Flint question

[cotcrab]

Ive never replaced the flint on my rifle. do I need to file down the top? its in the shape of a triangle.
thanks

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[Cruzatte]

I have a difficult time getting those hump backed flints to stay tightly locked in the jaws of the cock on my rifle. My advice is to stick those in your flint & steel fire kit, and get some flat topped flints. Track of the Wolf will, so I understand, sort out the flints for you if you so specify in your order.

 

[cotcrab]

These are from TOTW. Not all are like that. Next time I will ask them to sort them for me. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Grenadier1758]

You can use a "mizzy wheel" in a Dremel tool to grind some of the hump away so the flint can be held with a thick leather wrap.

What you have pictured is a second quality flint.

 

[cotcrab]

Where can I get good flints

 

[Grenadier1758]

Track of the Wolf, but you have to specify flat top and bottom selection.

October Country.

Muzzle Loader Builders' Supply.

Other vendors are out there so search for Tom Fuller Black English Flints.

R. E. Davis Locks.
French Amber flints have quite the following also.

 

[M. De Land]

That is the classic shape of a blade struck flint. I like to grind the top flat on a green wheel in my 8 inch bench grinder. Be sure to wear a dust mask and eye protection.

 

[Don Steele]

As Grenadier 1758 pointed out:
"What you have pictured is a second quality flint."
Which Track of the Wolf happily sends out to people who don't know any better at full price, which is why I won't buy anything from that outfit.
I have no problem paying a premium for a premium product. Matter of fact, that's exactly what I do to get hand selected (to my specification) French Amber flints. I blindly ordered a dozen from TOTW once....ONCE. Based upon the flints they sent to me, I know where all the "Hump backs" go that they are not sending to someone else.

 

[Eric Krewson]

I have a set of those cheap diamond covered sharpening plates, they are thin metal with a diamond covering in three grits. I have used them to flatten a flint. I bought them at a fly by night tool sale for less than $5.

 

[Grenadier1758]

Be sure to wear a dust mask and safety glasses when grinding or knapping flint.

Should have mentioned that in my previous posts.

 

[Percy]

I think your comments about TOTW are out of place here. I've ordered from TOTW several times and never had a problem. Flints I have received have been very nice with flat tops. Of course, whenever I buy something I always take the time to specify what I want. If you don't, how can you blame the seller?

Also, did you take the time to contact TOTW and tell them you were unhappy with the flints? Answer is probably no, it's just easier to get on social media and complain.

Percy

 

[cotcrab]

I started muzzleloading December 2017. It is a learning experience! I have 3 rifles and accessories like you wouldn't believe. I would have never thought that I had to tell a vendor to give me the flints with a flat top.

 

[smo]

It’s best just to go to the source / vendor and hand pick your own.

It’s the chance you take buying sight unseen , but it’s not a deal breaker you just have to grind em’ down some. :hatsoff:

 

[Rifleman1776]

I would have never thought

Sez it all.
For many years the only time I bought flints was at large shoots and ronny from dealers. At those you can sort through the boxes and select what you want. Don't blame the mail order vendor. Blame the maker. In most cases that is Tom Fuller for the English black flints. Methinks the humpies are the result of taking a short cut in making. Enough complaints to the vendors and maybe Fuller and company will change their ways. But, I agree, especially at today's prices for flints we should get quality.

 

[rich pierce]

Stonewall Creek Outfitters used to sell quality English flints.

 

[cotcrab]

I would have never thought

Sez it all.

If that's the only mistake I made after 8 months then I'm not doing to bad!

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

Also, did you take the time to contact TOTW and tell them you were unhappy with the flints? Answer is probably no, it's just easier to get on social media and complain.

Right on, :thumbsup: TOTW is one of the best in my book. You tell them what you want and they will try to take care of you.
Flintlocklar :wink:

 

[Pete G]

If the jaws of your hammer has the proper "teeth" cut into them and you use a good thickness of leather, that flint will be fine.

 

[MSW]

ditto the Dremel ”¦ one of the few times that you should even consider taking the thing out of the box ”¦ get you into trouble a whole lot faster than it'll get you out...

 

[billraby]

The leather will probably hold it just fine. I have ground down flints shaped like that with a coarse diamond sharpening stone.