Author Topic: flint/jaw leather (Read 773 times)

flintlock54 · « **on:** October 10, 2004, 08:47:59 AM »

What is your favorite and were can it be purchased. Over the years I have relied on hand me down scraps. I am now out and need a source. Please help a man in need.

crow_feather · « **Reply #1 on:** October 10, 2004, 09:24:37 AM »

Since you are outta leather, I herd that a person could flatten out lead and use it in place of the leather. I havta admit that I never tried it. It does seem like it would work though.

C F

quickdtoo · « **Reply #2 on:** October 10, 2004, 09:37:45 AM »

I've used a flattened round ball, it works ok, but leather works better. I use elk hide, the heavier parts seem to work best in all my flinters. I cut it so it is the shape of the jaw, then cut a small hole in the middle so when it's folded over the back of the flint, the cock screw can turn without touching the leather or flint. Sometimes I nap a nick in the back of the flint to get the best fit in front of the screw.

farrerhaven · « **Reply #3 on:** October 10, 2004, 03:15:49 PM »

Do you have any Craft,or Fabic stores near you?Most of them have leather scraps you can buy.Or go down to any old boot repair shops you might be able to pick up some there.Farrerhaven

flintlock54 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 10, 2004, 04:00:17 PM »

Great idea about the fabric shops. There are few leather shops on the net that sell wild game leather. I plan calling a few just to see if they sell small pieces of scrap. A little goes along way.

crow_feather · « **Reply #5 on:** October 11, 2004, 12:26:42 PM »

It goes to show that a person can learn sumthin new every day no matter how long they have been involved inna sport.

I always thought that the hole inna leather was so the flint wouldn't have any padding tween it and the screw, thus providing a better spark (no give). The other does make better sense.

C F

quickdtoo · « **Reply #6 on:** October 11, 2004, 03:42:29 PM »

I've always "shot" my own leather, but had it tanned by a local taxidermist. Your local taxidermist should have lots of scrap leather to help ya out.

CzaRon · « **Reply #7 on:** October 12, 2004, 02:28:17 PM »

The tongue of an old work boot has worked for me when I was in a pinch for scraps.

flintlock54 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 12, 2004, 04:13:35 PM »

Thanks folks for all the suggestions. I called a company that makes leather clothing from deer and elk hides. They are sending a bag of scraps that should last me years.

roundball · « **Reply #9 on:** October 13, 2004, 09:59:56 AM »

You might be surprised...the leather needs to have a reasonable thickness to it to get a good 'spongy grip' on the flint...what you've ordered might be too thin...if so, I've picked up 1/8" thick scraps at a shoe shop that work great

offhand35 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 15, 2004, 02:52:14 PM »

I found a mailorder source for all kinds of scrap leather. Take a look!
http://www.brettunsvillage.com/leather/scrap/scraps.htm

flintlock54 · « **Reply #11 on:** October 15, 2004, 04:23:36 PM »

I prefer thin leather. It provides a non-slip grip surface and is easy to work with when changing flints. It is more pliable and does not require repeated or excessive tightening to compress the spongy affect of the leather. Besides it looks more natural than having a thick piece of cow leather pinching the flint.