About me - Mike Santiago

Hello,

My name is Mike Santiago I am 41 years old. I've been flintknapping for six years. I have always wanted to learn how to flintknap since I saw someone selling reproductions on ebay. I contacted that person, got some information and bought a book and a video on flintknapping. I was self taught for the most part since I had no one nearby to teach me. I learned from watching videos and a lot of practice. I have tried to make a point almost every day since I started. It takes time to perfect this hobby. I love making points and enjoy it when someone likes my work, it makes me feel like I have accomplished something. I collected original points for almost eighteen years that I have found in my area. I did play with some glass and a nail for many years but never had any good flint to make points from. I go to knap-ins in my area and have learned a lot from the other knappers. They are great people and will help you get started or if you have problems. I hope someday to make my own video to help others learn this craft. I use copper tools to make my points. I do use some antler. My favorite flint to work is Flint ridge from Ohio. I go and dig it myself. I do most of my work by using spalls or preforms. I do work some slabs by percussion. I try to make my points as original as possible but without the hinges. I try to keep my points as clean as I can but still get a few fingernail hinges.

I am trying to do most of my flint knapping with percussion and making a very symmetrical point with a thin tip and base and a nice taper. I do not flake over grind. On my Paleo points, I do a lot of pressure work to get the nice ribbon flaking. It takes many passes to get the effect that I want.

If there is any point type you would like me to make send me an email.

See Lithic Artists Guild Journal No. 1 page 84 for examples of my work.

Thanks for looking.
Mike Santiago

eagleeye641@verizon.net