Putting the Flint in Flintlocks

[@duelist1954]

Many of you are correcting me on my definition of bevel up vs bevel down. So, I’ll concede that I must be in error. My way is how I think of the bevel position based on the position of the edge of the flint pointing up or pointing down. But so many people are correcting me, I have to concede that I my thinking is backwards.

[@marctric]

Which one came first ? Since it is a video and you show what are you trying to say, i never think about it. But if i have to, i will go after the woodworking chiesel concept about bevel up and down. Just my 2 cents. BTW, my reference in woodworking is this guy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5ytY3qdgZpjhbM

[@antoninolatorre8355]

bevel down ... point up, ok !!!

[@Gunsmith-4570]

Personally, your way looks right to me. I only have 1 flintlock,( it's a Double Barrel pistol so I guess that's 2 Flintlocks) came with out flints. When they came in, size 5/8" I followed your methodology bevel up. I really need to fire that one of these days. Good video, it is much nicer these days with all the info on you tube. Back when I got my first black powder revolver, the only good info came in the back of the Dixie Gun Works catalog.

[@GovtWatchdog]

We all know what mike means regardless of which is “correct”.

[@billlincolnmd9159]

Try rubbung a smidgin of pine sap sticky on your leather rap--it holds.

[@burtlunn5911]

I have done many searches and read several books that covered the topic of flints, installing and knapping them. No instruction has been as clear and helpful as this. Mike has such a organized way of thinking and communicating. Thanks so much for your excellent work again!

[@duelist1954]

Thanks. I’m glad you liked it.

[@fordfan3179]

Useful, ✔️ Interesting, ✔️ Entertaining, ✔️ Thanks Mike

[@richardfischer9811]

Thanks for another excellent video, Mike. You're the only guy I know who can talk about a rock and make it interesting.

[@christophermccormick2714]

I will probably never shoot a flintlock, but I’ve sure enjoyed learning about them. Thanks for the series!

[@davefellhoelter1343]

Carful, they are like Fire Arms Crack, "Just say No!" or you will be All In!

[@Blackpowderdad]

I’ve been a flintlock rifle owner for all of 4-5 months, so this video series has been incredibly helpful for me, so thank you!

[@duelist1954]

I'm glad it is useful to you.

[@raccoonlittlebear6476]

Great series on flintlocks Mike! Perhaps the new standard on the subject. Well done. One footnote on flintlocks in particular is the importance of eye protection. After shooting flintlocks steadily for a year with my new glasses. It was evident that tiny chards of flint were pitting my glasses! Just a friendly reminder.🤓

[@duelist1954]

Luckily, I need glasses to see, but you’re right. The same thing happens to my glasses.

[@magua1368]

I do not like them but I wear "oversized" safety glasses over my 900USD script glasses{I'm far sighted}when shootin the fire beathin dragon. I agree, my glasses were pitting as well...@@duelist1954

[@jimvandemoter6961]

Once again as a history nut I find this fascinating. The things our ancestors had to do simply to survive day to day really do amaze me. Thank you, Mike for another great video.

[@magua1368]

Agree. They did not have the daily "grind" that we have as well. Their job was to survive, not to pay taxes to the man. Wish I had lived then instead of now...👍

[@vanleermatt]

I'm new to flintlocks, your videos have helped me tremendously.

[@duelist1954]

I’m glad I could help out.

[@user-tk9uk9wm6c]

Thank you for the information. I didn’t realize how little I knew about flint and my Cabela’s flintlock rifle.

[@christopherbennett4559]

I enjoy everything about flintlocks. That's all I have now. Modern guns are boring. I hunt and use them for food not a range guy. I have followed Mike for years and he does the best informed videos . It's simple thing like flints sights loads etc. That helps everyone from experience to inexperienced people. Great video like always God bless. 🙌

[@stevebuckskinner5482]

You definitely answered my question on sharpening flint. Thanks Mike!!👍

[@TheGunfighter45acp]

I know this video was about flints, but that fowler is downright handsome. I am looking forward to seeing it in action in the upcoming video.

