Do I need to harden the frizzen on my flintlock?

[Deerstalker]

Excuse a newbie question here, but I'll ask anywho. I bought a new L&R Durr's Egg lock for a poorboy/ mountain rifle I'm assembling parts to build. This is my first Flintlock, and I need to know if the frizzen come hardened, or should I harden it with kasenit before use. Thanks for the help, I'm sure I'll ask plenty more questions once I actually get started.
Thanks,
Bryan

 

Bryan, the frizzen is ready to go as recieved.


Cody

 

[The Baron]

You're building your first flintlock yourself? That's excellent! :RO: Be sure to post up some pictures when its done.:thumbsup:

 

[Deerstalker]

I bought a stock from a local guy that has been inletted for a barrel and the ramrod hole has been drilled, but the rest of the stock is just rough cut. He also had most of the rest of the parts for the rifle he had intended to build himself, but other things got in the way. I'm excited about building it, have bought some tools and "The Gunsmith of Grenville County" as well as the book on the "Modern Kentucky Rifle" as reference material for technique. Hopefully it will turn out! Curly maple stock, Green Mountain 50 caliber barrel 42 inches long, lolipop tang, davis triggers, etc. should be a goodin!
Bryan

 

[CrackStock]

DS,

If it throws good sparks into the center of the pan, it is good to go.

If not, call Bill at L&R Lock of Sumter, SC and he will make it good. He is quite pleasant to deal with.

CS

 

[bdarin]

If you DO need to harden the frizzen, harden it thru. Kasinite will only case harden the surface of the frizzen. Casehardening only goes a few thousanths thick and will likely get worn through rather quickly. They usually come already hardened, though, so you needn't worry about it. "Muzzleblasts" mag had an article on frizzen hardening late last year some time. Check articles by the "Bevel Brothers". :front:

 

[Deerstalker]

Thanks, Guys!
I'll give her a try, and post pictures when I get time to start on her!
Bryan :thanks:

 

[robinghewitt]

You could try to cut the frizzen face with a file, should be practically impossible.