Flint knap

2794 Views 23 Replies 10 Participants Last post by good ole boy, Jan 9, 2013

Fleroo

Discussion Starter · Jan 7, 2013

Alright, if I could readily find those nice Black English flints in my area, I wouldn't be posting this, but I can't..... or haven't. The guy that made them, and had online orders, apparently stopped doing them in the spring. He couldn't keep up with demand (he emailed me back).

So, his flint that I have on my flinter went through about 40 ? or so frizzen strikes, and the spark seems to have pedered out. My question.... can I knap this flint to get more longevity ? What do I use ? Would a chisel work ? Should the edge be razor sharp, or somewhat blunted ? And last, are there any youtube vids. that explain the knapping process thoroughly ? Thx all.

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zimmerstutzen

· #2 · Jan 7, 2013

There is an ad "to learn flint knapping" in the back of the latest Backwoodman mag.

Actually, some folks use a 5/16 inch bolt and use the threads as an edge to break off a few chips to create a new edge. Some use a piece of antler to flake the edge. I have never been successful at it.

I'll pick up a dozen flint every few years and I seem to misplace far more than I wear out. My trade gun seems to be set just perfectly. I have used the same flint for many years with not apparent wear.

Fleroo

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jan 7, 2013

Interesting. I really don't care to spend the time knapping a couple dollar flint, but I just can't seem to find these Black English. The one I have in really threw a nice shower of sparks, but now, hardly any spark, and pan powder is only igniting about 1/4 of the strikes. Gun and frizzen is branny new, so pretty sure the frizzen is in fine order. I also brush out, then wipe the pan with alcohol after each shot.

Fleroo

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jan 7, 2013

Maybe the better question would be.... where can I find quality Black Eng. flints in SW PA.... preferrably Washington County area.

zimmerstutzen

· #5 · Jan 7, 2013

I don't know of any shops in your area. Log Cabin Shop in Ohio, Track of the Wolf, and others sell mail order. I pick mine up when I get to Dixons, or at rondys. (I like to pick through the selection)

Coureur De Bois

· #6 · Jan 7, 2013

Fleroo said:
Maybe the better question would be.... where can I find quality Black Eng. flints in SW PA.... preferrably Washington County area.

No your first question is a good one, I would like to know the same thing myself. I've tried it a few times, but just end up with a bunch of very small chips that aren't good for anything.

Outbackbob48

· #7 · Jan 7, 2013

Fleroo, I am a flintknapper from erie co. You need to find a copper nail or copper ground wire an stick it in a pc of broom handle an put a sq point on it like a nail has. Abrade the edge of flint with sand stone or broken grinder wheel an then pressure flake with copper nail against a leather hand pad so you don't cut yourself. As you can see flintknapping isn't something leared overnite. The only gun flints that I have made are what we call Indian gun flints, made out of our debitage pile(waste from making points) True gun flints are alot more involved. One of my goals for this summer is to learn how to make true gun flints, Hope this helps some an if you get a chance attend a knappin. Later Bob

Fleroo

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jan 7, 2013

Thx Bob. Can you explain the "abrade" with sandstone/grinding wheel a bit better. Do you mean simply square a new edge ?

Fleroo

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jan 7, 2013

Zimmer, I too like to pick and choose my flints. I've seen some flints sold that actually came to a point in a "V" or inverted "V" fashion, where the jaws clamp over the flint. Not what I prefer. I like a flatter surface to ensure good bite and hold by the leather-clad jaws.

bearhunter jay

· #10 · Jan 7, 2013

Here is a youtube vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQx_xBhpQt0 Not sure if it works but wortha shot.

ICAREDOYOU

· #11 · Jan 7, 2013

I would use a bass item if possible.

bigt557

· #12 · Jan 7, 2013

(724) 452-6602
Black power guns and supplies
could try this place

Harmony pa

Outbackbob48

· #13 · Jan 7, 2013

Fleroo, You don't want a sq edge, you need to abrade at an gle, less than 90 but not to flat. let's say 45. this is called a platform where you either stike flakes off from or pressure flakes off with said copper wire, nail flaker. this gives you a rough surface so your flaker hangs on to edge while you build side ways an in pressre to detach flake giving you a new sharp edge. sounds alot more complicated than it is. One of those thing hard to explain but easy to comprehend if you seen it done. Flint knapping in quick easy terms is just like a bb gun shot at a window, the back side has a perfect conichal fracture or cone. When you pressure flake or percussion strike you get half of the same cone as a bb leaves on a window. These are the flake scars seen on arrow heads an flint tools. there ya go. I know clear as mud.:^) Later Bob

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Coureur De Bois

· #14 · Jan 7, 2013

bearhunter jay said:
Here is a youtube vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQx_xBhpQt0 Not sure if it works but wortha shot.

That look simple enough

Now all I need to find a piece of brass to make the tool.

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Fleroo

Discussion Starter · #15 · Jan 7, 2013

Yeah Coureur, lemme know when you make that tool. Make a second and I'll buy it off ya.

AHAAAA !!! I think I've found what we may be looking for Coureur. Why in the world hadn't I thought of this ? A pair of PLIERS. I'm gona giver her a whirl. Check this vid out. Best yet IMO.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWOUzPEQ3_Y&feature=fvwp&NR=1

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BerksCoflinter

· #16 · Jan 7, 2013

I think TrackoftheWolf.com is a fine source for English flints. Go to their website, type in "flints", then Search, and their page of flints comes up. They're not cheap, but the quality is definitely satisfactory.

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Outbackbob48

· #17 · Jan 7, 2013

Coureur De Bois, Copper, brass is a little to hard. And remember it's not that hard to do. Any cave man could do this. Yea everybody thinks they were a bunch of dummys sittin around grunting an groaning but could turn out a stone tool with just a hammer stone an a dulldeer antler. I thing maybe were the dummys. :^) Later Bob

Fleroo

Discussion Starter · #18 · Jan 7, 2013

Thx Berks. The only thing about online orders, are sizing and shape is not your discretion. I've rummaged through loose flints of sizes that SHOULD have fit well in my gun, yet, no go. The guys name that I was trying to think of was Rich Pierce. Oddly enough, but in his email reply back to me, he said he got too busy to fulfill the mounting orders for his flints, so he quit doing it.

I will def. keep track-o-wolf in mind.

BerksCoflinter

· #19 · Jan 8, 2013

You need to take the time to look at TOTW's flint page. They offer 10 different sizes of English flints from l 1/8" x 1 1/4" flints for the Brown Bess folks, down to 3/8" x 1/2" flints for tiny locks on pocket pistols. Somewhere in between, you'll find the exact size you need, and each flint will be top shelf. Good luck!

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great white hunter

· #20 · Jan 8, 2013

BerksCoflinter said:
I think TrackoftheWolf.com is a fine source for English flints. Go to their website, type in "flints", then Search, and their page of flints comes up. They're not cheap, but the quality is definitely satisfactory.

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