[@GaryED44]

Great stuff mike. I always wondered about flints and all the logistic aspects. Thumbs up

[@jwkennington]

Great video, Mike. I used to work at a historic site in Savannah, Georgia that was located along the river. In the 18th and 19th centuries, during the age of sail, ships used flint as ballast. They dumped their ballast along the river banks and today, you can canoe along the banks and find piles of flint. I suspect it is the same in most of the old cities, even around the Great Lakes.

[@keithfurman6245]

Is it usable flint and is worth coming down and looking for it

[@jwkennington]

@@keithfurman6245 It all depends. There are piles of it that locals used to make arrowheads. I have seen the dark english flint there but no french amber.

[@keithfurman6245]

@@jwkennington thanks I was thanking about a family outing I’m not far away Keith

[@earlshaner4441]

Hi from Syracuse NY brother and thank you for sharing your thoughts and adventures and history and information

[@lundysden6781]

Mike, as a geologist-gun-guy I have a bit to offer on the subject. In terms of deposits in the U.S. there are thousands. Some is of much better quality, some worse. Flint is the same as chert except for color. In fact jasper, and petrified wood are also in the same category and should work in a pinch as well as agate. In fact it's all a form of SiO2 or quartz. It's all near a 7 on Moh's scale of hardness. Crystal quartz would work too. There are other rocks such as quartzite that will work, anything harder than the hard frizzen steel that breaks with a sharp edge. Here in my state of NY we have LOTS of it. There is one of the largest deposits of native flint mines on the east coast here in the Hudson valley and it will work as well but no one "makes" flints out of it. Maybe a new side job? Anyway, most flint or chert has too many fractures or is too brittle to work. You can fix this by heat treating your flint. Yes you heard me correct. Native tribes did it for a LONG time here. You can tell bc it often changes the colors. I once 30 yrs ago found what I think was flint on the side of a hill on the Vt. side of Lake Champlain where a soldier or indian tried making some? It was the site of a major battle so it's possible (Ft. Ticonderoga) you may have heard of it. Well, I could go on but I'm sure your all board by now!

[@duelist1954]

Great info! Thanks.

[@russrussell4097]

You take the time and go into great detail which make your information very interesting. I always look forward to your videos; keep up the great your great work.

[@cashenjoe1]

I like that sharpening technique!

[@samcolt1079]

TRACK OF THE WOLF IS VERY GOOD FLINT

[@Preachb52]

brand new to Flintlocks. I purchased a Traditions Woodsman flintlock kit. It’s been a fun learning curve. I’m about to stain the stock, so that tells you where I’m at in the process. Your instruction on the right flint was great. This will allow me to order the flints now so when the gun is finished, I’ll be ready to shoot. Thanks again for a great video and I look forward to watching other things you’ve done.

[@dustyoldhat3543]

Thanks again for the teaching. Good video as always.

[@anthonyyurt7260]

All the questions I didn't know I needed to ask about flints answered in one video. Thank you Sir!

[@fokkerd3red618]

Thanks Mike for all the information. I doubt very much most people have any idea where flint comes from and some history about it. Your videos are always interesting.

[@johnknorr1140]

I have used a Flintlock hunting before but I never owned one just recently I purchased a new Lvman deer stalker, and your videos are very helpful for me to get started. Thank you.

[@donaldday1281]

I think that your be tutorial on placemt of a flint is based on many years of practical BB application. I would take your advice on this subject rather than alot of armchair warriors! I have found your advice to be be spot on. Without exception!

[@henryostrander6282]

Been shooting flint for 61 years. English flints have never let me down

[@MsCas3]

That was a cool way to knap the flint, looking forward to trying it

[@lesthompson5907]

There are 3 tips of English flint there's a red flint. often seen in housing wall's often we see it used by yeomen farmers god Red Flint lasted quite some time. Flint is commonly found in fields in the south of the country, the les common red flint is abundant and is what was used to build flint walls with some size used to fill in wall their is a whit quirts we often use to fond in the welsh mountains.

