's
father.
My First Tools, Knap-in, and People I met:
My knapping started out very primitive with just a hammer stone and an antler tine. I have since graduated to a toolbox full
of crap: round stock copper, copper pressure flakers, a copper bopper for fluting, and for my percussion, a one inch flat
stock copper speed bar. But don’t get it twisted, I can still make them with stone and bone, just not as quick.
I have met many people and friends over the years that have guided me in my knapping: Dale for the seed, Joel for the
confidence and for letting me beat up his good rock, Redfern for help in notching, and Ed Moreland for the secret of
fluting.
Outside of my teaching there are just too many to mention. Of course an honorable mention for my colleague, Ronnie
Hazlett who I think next year I’ll claim on my taxes. The Ma and Pa of the knap-ins, Joe and Ann Price (r.i.p. ma, you will
be greatly missed). Through the Prices’ we have met another good friend MexiMike Arguello and his family. Last, but
certainly not least my wife Brittany, who has always accepted me for the weird person that I am.
Current Knapping Goals
My goal in flintknapping is the same as everyone’s; to get better and do what others have done for me, as well as, pass on
the knowledge, tricks, and friendship.
Future Plans
Within this site, Ronnie and I hope to create a friendly site that everyone can use easily, gain knowledge that they can
profit from.
Experimental Projects in The Works
I am currently working, with the people at Hasbro, to develop a miniature rock kiln, which can be used for heat treating
small amounts of rock. It is based very closely to their other product, the Easy-Bake-Oven. They plan to market it with small
amounts of Novaculite and Brazilian agates. Their early plan was to simply repackage the Easy-Bake-Ovens, but I
confronted them with the problems I had with my own Easy-Bake, and its inability to reach the higher temps.
My second project is based on the old myth of chipping stone points using heat and water. I am making great progress by
using only pure distilled water, and applying specific amounts of water using the left wing feathers of the Colonelangus
bird, which has been said to have recently drifted into extinction. Facts and finding of this on going project may not see
publication for several years. But feel free to bring it up at a knap-in for discussion.
I currently install pools for Clearwater fiberglass pools and spas.
What Sparked My Knapping Interest?
Growing up in the hills of Kentucky (far enough from the city to matter), when most were dating, drinking, smoking, and
gaming, my best friend was a creek near my parents’ house. It provided me with enough relics, fish, and flint to keep me out
of trouble.
My stepfather, Dale Farris, planted the initial seed for relic hunting and for flintknapping. After that it seemed to grow into
an addiction. Then, one day in the early 1990’s, I saw a man walking in the creek by the house. He was short in stature and
he was wearing a funny little hat. His name was Joel Robinson. Joel introduced Dale and me to the world of knappers and
knap-ins. My first knap-in and initiation to the Ooga Booga clan happened at Robbie Robinson’s house, which is Joel's
father.
My First Tools, Knap-in, and People I met:
My knapping started out very primitive with just a hammer stone and an antler tine. I have since graduated to a toolbox full
of crap: round stock copper, copper pressure flakers, a copper bopper for fluting, and for my percussion, a one inch flat
stock copper speed bar. But don’t get it twisted, I can still make them with stone and bone, just not as quick.
I have met many people and friends over the years that have guided me in my knapping: Dale for the seed, Joel for the
confidence and for letting me beat up his good rock, Redfern for help in notching, and Ed Moreland for the secret of
fluting.
Outside of my teaching there are just too many to mention. Of course an honorable mention for my colleague, Ronnie
Hazlett who I think next year I’ll claim on my taxes. The Ma and Pa of the knap-ins, Joe and Ann Price (r.i.p. ma, you will
be greatly missed). Through the Prices’ we have met another good friend MexiMike Arguello and his family. Last, but
certainly not least my wife Brittany, who has always accepted me for the weird person that I am.
Current Knapping Goals
My goal in flintknapping is the same as everyone’s; to get better and do what others have done for me, as well as, pass on
the knowledge, tricks, and friendship.
Future Plans
Within this site, Ronnie and I hope to create a friendly site that everyone can use easily, gain knowledge that they can
profit from.
Experimental Projects in The Works
I am currently working, with the people at Hasbro, to develop a miniature rock kiln, which can be used for heat treating
small amounts of rock. It is based very closely to their other product, the Easy-Bake-Oven. They plan to market it with small
amounts of Novaculite and Brazilian agates. Their early plan was to simply repackage the Easy-Bake-Ovens, but I
confronted them with the problems I had with my own Easy-Bake, and its inability to reach the higher temps.
My second project is based on the old myth of chipping stone points using heat and water. I am making great progress by
using only pure distilled water, and applying specific amounts of water using the left wing feathers of the Colonelangus
bird, which has been said to have recently drifted into extinction. Facts and finding of this on going project may not see
publication for several years. But feel free to bring it up at a knap-in for discussion.
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| One of the masterminds behind, The Kentucky Knappers. |
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