Why does the stone need a wrap?

[laagamer]

Dumb question, but honestly curious.

I've seen many without a wrap, and It works fine in my rifle when tested.

 

[Trot]

The flint? That is just to grip it in place, it gives the jaws of the hammer something softer to bite into, also adds something like a shock absorber so it isn't metal against flint which can cause chipping and cracking of the flint. I have gone without out of necessity, but you'll get longer flint life and it will stay more securely in position with it.

 

[Brokennock]

The flint? That is just to grip it in place, it gives the jaws of the hammer something softer to bite into, also adds something like a shock absorber so it isn't metal against flint which can cause chipping and cracking of the flint. I have gone without out of necessity, but you'll get longer flint life and it will stay more securely in position with it.

Very good answer.

It also accounts for irregularities in the shape of the flint. I'd imagine that a nice flat flint, squared off across the top, will hold okay in the flint jaws bare. But that isn't the reality of most flints, unless using those weird sawn agate "flints."

 

[Commodore Swab]

When tightening down you can crack a flint.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I've seen many without a wrap, and It works fine in my rifle when tested.

When you write "tested" how many shots, and how many flints.? I ask as it might work with the first few shots, or one flint, but not as a rule.

LD

 

[John Stark]

The "wrap", as stated, is used for a better, softer grip of the flint due to the larger surface area being held (unless your flint it cut flawlessly to the profile of your jaws).. Placing it directly in the jaws will cause a few issues with extended use.....1: it is basically putting a rock between two pieces of steel and whacking them together at an angle, sooner or later it's going to chip and/or shatter due to stress, not wear. 2: the leather allows the flint to slightly "self adjust/align" providing the "squarest" surface area for striking.
Testing takes years, not a few sessions. I can "test" 180grs of BP in my .50 rifle and it'll probably do fine....a few times...until it doesn't.

 

[Col. Batguano]

There always has to be something that gets in between a rock and a hard place.

 

[tenngun]

Testing,
One wants to try something and see how it works
Above is one after another point on what it does
But I had to test
Had a Davis lock. Fitted an Arkansas chert in and shot without a pad.
Lasted about ten shots till I got a clatch
Tapped the edge and flint cracked. That’s not the fault of no pad, I’ve had lots of flints do that over the year
Went to run top jaw screw up and shame found a problem.
Vo shock absorber
Flint rested right on the threads
Flint is harder then steel
Threads mangles and shaft bent

 

[Ballshooter]

Testing,
One wants to try something and see how it works
Above is one after another point on what it does
But I had to test
Had a Davis lock. Fitted an Arkansas chert in and shot without a pad.
Lasted about ten shots till I got a clatch
Tapped the edge and flint cracked. That’s not the fault of no pad, I’ve had lots of flints do that over the year
Went to run top jaw screw up and shame found a problem.
Vo shock absorber
Flint rested right on the threads
Flint is harder then steel
Threads mangles and shaft bent

Yep, need something to protect your cock screw hahaha.

 

[Ballshooter]

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