Author Topic: Sharpening Flints For Flintlocks? (Read 1377 times)

Muldoon · « **on:** June 16, 2003, 11:00:24 AM »

I have been shooting flintlocks for a couple of months. I really like the challenge and have been having a good time learning the new skills needed to operate this kind of rifle.

I have picked up some techniques from friends that have helped a lot. While most of the advice has been good there seems to be lots of personal preferences for getting things done. Everyone has their own ways of doing things.

When I first got started I didn't have a clue about knapping my flints. Since then I have been shown several different tools and techniques for getting this job done. I would very much like to hear what sort of tools and methods have worked best for all of you.

Any other good tips or advice related to making my rifle go boom on the first attempt will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Muldoon

mamaflinter · « **Reply #1 on:** June 17, 2003, 02:49:55 AM »

This is a topic that for die hard traditionalists will sure get me flamed. But it works for me..

We switched to Duraflints 10 yrs. ago. We had problems with finding good supply of flints. In order to sharpen the duraflints you have to use water and a diamond file. If you want to learn more about these flints, click on this url http://mamaflinter.tripod.com/ Then click on the link in upper right that says Duraflints. I go into sharpening them as well.

Bob/FLA · « **Reply #2 on:** June 21, 2003, 03:40:48 PM »

I sharpen my flints 2 ways.
First, take a large nail and a file. File the tip off the nail and then file a 1/16" deep step, 3/16" long on the end of the nail. Place the step on the cutting edge of the flint and knap with a downward movement. Tap the head of the nail with your patch knife or whatever...this will flake away the flint and produce a sharp edge. I know this is difficult to visualize, but if you care to give me a call, I can explain it better over the phone.

Second, I use my screwdriver and place the tip on the cutting edge of my flint. I apply enough to errode the cutting edge, making it uniform. This method will get you through a shoot, but is not my preferred method.

I purchase my flints from Cache LaPoudre Rifleworks in Ft Collins Colorado. Mike has the finest flints I've ever seen. My big gun usually gets about 100 shots per flint...more if I take it home and dress it up.

Hope this helps,

Muldoon · « **Reply #3 on:** June 24, 2003, 05:49:32 PM »

Thanks for the tips. I recently learned about the nail knapper. It does a great job and is very easy to use. I was surprised at the precision sharpening this simple tool can do. And the price is right too.

Mama, I would probably give your type of flints a try but they seem to be hard to obtain. I was just wondering about the price too. But, I suppose if they are good for as many shots as you say, the cost would not be too important.

Muldoon

mamaflinter · « **Reply #4 on:** June 25, 2003, 03:38:34 PM »

Muldoon My husband began using the flints in a .50 caliber Renegade. It's got over 3000 shots on that flint and it's still going strong. We're sold on them.

I heard that last year they made a large order to Log Cabin Shop. I don't know what sizes they ordered or if they still have them, but you might try them. In MHO they are well worth the price.

1860 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 30, 2003, 03:42:33 PM »

MF

What kind of inline do you put those fake flints on?

Just kidding, figured I give you your flame :lol:

I can not, for the life of me, knap a flint with any consistant success, no how, no way. It either stays dull, gets totally out of shape or ends up small enough for a zippo. I do have an atlas had cranked grinder and by slow turning I can put a fine edge back on them. I just change them when at the range..

1860

KING · « **Reply #6 on:** July 03, 2003, 05:02:53 PM »

You can get some flint nodules from Dixie and they are out of the U.K. I have knapped many from them and they work very good. Knapping anything form projectile points to flints is an artform in itself,but is well worth it to learn. I also find it a very enjoyable hobbie to learn and adds to the MZL experiance. Stay safe...King

waksupi · « **Reply #7 on:** July 06, 2003, 04:51:15 AM »

I also make my own flints from the Dixie nodules. Thar's a lot of flints in one of those!

For sharpening, I have a tool I made from an old file. It is about three inches long. One side is flattened for a flint striker, one end has a ramrod size hole drilled through it for pulling the occassional stuck ramrod. This end is further cut to be a screwdriver bit. On the other end is a taper to about a sixteenth inch edge. This edge is my flint sharpener.

Lay the edge of the tool full length across the leading edge of the flint. Give it a light rap with the side of your knife blade or something similar. This will take the front edge off evenly and cleanly, making the least waste of any method I've tried.

It's a bit awkward at first, but after you get the hang of it, works well.

Charlie Detroit · « **Reply #8 on:** July 06, 2003, 06:27:18 AM »

Quote from: 1860

What kind of inline do you put those fake flints on?...:lol:1860

Don't kill yourself laughing, 1860...there were such things as inline flinters (not even counting the "monk's gun")...you can even find a picture of one in Robert Held's book. Not the best picture I've ever seen, and I'd sure like to get my hands on one so I could play with it a bit.

Winter Hawk · « **Reply #9 on:** July 09, 2003, 02:03:38 PM »

Waksupi,

How about posting a picture of your sharpening tool? I remember your description from MLML, but the picture is worth 1000 words and I am having a hard time visualizing what you did Other than the hole and the screwdriver tip).

-Kees-

pendennis · « **Reply #10 on:** July 10, 2003, 03:06:23 AM »

Don't forget the Ferguson rifle from the AWI. Replicas are still made by the Narragansett Arms Co.