Knapping traditions live on at Flint Ridge event

May 24, 2025

Desiré Correa,

COSHOCTON, OH- The sound of stone striking stone echoed through the Coshocton County Fairgrounds as the Flint Ridge Knap-In drew in flint Knapper’s, artisans, and curious visitors from across the country.

This event is held every Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend and celebrates the ancient art of flint knapping, the process of shaping stone into tools and weapons using traditional techniques passed down for generations.

“A lot of them are flint Knapper’s that come from all over, from Texas, from all over the states, so you get their supply of flint, but the people that come here to see what it is, we have a lot of jewelry, all kinds of interesting things for people to see,” said Roy Miller, who’s promoted the event since the 1980s.

Visitors can watch live demonstrations of how to make arrowheads, spears, bows, and cordage, all from natural materials like hide and bone. Experts are also on hand to help identify Native American artifacts, fossils, rocks, and minerals brought in by attendees.

“This is why it’s so fascinating to be a flint knapper or a jewelry maker, it’s the state gemstone of Ohio and if you can see all of the many colors that the Flint Ridge flint has, that’s what draws the people to it, especially the flint knappers, they just can’t do without it,” said Miller.

If you missed the spring Knap-In, organizers are already preparing for the fall event which will take place August 29, 30, and 31 during Labor Day Weekend at the Coshocton County Fairgrounds. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.