[@JamesHavens-sk2uw]

Fascinating, cant wait to get my first flintlock. Moving on from percussion 🇺🇸

[@charlesmcclellan1095]

This whole series has been very helpful. Thanks Mike. Wish someone would have told me all this a few decades ago. BTW, love the English flints in my L&R lock. No more klatching, no more Flinchlock and plenty of spark.

[@davidpowell5437]

Many Thanks. These the sort of little practical details that you never worry about until you are about to try something for the first time! Very nicely timed for me too as I've just found that my first, new to me flinter came with a flint that is apparently physically too long - and shorter than recommended! At least I know how to put it back in now. Time permitting, it would be great if you could cover routine maintenance, particularly lubrication of the lock mechanism. Any gun used for target shooting is likely to work harder than one used for hunting, so lubrication would seem to be a good thing. Not on the frizzen face though - I worked that out!

[@user-gp3ue1gs2o]

Very informative and understandable. Good job. Ben

[@johnduffant9694]

Everything you present is outstanding, thanks for being the professor of BP.

[@BlaineNay]

This is the first time I've heard of notching the leather. That seems like a great idea. Now, I gotta go to the range and try it!

[@folday6169]

Mike, instead of using a screwdriver to tighten the jaw screw, I use a nail, the head oof which I have removed (any short steel rod will do), which fits the hole in top of the jaw screw to tighten the screw...it prevents stripping the screw if the screwdriver slips. I also select flint size based on the width of the frizzen. Thanks for the tip of using the back of your knife to knap the flint...dispenses with the need for a knapping hammer in the field.

[@lorenray9479]

Wow! You are helping us to decide afore or agin the flinter!

[@rifleman762]

I had a pedersoli 1816 harpers ferry musket that I used for early civil war reenacting, 20 plus years ago. I sold it to a friend of mine and I regret it! Love those flintlocks! I actually used old boot leather to hold my flints in place.

[@ryangrimm9305]

Recently retired, thinking about getting back into voyageur/buckskinning with flintlocks. Looking at kits so far, a lot to learn. Used a canoe gun back in the late 70s, thinking a longer rifle this time. Lots to learn/re-learn. Thanks!

[@markveenstra9378]

Thank you I actually learned stuff I haven't thought of. And I've been playing with flintlocks for 7 years now and love them

[@markveenstra9378]

Side note . You have to use real Black Powder in the pan nothing else works as well. Good luck finding it 🤠

[@Miningpastpresentfuture]

Very clear directions and clear camera angles. Thank you.

[@johnlawrence757]

Mike keep it up love your videos been watching your videos long time you showed me how to shoot and clean my colt 1851 and 1860 now I’m getting into flintlocks rifles so keep them coming

[@duelist1954]

Glad you liked it.

[@andyvan5692]

good video, fyi the cup style 'lighters' welders use for the gas torch uses flint, in the match portion of the tool, so we have seen flint before, just not known it, also a cigarette lighter uses it too (the sparker wheel)- is used up until the pietzo crystal style lighters in LNG and Barbique stoves, this is what happens when you press the lightening bolt button, not Flint, but another 'electrical' spark to ignite the gas.

[@edwardsouza6985]

Mike a lot of good information on flints please keep this good infomation coming

[@emmettjenkins8026]

Cool video, sharpening flint was very enlightening.

[@lifebiker105]

We had a lot of Flint around when I was a kid. From the Lead Mines in Picher Oklahoma.

[@KathrynLiz1]

For knapping a flint in situ I use a 1/4" brass rod with a very short section on the end turned own 7 or 8 thou below the 1/4". Just rest the 'ledge' on the flint edge and tap it with the ball starter. Takes out tiny spalls really well, and is very safe if your are doing it with a loaded firearm Often needed) as there is no possibility of sparks during the knapping process...

[@RodSmothers]

Great video! I'm in SAR and we have a lot of guys join and buy a cheap gun. One new guy came out for training and got off one shot and then....nothing. We determined that his frizzen needed to be hardened although this gun was purchased new. This discussion of flints is invaluable to new shooters....but don't forget the frizzen. If it's too soft, you won't get a spark. Good news....they can be hardened.

