Dressing A Worn Flint

[Ohio Joe]

I made one of these tools in the link below this morning... (I used 1/4" Aluminum rod - but plan on getting myself a solid brass rod) to make a few more just to have on hand... see link below

https://svartkrutt.net/articles/vis.php?id=29

This thing works great for dressing old worn flints I had laying around in the workshop. Even works on "chert flints"

I clamped my flints I re' dressed to the top of my bench vise with an Erwin adjustable slide clamp with a piece of leather under the flint (just enough so the edge of the flint I was knapping stuck out about like it does when in the lock, and the clamp's rubber pad on top the flint). Man was I ever impressed with this simple tool.

I saw ol' Cap-n-Ball (or whatever his name is in his video's) using one - and I figured I just had to try it.  I'll see if I can find that video and post it here as it truly is good information worth sharing.

Here's the video;



 

[rollingb]

Good video! 

I have both types of stepped rods, brass and steel.
The steel one also replaces the need for a screwdriver when adjusting/replacing a flint, but is usually used for knapping when there is no main charge in the breech, so an accidental spark can't pose a problem.

My other piece of rod is brass, which works great to knap with, but can't be used to adjust/replace the flint.

[rollingb]

You can click on the below link to see what my steel flint knapping tool looks like,.......
https://www.dixiegunworks.com/index/page/product/product_id/3870

[Ohio Joe]

Multi tools are the best, cuts down on items carried. 

In the field I'd just use my knapping hammer with the flint in the jaws of the lock - but I have to say Rondo, after using this one I made from aluminum - I'm sold on these things for bringing life back to these old flints when the hammer doesn't seem to quite do the trick. 

[doggoner]

Here are a couple of "tools" you can make if you so desire. Click on the photo to enlarge it.

doggoner

[Ohio Joe]

That forged screwdriver napping awl is interesting. 

To be honest, I recall when I first saw these knapping tools like I made yesterday very similar to the "nail" diagram I posted, I truly thought they were a gimmick, and that nothing could replace the little knapping hammer I use... Boy was I wrong!!! 

[RobD]

How I sharpen a gun flint ...

[Ohio Joe]

Yes sir Rob, that's how I always did it (with my little knapping hammer) until yesterday... Now that's not saying I won't still use the knapping hammer for a quick freshening of the flint while in the field (I will)... 

[Winter Hawk]

What I use, copied over from the old, defunct Muzzle Loader Mailing List:

 [ Invalid Attachment ]

Mine is made from a nail, and has been in my patch box for 20 years or so.  I'll take a photo of it tomorrow and post it if folks want a better picture.

~Kees~

[Ohio Joe]

I'm completely sold on these, Kees - though I still use my little flint dressing knapping hammer in the field ...

I had quite a few flints that my little knapping hammer just would not flake anything more off the edge, but I kept these flints to someday hopefully re' work them for a smaller / lesser throw "Lock" Jaw... The nail idea was perfect for this, and being able to lay the old flint under a piece of leather on top of my bench vise then clamp it to the bench vise with an Erwin wood clamp (the rubber pad on top the flint and leaving the leading edge stick out freely for the striking tool, these little flint dressing rods worked perfect.

Did I mention I'm completely sold on these things?  "Yes Sir" 100% sold on them. So even an old bugger like myself can learn something new even after over 40+ years in the game.