Knap Flints?

[superkodiaksteiner]

Making flints would be excellent except for all the folks that will offer you next to nothing for them....

That's probably correct. I did ask him if he ever wanted to break into that market, he said no money in it. I am just concerned more with thee skillset for myself. However, he should look into putting together a flintknapping kit that would have everything in it for making muzzleloader flints. Anything like that out there?

 

[superkodiaksteiner]

Here is the knapping bench I copied from a youtube video, don’t remember which one. You just need a long mill file, brake it, grind the ends to and edge, hammer the tang (carefully) into a section of log, and weld the smaller section of file onto a metal rod to make the hammer. It works good for breaking up nodes. I made a template for sizing. The bowl is full of Texas Chert, maybe some Missouri Chert too. The big node is English Flint. And there’s a photo of some of the few flints that are usable, some of which I touched up on my diamond blade wet/tile saw. I plan to make one of the copper/lead mallets but haven’t gotten around to it yet.

This is awesome. Great information here to get me started.

 

[1BadDart]

Here is the knapping bench I copied from a youtube video, don’t remember which one. You just need a long mill file, brake it, grind the ends to and edge, hammer the tang (carefully) into a section of log, and weld the smaller section of file onto a metal rod to make the hammer. It works good for breaking up nodes. I made a template for sizing. The bowl is full of Texas Chert, maybe some Missouri Chert too. The big node is English Flint. And there’s a photo of some of the few flints that are usable, some of which I touched up on my diamond blade wet/tile saw. I plan to make one of the copper/lead mallets but haven’t gotten around to it yet.

Thank you sir. I have plenty of dull files. LOL

 

[Phil Coffins]

This is my complete knapping kit.
93C8C739-68EB-4E70-A212-340E33E6E649 by Oliver Sudden, on Flickr

 

[Quicksilver]

I have made a flint or two. I’ve been thinking about getting serious with making more, but I haven’t got past the thinking stage. I have made a lot of points and ax heads in the past. I tend to give them away so not many to show you. I currently can’t find a ML flint I’ve made!! They are really not that hard to make once you learn the technique. I have seen a jig that is used for knapping you might look into that if your interested. You friend with the knapping suppy store is your best resource.

 

[deerstalkert]

my last run of flints. about due for a new batch

 

[bldtrailer]

just remember you have about 80-60% waist

 

[BackDraft]

Can the folks that knap flint post photos of their tools?

Thanks.

I second that request!

 

[Quicksilver]

I prefer to use antler on most of the knapping material, but I have found that on certain rock the copper boppers work better at getting the preform completed. The copper flakers also stay sharper longer. My dog also likes my antler flakers, she will sit and watch me knapp and wine when I’m using antler tools. I think this may be the reason I have a hard time with loosing my antler flakers..

 

[Lippy984]

I’d like to know how to find material in my area (northern NJ). As in, what it looks like/what to look for.

 

[ColonialRifleSmith]

Does anyone here knap their own flints for their muzzleloader. It's something I would love to get into. I have a friend that owns a flintknapping supply business, so I have easy access to materials and building tools. Any videos or tutorials out there to get someone started?

I do at times. It's not difficult, just takes practice. 'Babay Steps'. One thing I talk to people about is keeping their flint sharp. Dull flints is one of the main causes of no boom boom. I send this out with all my rifles and flints. Semper Fi.

 

[ColonialRifleSmith]

I prefer to use antler on most of the knapping material, but I have found that on certain rock the copper boppers work better at getting the preform completed. The copper flakers also stay sharper longer. My dog also likes my antler flakers, she will sit and watch me knapp and wine when I’m using antler tools. I think this may be the reason I have a hard time with loosing my antler flakers..

View attachment 187942

Excellent tool set. Semper Fi.

 

[smo]

I do at times. It's not difficult, just takes practice. 'Babay Steps'. One thing I talk to people about is keeping their flint sharp. Dull flints is one of the main causes of no boom boom. I send this out with all my rifles and flints. Semper Fi.
View attachment 188095

I always use the spine of the blade, not the cutting edge.
But this is the best method I’ve found too sharpen the edge of a dull flint.

 

[superkodiaksteiner]

what kind of flint is everyones "go to" for knapping flints for their flintlock. I am gonna see if I can get a few pieces from my buddy. And does anyone work off of small pieces or better to start with the larger rocks and make them smaller? He has whole rocks, spalls and flakes all made up.

 

[superkodiaksteiner]

oh, he also has a guy that cuts "slabs" for him. What if you could get longer pieces cut at a certain width and easily break them for flints? I think I would start there.

 

[TDM]

what kind of flint is everyones "go to" for knapping flints for their flintlock. I am gonna see if I can get a few pieces from my buddy. And does anyone work off of small pieces or better to start with the larger rocks and make them smaller? He has whole rocks, spalls and flakes all made up.

Here in the US there’s Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri Chert that is all good. DGW sells nodes of English flint too.

 

[ColonialRifleSmith]

Here in the US there’s Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri Chert that is all good. DGW sells nodes of English flint too.

Don't forget 'Flint, MI'. LOL. Seriously, I like to use white flint. It's a tad softer so it's easier to work. Being softer it's easier on your frizzen, but sparks up a storm. Semper Fi.

 

[lbothell]

i have never bought a flint for my flintlocks in 60 years. nor have i ever bought black powder.

Now this interests me.. please explain more if willing!

 

[deerstalkert]

Now this interests me.. please explain more if willing!

i learned knapping as a child from my mothers brother, my uncle. when i got into flintlocks i just naturally made my own flints.
I also learned to make BP when my brother gave me a Springfield trapdoor for Christmas so i would stop swiping his m1 carbine to hunt .
with the rifle he gave me tools to reload and the ingredients that when combined made gunpowder. have never needed to buy any from then on. i have had people give me gunpowder with a gun i bought from them. Hercules, Dupont, and Goex among others. i used the commercial stuff as a control if you will when making my own. hope this explains.
my dwindling supply of flints. need to make some more.
a chert knife made a few years ago. not sure my hands could do it today.

 

[ColonialRifleSmith]

i learned knapping as a child from my mothers brother, my uncle. when i got into flintlocks i just naturally made my own flints.
I also learned to make BP when my brother gave me a Springfield trapdoor for Christmas so i would stop swiping his m1 carbine to hunt .
with the rifle he gave me tools to reload and the ingredients that when combined made gunpowder. have never needed to buy any from then on. i have had people give me gunpowder with a gun i bought from them. Hercules, Dupont, and Goex among others. i used the commercial stuff as a control if you will when making my own. hope this explains.
my dwindling supply of flints. need to make some more.
a chert knife made a few years ago. not sure my hands could do it today.

I'm with ya' on that one. I didn't take my father's advice, not to grow old. Semper Fi.