[@wildeyshere5189]

Thank you Mike, to a total novice that's the voodoo part. Greatly appreciated

[@duelist1954]

I hope it helped.

[@johnlynch7669]

Thank you. Flintlocks were always an enigma for me. There is allot of assumed or lost knowledge. You certainly helped fill some gaps.

[@emandejnozka1369]

Thanks Mike. Good info. I recommend this video to all new “Click-poof-whiz-bang” shooters

[@a1sloth1]

Essential information, the tapping of the flint to sharpen it was very helpful.

[@yeetarmyitstimeforgoodtime8958]

Wish I could have looked at U-Tube videos 50 years ago when I first got a TC Hawken flintlock had to learn alot of things the hard way like the part about sharpening flint with the back of knife blade because I was never good at sharpening flints so will give it a try

[@kc6671]

I use flint from Ohio I collected myself. Collected it for jewelery originally, but found it quite effective for my flintlock. I test pieces for good spark some obviously spark better than others. Cut into the basic shape on lapidary equipment to save time and then nap the striking edge for good spark. Works for me to hunt with just fine…

[@lutherpayne9957]

Good stuff Mike. I have several percussion pistols and muskets, alas not a single flintlock. Perhaps it is time.....Thanks for the information.

[@matthewlyness8161]

I'm new to flintlocks just picked up a lyman deerstalker flintlock made investa arms

[@mrdinme.4768]

That was great! Interesting! Useful! Thank you sir, as always a pleasure! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸

[@robertmigash4989]

I have a Lancaster style rifle built by the late Ken Ishler in the later 70’s. He had English flint in the gun when I bought it in the early 90’s. I could never get the gun to spark correctly with. I did have a lot of T/C flints on hand to which I is to this day. They work very well in the Siler lock. Get video and keep up with the good work .

[@theodorebranin1365]

An excellent video! Thanks. Everything was something I did not know.

[@bmw9006]

I am from Texas, West Texas and it took someone from Pennsylvania to tell me a bought one of two places in the USA to find flint. I had no idea of the flint quarries in the northern panhandle of Texas.

[@richardsims1805]

Never knew about sharpening a flint in the jaws with the back of a knife. Nicely done!!

[@matbrewer9799]

😂 I'm glad the French helped! We may very well have run out of flints! 😂 Great video Mike! You are the greatest! Thank you!

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

An excellent tutorial on flints! There's not much I can add, but since I began shooting flintlocks in the 1970's there are a few things I can pass along that I learned from experience and from others. Bevel up or bevel down? It all depend on how the gun likes it. Experiment and see what works better for you, there's no right or wrong, only what works. One thing to watch for is the leading edge of the flint. When the hammer stops the leading edge of the flint should point right at the center of the pan, or as close to it as you can get. Sparks dropping in the center of the pan will ensure the best ignition of the priming powder. (And don't over-prime. Prime a little below the edge of the pan, that's enough with a good lock.) French vs. English flints? I've used both and have seen little difference so use what you can get. Like Mike I tried agate "flints" and didn't have much luck with them at all. Back in the 18th Century it was common for military flints to be wrapped with lead. I latched onto some sheet lead, tried it, and it worked pretty well. I never lost a flint like Mike did in the video. That being said it's a lot easier using leather to wrap the flint, you can cut leather with a knife or scissors, you need tin snips for lead! How long will a flint last? I had them go bad after five shots, I had some last as long as fifty. I didn't think that one was ever going to wear out! But eventually it did. As Mike says, there's no hard-and-fast on flints. And it was typical in the flintlock days for new flints to be issued to the troops before a battle, the didn't take chances. As far as American flints I've heard (but haven't seen) that there's a geen type of flint on Mount Kineo, a piece of land on Moosehead Lake in Maine. How well that would work as a gunflint I have no idea. Maybe someone from that part of the country can try it and let us know.

[@richarddeyarmin3986]

Hi Mike, thank you for the lesson on how to sharpening a flint.

