Knapping experiments are divided into two categories. First is the replication of knapping techniques in order to understand the process of the technology involved in producing particular types of tools e.g. replication of the process of producing microliths which led to the discovery that 'micro-burins' where not tools but bi-products of microlith manufacture. ​

Numerous experiments have been going on since the study of stone tools began replicating such tools as handaxes, or techniques such as the Levallois technique.

The second major aspect of replication experiments is the study of the resulting debris (debitage). This is achieved through recording the spatial distribution of the resulting debitage. These spatial distributions can then be matched against archaeological distributions and inferences made concerning knapping sequences and even in some cases the position of the knapper (e.g. sitting down, or standing up according to the pattern and distance of the distribution of the debitage).

see movie making and using stone tools