Looking for the any ones "best way" to re-sharpen, or re-knap used flints to get more life out of them. I've got a pretty good sized bag of "used" flints I don't want to get rid of if I can breath more life back in them.
Flint re-knapping
- Thread starter griffiga
- Start date
Help Support Muzzleloading Forum:
Research "pressure flaking" on any of the flint knapping youtube sites. I have found this is the best way to re-establish a sharp edge having the original > profile.
https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/extending-flint-life.112689/
https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/extending-flint-life.112689/
I ordered me a little copper nail knapping tool off eBay and will give it a try. Hopefully it will give me something to do with the temperature below freezing and a couple feet of snow.
rafterob
62 Cal.
I use a flat head screwdriver to pressure flake the edges.
hanshi
Cannon
I have a little home made copper "hammer" and knapp the flint in the cock.
I have tried that as well and get a few more shots, but I have about 40 used flints I want to rework while I'm sitting home wishing I was out shooting.
I have 2 diamond plates I use for sharpening wood tools. They work great for grinding flint edges. Makes them nice and straight.
Don
Don
You're already dealing with a "knapped" flint. What you are looking to do is to pressure flake the edge back to sharpness and maybe get some extra life out of the flints.
Here is a video of the technique. Edged spear point or edge of a gunflint, no real difference.
Wear eye protection
Flint Knapping pressure flaking 101
LD
is napping the flint in the cock bad for it? Ive always wondered
If done right, it works, but I could never do it very well.
In my view it puts a lot of strain on the half cock notch and sear tip. Seems a small risk based on experience though.
Re-touching the edge of a flint normally results in a more blunt edge angle that will give some more shots but it’s not something I’d do and go deer hunting. I’m sure the diamond file approach can re-establish an acute, shearing angle but I just make a new flint.
You must support the cock to avoid damaging pressure on the sear.
Yeah, @rich pierce, but you can knap a new gun flint faster than I can freshen up the edge on my flint.
I just found some copper nails in my father's collection of nails. I'm going to try a pressure tool.
I just found some copper nails in my father's collection of nails. I'm going to try a pressure tool.
bldtrailer
Pilgrim
I like diamond file to touchup the flint in the cock if it needs more than that I change out the flint , then I pressure flake out of the gun. if more is needed a diamond flat stone or wheel in a dremal (with eye safety & filter mask) to take down the humps
I
for those who strike the flint in the cock I make notched brass knappers, the rod is how Mr Dixon showed me how he knaps a flint in the half cock( he uses a thick brass rod and strikes the flint's edge)
, I made one out of used gun brass
for those who strike the flint in the cock I make notched brass knappers, the rod is how Mr Dixon showed me how he knaps a flint in the half cock( he uses a thick brass rod and strikes the flint's edge)
ohio ramrod
75 Cal.
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2008
- Messages
- 7,473
- Reaction score
- 2,209
Rich you are a GREAT knapper but for those of us who are knapping impaired a diamond plate is slow but will work for us.In my view it puts a lot of strain on the half cock notch and sear tip. Seems a small risk based on experience though.
Re-touching the edge of a flint normally results in a more blunt edge angle that will give some more shots but it’s not something I’d do and go deer hunting. I’m sure the diamond file approach can re-establish an acute, shearing angle but I just make a new flint.
hanshi
Cannon
If one decides to knapp a flint while it's in the cock it has to be held "out of battery". By that I mean holding the cock OUT of the half or full cock notch with the finger that holds onto the bottom of the flint. This keeps pressure from being exerted on either notch. Never knapp with the cock in half or full position. I've never, for some reason, been able to pressure flake a flint; maybe I just don't hold my mouth quite right when trying it.
Years ago I made a small flint knapper that works like a charm. Sharpening while shooting I just Leave the flint in the jaws, place on half cock, and be sure the gun is unloaded. Just a few quick, light taps across the face of the flint renews it to as good or usually better than new. Very controllable knapping—no broken flints. I harden the steel and don’t anneal it.
Click pictures to enlarge.
Click pictures to enlarge.
Last edited:
If I’m on a woods walk , I’ll usually just use the spine of my knife
Lightly tapping along the flint s edge will buy you a few more shots , and it’s easier than pressure flaking too... imho.
As too reconditioning used flints at home... diamond file or Dremel with the green stone wheel and a respirator!
Lightly tapping along the flint s edge will buy you a few more shots , and it’s easier than pressure flaking too... imho.
As too reconditioning used flints at home... diamond file or Dremel with the green stone wheel and a respirator!
Last edited:
Back of my knife for me too. Keeps it going for a while longer.
Ive tried pressure flaking with various copper and brass tools. Impact knapping with small brass hammer, and various other methods. Though not P/C , a small pair of needle nose pliers works well for the knapping challenged like myself.