[@james_lessick892]

Wanted to know how to sharpen a Flint. Thank you for such an informative video. 👌🤠👍

[@edwardmiller9611]

Useful because I just purchased a flintlock rifle.

[@eqpro2853]

Thanks Mike! These videos are the reason I got into flintlocks.

[@ricktaylor5744]

Great job as always, you are a wealth of knowledge, and a excellent teacher. Keep up the great work.

[@shibblesshalzabot6320]

“If it’ll throw a spark it’ll spark the charge!”

[@Peter-od7op]

Great vdo working on my 2 nd kibler with my 17 yr old. New at this

[@scotthaddad563]

I have always subscribed to the theory that the flintlock properly tuned and with reasonably sharp flints should be able to spark without a frizzen spring.

[@garrypitts4155]

I usually put my Flint in with leather I've used leather from old glove fingers I've got my Frozen cover made out of a thumb leather thumb piece from a glove fits right over perfect but I load my Flint normally with the bevel down with the flat side up cuz I get a longer like you said a longer stroke and it normally goes off every time the old sitting Fox 12 gauge smooth bore

[@EBthere]

Thank you very much Mike.

[@gordonbrown8450]

I use both English and French flints , I find black Norfolk flint , that I've knapped myself ,lasts at least twice as long as French.The French loses big chunks from the edge after around 15 shots and needs re-knapping.

[@kurtreinhardt6789]

Thanks for sharing this info on flints- I believe you answered any questions I was thinking of

[@michaelzacharko5097]

Hello, I like your show Mike on the flintlock rifle , lock operation and flint maintenance. I really enjoy shooting a flint lock , as you do, and developing the best lock set-up and loading methods for it. I recently purchased a Virginia, James River, Long Rifle from Track of the Wolf and am anxious to take it out. This it is my first venture into purchasing hand-made rifles on-line. It is truly a beautiful 50 cal. rifle (44", "B" swamped Colerain barrel; has a fast, Chambers, Rounded surfaces , Southern style, early single trigger lock; curly maple stock and early style iron furniture. I like it also because the lock is like a fowler and holds flints that are a bit wider than typical rifles of the later period and the curly maple stock combines early features (Wider, fowler butt; Jaeger style patch box & lid; tapered and stepped sides in the lock area with light engraving in the cheek, wrist and forearm areas). I have one other hand-made rifle; a 50 cal. rifle made by Michael Beathe (Started the file-knife craze in the 80"s). He made the custom rifle for a movie and also provided an accompanying file-knife with the same curly stain and German silver metal as he used for the thimbles and nose piece of the rifle. The beauty and artistic endeavor in these old repro rifles far exceeds what is typically made today and offers a degree of satisfaction that brings a smile to your face when you handle them.

[@duelist1954]

Those sound like a couple of great rifles.

[@jamesmcneil3354]

Great series for beginners. Now I just need some $$$ lol

[@Rumblestrip]

Lol good arguments both ways. Dont know how i missed this video. I like french flints better myself... Definitely do dull a bit faster for sure, but flints is flints. lol October Country has been my go-to for flints

[@paulbarrett3361]

Thanks Mike it had answered a few questions on how i learned trial and error.

[@shannonludwick5738]

That's awesome just ordered a 36 flintlock kibler I have 9caplicks this will be my first flint Definitely help me out thank you

[@thomasgellos1732]

Fine explanation of Flint setting and maintenance thank you Mike

[@rdh6932]

Thanks for some very useful information and showing how to resharpen a flint.

[@duelist1954]

I’m glad you liked it.

[@tommaddox1028]

Good instruction first time I have ever seen a class on a very important subject. I prefer English flint. Kentucky has good flint.

[@tangydiesel1886]

Thanks! Very simple on the napping. I see so many people that say you have to have special tools.

[@jasonvenesky2438]

You are an incredible presenter, one of the best on KZbin.

[@rre9121]

Delightful, my flintlock comes in on tuesday. I'll have all week to get the action working for the weekend. I can't wait. Another great video!

