Agate Flints

[chipper c]

Being new to the flintlock I was staying with the German agate flints that came with my trade rifle,finding that they do not seem to last very long I Tried some English flints and man these flints don't miss a beat, they are sparking reliably way longer then the agate. But now that I had stocked up on the agate flints I Will be using them until they are gone. Then the English flints will be the ticket. Questions 1 Can the German agate flints be resharpen 2 Why are they the most expensive 3 what about French amber flints? Thank You for your info.

 

[Joel/Calgary]

Can the German agate flints be resharpened?

Yes, most commonly with a coarse diamond lap (be sure to use it wet) or with some coarse synthetic stones. Some folks use a Dremel-type tool with a diamond or mizzy wheel.

Regards,
Joel

 

[dledinger]

I am interested in responses also. I stocked up on cut agate when I bought my GPR, but got in an order of English and French flints yesterday. Just sparking in an empty pan I don't see much difference yet. Can't wait to see how they fair at the range tomorrow.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Being new to the flintlock I was staying with the German agate flints that came with my trade rifle,finding that they do not seem to last very long I Tried some English flints and man these flints don't miss a beat, they are sparking reliably way longer then the agate. But now that I had stocked up on the agate flints I Will be using them until they are gone. Then the English flints will be the ticket. Questions 1 Can the German agate flints be resharpen 2 Why are they the most expensive 3 what about French amber flints? Thank You for your info.

I used, and still do, German cut flints in one rifle for many years with great success. They lasted me so long they almost became a permanent part of the rifle. Actually, they are not all agate and that term is over used.
Many have less than happy experience with cut flints. I suspect the usual villans are at work here. Like lock geometry, angle of strike, hardness of frizzen, etc.
I have not had success sharpening the German cut flints regardless of what rock they are made of. I do sharpen English flints with knapping and diamond wheels under power. Can't answer why the cut are so difficult I would like to put some back into use.
I think just the manufacturing process drives up the cost.
Personally, I have never used a French amber.

 

[Billnpatti]

While the cut stones appeal to some folks and seem to work in some rifles, I am not a fan of them for the very reason that you cite. They just never lasted worth a dang for me. I do not buy them anymore. I have never tried to re-sharpen them because I had no way to do it and since they didn't last anyway, I saw no reason to re-sharpen them. The English and French flints are really good flints. In fact, I will go so far as to say to say that in my estimation, you can't get a better flint.......just my honest opinion. However, I also think the French flints are too expensive. They seem to me to be no better than the good English flints but cost a good bit more. Stick with English flints and you will be happy. :thumbsup: