Flintlock questions

fetchingdrake

fetchingdrake

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Hopefully some of the BP experts can answer a few questions for be.

How long does a flint usually last for,, how many strikes of the frizzen before it needs to be changed or knapped ?


how do you knap a flint?

Hope someone can answerthese for me.

Thanks,

Fetchingdrake
 
A flint may last one or more strikes, perhaps several dozen, depending. It is extremely variable, geometry of the lock, spring stiffness, type of flint, how it seats in the ####, all affecting flint life. Some locks are gravel crushers. To knap a flint, the edge is struck from above, causing flakes to spall off. Cushion the underside of the bevel with your finger while tapping. Watch your eyes with the little flakes removed when knapping.
 
Levi Garrett said:
Called pressure flaking, with a copper rod inlet in a bone or wood handle. A flint knapper in your area will be able to freshen your flints, english are the best, Dixie gun works have 'em. Frizzen also needs help :)
Here is a link, read it and you will be in the know :D
http://members.aol.com/illinewek/faqs/tuning.htm :)
Click to expand...


Now i am more confussed, seriously, one two a dozen strikes and that it?


Fetchingdrake
 
A flint can break on the first fire. Depending on all the variables, a flint could last for many strikes. I know of one chap who reported over 70 good strikes on one flint, don't know if it was knapped during this series. Large locks with heavy springs tend to be hard on flints. I have read that the suberb sporting locks made in early 19th century England used up flints. Fast ignition and abundant sparks were the tradeoff.
There are traditionally knapped english flints, diamond saw cut agates.
There are so many variables in locks and the stones that there is no firm answer. As you gain experience with a particular lock, you will get an idea of what to expect, but each flint is an individual.
 
A flint with my Brown Bess and Charleville used during re-enactments can last from 20 to 30 times and once in a while up to fourty with some carefull knapping. As noted I have had them shatter after a shot or two also.
 
The worst lock I have had, went less than 10 shots between knapping, the best about 30 shots. Almost all locks would permit 2 knappings plus the initial sharp flint. I reduce the length of the flint only a tiny amount during knapping but shooting also shortens the length as the sharp edge breaks off. Eventually the flint becomes short enough that the top screw hits before the flint does and you get no sparks.
The ideal flint strikes the frizzen at a bit of an angle rather than square on but obviously if the length of the flint is changing from wear and from knapping the ideal length is not a permanent feature.
final point is that a cheap flint lock (the lock that is) is not worth crap; just endless frustration. Buy a quality lock period, such as Siler or L&R

cheers mooncoon
 
I have one lock I built from a kit and have cycled it at least 70 times and have yet to knap it. Lots of factors involved, quality of lock and quality of flint.
 
I guess that i need a beeter description and directon how to knap flints. I can not seem to picture the angle of the deer tine or modified nail mentioned in the one link :confused: :confused:


Fetchingdrake
 
I use a piece of 3/16 brass about 2" or 3" long and drive it with my short starter which is mallet shaped and made of horm with a brass handle. I catch about 1/16" of the flint with brass drift (or less) and hold the drift at about 45 degree angle to the top of the flint. Whap and a flake should come off on the underneath side.
Tapping with various hard things on the edge works after a fashion but is difficult to control. I think pressure flaking would be extremely difficult to do.

cheers mooncoon
 
Can be bevel up or down which ever your rifle prefers, I've shot bevel up, then when I've knapped it a few times, I've flipped it over.
That's steppenwolf doing the knapping and narrating.
Cheers nessy.
 
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