KNAPPER PROFILE
 Dave Ediger

If you had to draw a picture of an old time cowboy, you would see him in cowboy boots, wearing a sweat stained, broad brimmed cowboy hat, a large curled mustache and a big smile. Add an arrowhead on the hat and you have just found Dave Ediger. He is one of the most easily recognized knappers and looking at him, you have to wonder if he sleeps with the hat on, as it never leaves the head.

Born and raised in central Kansas, Dave still lives in the country outside of Buhler, Kansas, along with his wife Helen, and two children. He works as an artificial insemination specialist for one of the large hog producers.

Dave has been knapping for about twenty years and the one thing that is a little unusual about his knapping style is that he uses a copper paddle type billet. Although he is proficient with other types of tools, his work clearly indicates the skilled Master that he is. He was first exposed to knapping at Fort Osage, where he met Bob Hunt, who has consistently answered his questions and helped him along the way. Another of Dave’s benefactors and friend is Jim Redfearn.

He likes to use a solid copper rod to rough out his favorite materials, Burlington and Kay County; he then uses his copper paddle to finish the pieces. He is noted for his very thin points. He prefers to make Archaic pieces such as Scottsbluffs, Daltons, etc. but he can easily make about any type or form of point that he desires. He is well known for his friendly advise and fervently supporting the craft; he often works with beginners.

An avid outdoorsman, he puts several of his knapping skills to good use. He has taken a good number of deer with stone tipped arrows and loves to fish.

He has specifically requested a big thank you to all the folks who have helped him over the years, especially Jim Redfearn and Bob Hunt. 

Look for more of Dave Ediger's work on our GALLERY. 

Dalton made of Novaculite