Re-sizing a flint

pamtnman · Wednesday at 12:49 PM

I have knapped correctly sized flints back into usefulness after shooting them dull, but I have not re-sized a flint. Like, taken a medium 7/8" and brought it down to 5/8". But now I have to. All the flintlock places around are closed because it is Christmas (MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!), and I need at least one new, sharp correctly sized flint for my day afield tomorrow with my brand new flintlock. The lock is a RE Davis Manton-style "waterproof", which takes the 1/2"x5/8" flints. Looking for helpful advice about knocking an existing flint down to a desired size.
Anyone use a vise for this?
Thanks boys. Hope Santa is treating you right!

snakebit · Wednesday at 12:59 PM

pamtnman said:
I have knapped correctly sized flints back into usefulness after shooting them dull, but I have not re-sized a flint. Like, taken a medium 7/8" and brought it down to 5/8". But now I have to. All the flintlock places around are closed because it is Christmas (MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!), and I need at least one new, sharp correctly sized flint for my day afield tomorrow with my brand new flintlock. The lock is a RE Davis Manton-style "waterproof", which takes the 1/2"x5/8" flints. Looking for helpful advice about knocking an existing flint down to a desired size.
Anyone use a vise for this?
Thanks boys. Hope Santa is treating you righi

I'm in Union county. I can give you one.

bldtrailer · Wednesday at 1:00 PM

to

use an antler to pressure flake a new sharp edge take a plyers and nibble the back down to a notch to fit or place a file in a vise (with safety glasses on ) use the file as an anvil and tap the back of the flint with a small hammer to size to 5/8

bldtrailer · Wednesday at 1:03 PM

come to union county muzzleloader club frozen toe and you can all you want from me

SDSmlf · Wednesday at 1:03 PM

Do you have a diamond file? There might be a way, here is something I posted a while back.
https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/humpback-flints-a-quick-haircut.186273/

bldtrailer · Wednesday at 1:10 PM

if you file/ grind, wet or use a good filter mask the dust is VERY bad for your lungs

pamtnman · Wednesday at 1:48 PM

Thanks men. Lacking the specialized knapping tools and nodules of flint above, I am stuck either using what oversize flints and regular tools I have at hand (small hammers, different size vises, flintlock multitools), or driving to Union County to trade a kind fellow. I was going to set my bobcat and fisher sets today, but I really need to have a good fresh flint in the gun for tomorrow.

bldtrailer · Wednesday at 1:53 PM

bring your old flints to the frozen toe shoot at union county muzzle loaders and I will show you how easy you can re edge/ size without special tools

pamtnman · Wednesday at 1:58 PM

bldtrailer said:
bring your old flints to the frozen toe shoot at union county muzzle loaders and I will show you how easy you can re edge/ size without special tools

Re-edging a dull flint I am good at, thank you. I am trying to get my hands on a correctly sized fresh flint today for tomorrow's opening day of flintlock season. Either I have to re-shape an existing larger flint down to the desired size (1/2"x5/8") or engage in some trade with someone local, as Snakebit has offered.

Gum Slough Muzzleloader · Wednesday at 2:16 PM

snakebit said:
I'm in Union county. I can give you one.

That’s admirable of you.
A true Black Powder Brother from another Mother.
Right on Snakebit.

snakebit · Wednesday at 2:23 PM

Gum Slough Muzzleloader said:
That’s admirable of you.
A true Black Powder Brother from another Mother.
Right on Snakebit.

Enough guys have helped me out with things on this site, you included brother Fred, I'm just keeping the tradition going

Banjoman · Wednesday at 2:47 PM

If it’s close enough to right length but too wide, just let it hang over on the outside a little.

bldtrailer · Wednesday at 2:47 PM

a hint to all take the flint that works the best in your lock and trace it with a sharp pointed pencil on a card keep it in your wallet and use it when selecting flints

Gum Slough Muzzleloader · Wednesday at 2:48 PM

snakebit said:
Enough guys have helped me out with things on this site, you included brother Fred, I'm just keeping the tradition going

That's what it's all about. Let's keep it up.
Love it.

Gum Slough Muzzleloader · Wednesday at 2:48 PM

bldtrailer said:
a hint to all take the flint that works the best in your lock and trace it with a sharp pointed pencil on a card keep it in your wallet and use it when selecting flints

I like that tip thanks.

Banjoman · Wednesday at 2:51 PM

WonkyEye · Wednesday at 2:55 PM

Yeah, take that vise, stick a 16 penny nail in it head side up about 1" high. Put the flint on top, with a little overhang, and tap the edge to knock a little shard off. Work your way across a little bit at a time.

Sandro_Ventania · Wednesday at 3:02 PM

bldtrailer said:
para View attachment 370889usar um chifre para pressionar uma nova lâmina afiada, pegue um alicate e mordisque a parte de trás até um entalhe para encaixar ou coloque uma lima em um torno (com óculos de segurança) use a lima como uma bigorna e bata na parte de trás da pederneira com um pequeno martelo para dimensioná-la em 5/8 View attachment 370890

Excelent vídeo!

Jim K · Wednesday at 3:09 PM

I think I have what you need Josh. Give me a call

pamtnman · Wednesday at 3:10 PM

JIM! THANK YOU! Tell you what, so many fabulous people on this website. Some real Christmas Charity going on here today, and I know you all do this 365 days a year, not just today.

Re-sizing a flint

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