FINALLY, I can sharpen my flints...

Adam Helmer · #1 04-04-2007, 01:43 PM

Like many folks, I have a tin box of about a dozen DULL flints that merely go "Thunk" on the frizzen, sans any sparks, when the trigger is pulled.

Last week we had dinner with another old Longhunter and his family. After dinner, by his fireplace, we chatted about dull flints. He showed me his remedy to resharpen flints. We both failed at that knapping skill some have mastered. My friend brought out a 9-inch long whetstone that was medium rough on one side and smoother on the other. He took a very dull flint and with a dozen swipes on each side of its leading edge, it had a nice sharp edge. For an encore he gave me a similiar 9-inch whetstone that has been pre-oiled, per the packing box.

I came home and went to the gun room. In 30 minutes, I had my formerly dull flints edged to a nice sharp presentation to the frizzens. I tested a few flints yesterday and can say there is new "life" for my dull flints.

For those who can knapp, I say keep knapping. For those who cannot knapp, I say go get a whetstone and rehab them dull flints.

Adam

roundball · #2 04-04-2007, 06:31 PM

What kind of flint are you talking about...the flat "sawed" flint material?

Adam Helmer · #3 04-05-2007, 11:09 AM

roundball,

I am talking about the knapped flints that get dull. I end up with a more even edge than the knapped edge and get more shots out of the flints after they are whetstone sharpened.

Adam

roundball · #4 04-05-2007, 05:01 PM

If you ever get a bunch of "hump back" flints that you'd like to grind down, this diamond grinding wheel goes through flint like butter...

http://www.widgetsupply.com/page/WS/...-wheel-1/BDL34