Obsidian

[John T <dunetraveller@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

* Follow-up to message from: AWeinfeld
* Original date (y/m/d) was: 2000/11/27
* Original subject was: Obsidian

Hello,
  My information comes from flintknappers who
have all worked many years with obsidian. It
is amorphous material, and it fractures
between the molecules itself. The edge of a
feathered flake has an edge only a few
molecules think, thus much sharper than any
razor edge. Be careful when striking the
material as flakes can fly in any direction!
The knappers know to control the direction of
where a flake goes by trapping it in place
using leather pads and proper holding
technique, and pressure to keep the flake from
being driven completely through ones leg, arm,
shoe, etc. The sheer randomness of flakes
flying razor sharp would give any knapper
pause, so please be warned. Be safe rather
than sorry.  John T.