Flints

[Gil Martin]

The local gun shop got in some very nice knapped flints that are 3/4" wide and a bit longer than others I have used. They work very well and generate a lot of sparks. I changed out all of the previous flints on my muzzleloaders. All the best...
Gil

[Mr. 16 gauge]

I was recently watching "Master & Commander" the other night and one of the orders prior to a battle with the French was to put new flints in all the musketry.
............so, Gil, I guess if you are attacked by a 18th century French frigate, you are well prepared!;)

on a more serious note: how about some insight into flints for those of us who are somewhat new to flintlocks, i.e. English flints vs French flints vs amber flints, how often a flint should be changed, how many shots one should get from a flint, ect.

Interesting how such a little, insignificant piece of rock can become so important.

[Adam Helmer]

Mr. 16 gauge,

I am sure Gil will get back with flint information as he is an old Longhunter.

I have used the cut and packaged flints and have had mixed results; some went a long time and others shattered and quit sparking early on. I buy English agate knapped flints at my local shop for $2 each. Most are double ended in that they can be turned around for another sharp edge when the first edge dulls up. I polish my frizzens with a dozen or so strokes of fine crocous cloth after every firing session to preserve the sharp edge of my flints.

I have seen frizzens that looked like the surface of the Moon and they destroy any flint very quickly. A frizzen must be hard and smooth for long flint life. I have never seen a French flint, so my learning curve will be enhanced when we get info on them.

I change my flints when they get dulled up to the point of "clicking" and no longer generate sparks. I keep a spare flint in the patch box of my MLs and always put in a new, sharp flint before I go hunting. Hope this helps.

Adam

[Gil Martin]

Fred,
Now you know why I replaced all the flints in my flintlocks, I am getting prepared for that French frigate encounter (LOL). I saw the movie and like it very much.

My preference is for high quality flints that do a job. Usually the flints tend to wear down to a point that the frizzen is not tripped with enough impact energy to spring forward. At that point, I replace them. No idea how many shots I get per flint, but I know that they often last for over a year of use.

Occasionally, I polish frizzens with fine emery paper and cold blue them. In my experience, a small amount of frizzen peening by the flints have not impacted reliable ignition. Polishing and rebluing just make everything look nice. All the best...
Gil