Cutting patch

[Black Jaque Janaviac]

If anyone is laughing at you because the bluing wore off you're gun - they are DEFINITELY standing in the wrong place! :grin:

That said, I make ball blocks out of wood that is thicker-than-caliber. Then I can push the ball and patch into the block of wood until it is flush, then I cut the patch flush.

I find it easier to do a little prep at home on a day I can't shoot and can then send more shots downrange on the days I can shoot. These thick wood blocks make the whole process really easy.

Ball Block

 

[coloradoclyde]

That looks like a linoleum knife....

 

[LRB]

Razor blade knives are also usually very dull, and dull very quickly........
I've never been able shave with one....

Cutting patches ahead of time is much easier....I made a rotary cutter that goes in a drill press...Easy peasy.... :grin:

Yes, I did the same. One can make a few hundred in under an hour.

 

[sproulman]

THANKS everyone great tips ..

 

[Cowboy]

I use pillow ticking. I count about 5 stripes wide and tear into strips. I moisten the section of strip I'm gonna use with either a lube or in my case just spit. I place the strip over the muzzle, all the while being sure to leave a little over hang on the opposite end of the muzzle from the end I'm gonna cut from.

I then place my ball on the patch and short start it to where it's just below the muzzle crown. I grab the over hanging end and the end of the strip I'm gonna cut and pull up slightly all the while making my cut just a hair above the muzzle without actually touching it. Always cut away from your body with the patch knife and not towards you! After I cut my patch from the strip I go ahead and seat the ball.

No scratches on your muzzle and if ya do it right, a very small piece of material left from the over hang end of the patch you've just cut. I usually use that small piece of material to wipe out my pan with. Nothing wasted!

Respectfully, Cowboy :thumbsup:

 

[Danny Ross]

A pruning grafting hook knife. Or like you said a linoleum knife. Both have a similar shape. DANNY

 

[curator]

No question that patches cut at the muzzle make for more accurate shooting. We are all glad we have Colorado Clyde to to be the negative curmudgeon so we can get the down-side of every possible improvement. Thank you Clyde! Some of us have actually progressed past the 1830's.
The smallest patch is usually the most accurate patch. Extra material overlap does tweak the ball in a different direction. Go to Friendship "chunk-gun" competition to see how this works. I have never seen any competitive shooter use pre-cut patches. Check out Dutch Schoultz's muzzle loading system and see if you can do better with your method.

 

[Stumpkiller]

My favorite patch knife is an A.G. Russell folding bone-scale. I've also dressed out deer with it.

Very thin and very sharp. I carry it in my shooting bag so I always have a knife.

But I must admit I use whatever is on my belt most often.

 

[coloradoclyde]

:shocked2: ............

I think I've tried them all....round patches, cutting at the muzzle, square patches, torn patches, etc.....I went back to round....my preference....
I do enjoy watching muzzle cut guys load though.... :thumbsup: