Paleo Tech Club

The Paleo Tech Club meets every month at a public park in Austin. We practice flintknapping, woodworking, basketry, traditional archery manufacturing, weaving, pottery, cordage, fire-making, or whatever you enjoy working on that is Paleolithic technology / primitive skills. It is also an opportunity to learn from others, even for complete beginners. It is totally free and open to the public.

This is how I learned flintknapping and other primitive skills: from some greats (Dino Labiste, Ken Peek, & Dick Baugh) hosting free public meetings. It is now my turn to host these events.

There are many skilled Paleo tech practitioners in Austin. I am probably only an expert in flintknapping but dabble in many others. In the Paleolithic period, people learned skills by watching and imitating others. They also valued community. Let’s bring that back.
I will bring one large canvas cloth to catch flintknapping debris. I always have some extra rock, tools, and safety gear if newbies need it, but other than that, bring your own supplies!

A chair, bucket, or something is recommended to avoid sitting on flakes if you plan on knapping. Long pants, closed-toe shoes, gloves (I like gardening gloves), and, most of all, eye protection are the recommended safety gear for flintknapping. I usually have extra gloves and safety glasses. Flintknapping is inherently dangerous, and all participants agree to take part at their own risk of injury, including possible severe injury. After many years of knapping, I still commonly get cuts and bruises. I take no responsibility for injuries or damages occurred as a result of attending these events.

UPCOMING CLUB MEETINGS:
January 11th, 2 PM, Roy G. Guerrero Park, Austin, TX.

Theme: fire-starting. I'll be working on a new bow-drill set. If you want to make one, try bringing a sotol, yucca, or agave stalk, a curved branch, some cordage, a low-friction cupped tool like a shell, and some juniper bark. We'll also be flintknapping as usual or any other Paleo project.

LOCATION:
Take your first right upon entrance. The meeting spot is around 30.2444, -97.6980. The closest address for navigation is 600 Grove Blvd, Austin, TX 78741 (park entrance). But continue after that, take your first right, and park in the lot or on the street. The spot may change slightly if I show up and that area is already occupied, but it will be in the visible vicinity. Look for the large canvas dropcloth on the ground. Bathrooms and water fountains are available in the adjacent plaza.