After almost a year of exploring locally, I finally found a source of chert within walking distance of where I live. I am very excited about this! South Texas has a lot of sandy soils, but not a lot of rocks, so finding them was a big pleasure. I can finally work more on stone tool crafting and knapping practice. Woo Hoo. Sorry, I just had to share it with someone and I am sure there are a few people here who can empathize with my enthusiasm about the find.
That isn't a bad idea, though it may be a bit. I found a workable hammer stone and anvil stone in the same place I found the chert, but my primitive tools are all stuck in storage in Ohio still. Not sure how long it will take me to find a workable pressure-flaker offhand. Too bad I didn't think to bring a bit of antler with me. Once I have something to show though, I will certainly see about posting some pictures.
I remember reading in some ancestral skills literature about people heating their chert in a fire, which somehow made it more workable? Might be worth some research if that's the only material you've got to work with…..