Editing Hammerstone (section)

=== Modern metallic hammerstones ===
[[File:Talla de briquero.png|thumb|Flint carving in the prehistoric way with modern metal hammer.]][[Stone carving]], as is known, is one of the human forms of artistic manifestation and is used both in [[sculpture]] and in [[architecture]]. Currently, flint and other conchoidal fracture rocks are used as construction materials, either as [[ashlar]]s or as an aesthetic coating. However, this phenomenon does not concern this article. On the other hand, the carving of flint or other rocks, in the prehistoric way, has persisted for use on agricultural instruments (sickles, threshing ...), spark stones (tinder lighters, flint firearms ...) and even manufacturers of semi-precious [[gemstones]] in [[India]] and other countries. The difference is usually that hammers with modern metal alloys are used.

==== England ====
[[File:Grimes Graves.jpg|thumb|[[Grimes Graves]]: Neolithic Flint Mines in Brandon, England.]]To the north of the English region of [[Suffolk]], there is a rich tradition of flint carving centered around the town of Brandon where prehistoric, probably Neolithic, flint mines called ''Grimes Graves'' are preserved. Apparently, from the historical origins of the town in the 14th century, flint was used as a construction material (including the bridge over the river that gave it strategic relevance). After the appearance of [[gunpowder]], many of the Brandon's artisans dedicated themselves to making spark stones for [[firearms]]. Although advances in military technology ended this activity in the middle of the 20th century, there are still some master carvers who use various metal hammers.

==== Spain ====
Until a few decades ago, in Spanish towns such as [[Cantalejo]] ([[Segovia]]), flint was carved for the manufacture of agricultural [[threshing]] machines. The flint carving technique was very simple and standardized, aimed at obtaining wide and short but resistant chips of about three centimeters. For this, different hammers were used. The hammer used in the final phase, that of the flake itself, was a long and narrow-handled wooden peg, with a small, almost tiny, metal head with two thin and prominent ends. The metal mass of this type of hammer is very small compared to its long and flexible handle, which, in addition to increasing the speed of the blow, combines the potential energy of the wooden handle with the hardness of the small metal pick. Thus, a direct hard percussion is obtained, with a soft, elastic impact.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Benito del Rey|first1=Luis|last2=Benito Álvarez|first2=José-Manuel|date=1994|title=La taille actuelle de la pierre à la manière préhistorique. L'exemple des pierres pour Tribula à Cantalejo (Segovia - Espagne)|journal=Bulletin de la Société Préhistorique Française|volume=91|issue=3|pages=217|issn=0249-7638}}</ref>

==== India ====
In the [[Gujarat]] region ([[India]]) there are still artisans who make thick [[chalcedony]] necklace beads by knapping. This activity is concentrated in the city of Cambay (or [[Khambhat]]) and has certain peculiarities; It uses the kickback technique between a pointed metal passive hammer and an active [[water buffalo]] horn hammer. The craftsmen shape the beads, holding them against the metal hammer and hitting them with the horn, causing little pieces to fly off little by little. The result is a very efficient method. Although the technique persists today, it is suspected that it must have appeared in very ancient times, perhaps with the first [[brass]] instruments, in the Chalcolithic.<ref name="Inizan"/>