Spark test: dry frizzen vs. oiled frizzen

[kyron4]

Came across this video where a guy demonstrates the difference between when a frizzen is cleaned and dry with alcohol vs. when it has oil on it. Now when he oils the frizzen it is an excessive amount, so keep that in mind. There have been some discussions lately about wiping off the frizzen either with a dry patch, alcohol patch or just a thumb. Not saying one is any better than the other, but for the new to flintlock guys that might be having some issues it's something to consider. And yes, I know it's a low-quality video, but it's short and to the point. Carry on gentlemen.

 

[AZshot]

Of course heavy oil or grease on a frizzon face will pervent sparks. So after pulling a gun out of it's storage place for the first shot, it's a very good idea to wipe it off.

Bear in mind that is not the same thing as the debate on if you should wipe the frizzon after each shot or not. Fouling is not oil. In my experience I can get good sparks between shots even if I don't wipe the frizzon face.

 

[stubshaft]

When hunting I always make sure that the frizzen and flint is clean and dry. When at the range I don't bother since a misfire or lack of sparks is not critical to me.

 

[Harry Marinakis]

I have a short strip of dry linen tied to my rifle bag just for wiping down the frizzen.

 

[BEP]

I cringed when I saw him wipe down that flint with his oil coated index finger. I'd still be bleeding! Otherwise, no surprises.

 

[1950DAVE]

I had a fail to spark on a nice buck a couple of years ago. A very slight film of rust on the frizzen. All it took was scuffing with Scotchbrite. I always check now for any thing that might prevent flint striking bare steel.

 

[AZshot]

Lesson - don't put oil or grease on the face. Done.

 

[wiscoaster]

Spit on my thumb works for me.

(I'm probably ingesting something toxic)

 

[westrayer]

Before hunting season, I wipe with alcohol on a patch. Even fouling from the range will cause a failure to spark,.

 

[ZUG]

Gosh - the night before a hunt I would make sure my flint was sharp and try it for a good shower of sparks if not I will change the flint to a new sharp one. It would be foolish to spend a day hunting and not make sure your equipment is going to perform to its best.

 

[French Colonial]

Ole Daniel, Simon Wetzel and the Girtys all carried a bottle of rubbing alcohol with them to wipe their frizzens.

It is one of those things you just need to have!

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Ole Daniel, Simon Wetzel and the Girtys all carried a bottle of rubbing alcohol with them to wipe their frizzens.

It is one of those things you just need to have!

You're gonna be asked the reference that supports that ifin' it wasn't a tongue-in-cheek comment.

LD

 

[bldtrailer]

I bet they had corn alcohol as it was used as money in the back country (whiskey tax) white lighting as a way to extend the crop

 

[French Colonial]

Went shooting today with a couple of Kibler's, did not wipe oil or anything else off the frizzen.

I did have to move the flint forward in the jaws of the Woodsrunner after the flint got so short the top jaw started hitting the frizzen, so no spark. Moved it forward, clamped it down, resumed shooting.

No alcohol was wasted in the pursuit of a good day

 

[bldtrailer]

there seems to be an mistake on the oil vs alcohol on the frizzen all that matters is the frizzen is dry ,alcohol is just one way to get there
so take a shot or two and relax
if you have a good spark great if not try the above

 

[ekettenburg]

Ole Daniel, Simon Wetzel and the Girtys all carried a bottle of rubbing alcohol with them to wipe their frizzens.

It is one of those things you just need to have!

I suspect if they had alcohol with them, it sure as heck was not being used for wiping frizzens.

 

[kyron4]

I suspect if they had alcohol with them, it sure as heck was not being used for wiping frizzens.

 

[Freedom]

It's a good thing my Kibler hunting rifle doesn't read the internet.
She fires just fine soaking wet, and packed with grease.

 

[waksupi]

When shooting, I'm using moose milk patches, so have that on my fingers. I wipe the flint and frizzen with those fingers, and have no problems with misfires.