The technique of shaping tools from cryptocrystailine or fine-grained rocks by pressing off small CONCOIDAL FLAKES by FLAKING-TOOLS of antler or bone.
removing small flakes by pressing a rounded-end tool such as an antler tine against the edge of a tool; technique used for refining the shape of a tool, resharpening blade edges, forming notches, or other tasks requiring more control than percussion flaking; resulting flake scars are usually small and narrow
Flakes are pushed off of a preform edge using pressure from an antler or copper tipped tool. A lot of times this is the final stage of stone tool making as the edge is straightened and sharpened and the final retouch is accomplished.
In lithic reduction, pressure flaking is a method of trimming the edge of a stone tool by removing small lithic flakes by pressing on the stone with a sharp instrument rather than striking it with a percussor. This method, which often uses punches made from bone or antler tines (or, among modern hobbyists, copper punches or even nails) allows a greater method of fine control than even the most careful percussive flaking. Usually, the rough piece is held clasped in the flintknapper's hand, with a durable piece of fabric or leather protecting the flintknapper's palm from the sharpness of the flakes removed.