Knapping Supply Store Reports Suspicious Surge in Antler Tine Purchases

PrimitiveCraft Supply, an online retailer specializing in flintknapping tools and raw materials, has reported a 2,300 percent increase in antler tine sales over the past two weeks, a surge that owner Linda Hammerstone attributes to 'either a TikTok video or the collapse of civilization.' 'Normally I sell maybe fifteen antler tines a month,' Hammerstone said, packaging orders at her garage-based fulfillment center. 'Last week I sold four hundred. Most of the buyers have no previous purchase history. Several asked if the antler comes with instructions.' The surge appears to be linked to a viral TikTok video posted by user @StoneAgeSteve, in which a muscular man wearing a leather apron demonstrates pressure flaking technique while a folk song plays in the background. The video has been viewed 11 million times. 'He makes it look easy and also vaguely romantic,' said social media analyst Dr. Karen Trending. 'The lighting is good. His forearms are prominent. Comments include what flintknapping tool is that and also content that is not appropriate to repeat in a trade publication.' Hammerstone has mixed feelings about the attention. 'I'm glad people are interested in knapping,' she said. 'But 90 percent of these buyers are going to poke themselves with an antler tine, produce nothing useful, and never order again. The other 10 percent will become obsessed, spend thousands of dollars on obsidian, and alienate everyone they know. I've seen both outcomes.' She has added a FAQ page to her website addressing common newcomer questions, including 'Do I need safety glasses?' (yes), 'Can I knap in my apartment?' (please don't), and 'Will this make me look like the guy in the video?' (no). @StoneAgeSteve has not responded to requests for comment. His most recent video shows him making an Acheulean handaxe while inexplicably shirtless.