[@snappers_antique_firearms]

I found a easy way to make flints. I know it's not the right way to do it because I can't nap to save my life. I bought a diamond cutoff wheel for my Dremel tool. Cut out the overall shape. Then nap the nose as if you had a doll Flint. And this is been working for me very well

[@DanaWebb2017]

Very educational, I'm starting to want a flintlock.

[@johnvallandigham5467]

Thanks Mike. Bygone days of technology, but it lasted for a long time. Great information.

[@garrypitts4155]

Can't find any Flint naturally around here where I'm at least I don't and I've looked everywhere so I usually buy a bunch from Cabela's when I go there and yeah they last a long time at least for me

[@swamprat9018]

Good Video Mr. B. I only have cap guns do to no black powder sources in my area. You answered a lot of questions I had about flints I had concerning flints. Bought another barrel guess that means another build, Would have never started building guns if not for your videos. Thanks again.

[@josephbarnes8000]

Got my first flintlock today. Great video

[@bigrickshaberdashery2759]

thanks, very informative. We use rose quartz around my area of Northern Alberta.

[@walentinkostenko6369]

There is flint rock lying around most of deep south Texas…I just pick up the size I want and break it to size or scrounge around until I find one just the right size…

[@harrisonlewis6853]

Thank you Mike. Just a Traditions flintlock blunderbuss in kit form. I'm excited to start building it but didn't know what size flintlock to use. I'm going to Track of Wolf to see if they know. I got this shotgun because over in N.E. Ohio we have a reenactment where fur traders do their stuff and I come as a Mississippi River pirate or river plunderer. Yes, me crew, charge a river tax to canal boats and barges.

[@CrimeVid]

There is plenty of brown flint in England, but I would make the black flint the harder. Not all flint is the same hardness, if you find a black flint that when cracked open, glitters as if it was polished ,it will be very brittle.

[@giveblood8467]

yes found very helpful. thank you for your help.

[@georgepursley2832]

Very helpful. You removed a lot of the mystery for me. I'm looking forward to the 12 ga frontier video. It could change my pheasant hunts forever- at least a couple of times a year.

[@tomcurran1538]

A needed explanation of flints. Thanks.

[@bogtrottername7001]

This may be long ! I was a member of the 1st Va Regt for 15 years. -- Many opportunities to shoot at some of you !!! ( ... also did some MD Militia & Roger's Rangers F&I War events ) I've collected stone age tools for 60 years and I have had a fascination with flint knapping since I was a kid. My collection probably contains several hundred old, original flints, some from casches found in India, some from 19th C shipwrecks and many individual pieces found by arrowhead collectors in PA & NY. Many of these are musket flints and many are rifle flints; a few are apparently pistol flints due to their small size. ( I own a couple pocket flintlock pistols with locks so small that I've never found a flint small enough to fit into the cock properly ! ) In our Regt. most guys used leather and some used lead --- we often hammered a ball flat to make our lead pads. My very favorite flints are native made ( Iroquois ) NY flints that some collectors call pillow flints - these are mostly made of Onondaga chert from western NY. ( quite rare ) When I fitted a flint into the jaws I always knocked a bit of the outside corner off so nobody could get cut on that sharp corner ( Learned that the hard way in my 1st battle ! ) When I was on my own I liked to let children hold the weapon for family photos so this was important. It's always a good plan to notch the pad whether it is leather or lead - better geometry when gripping the stone. I have several old, original musket flints that have a notch in the back edge; I suppose it was either to shorten the length of the flint or to prevent it from going squirrely in the jaws. When buying flints from the suttlers at events I always looked at them straight on to find the ones with the top & bottom faces parallel so they had a better chance of staying straight in the jaws - many flints are oddly shaped at the end of their serviceable lives because they rotate in the jaws. During long battles I often did, as Mike shows, serrate the flint's edge to get better sparks - in battle it's much quicker than changing out a flint & you don't get left behind as your unit advances ! If you want to have comradery, fun & visit historic sites join a regiment - I always said when we were at those sites and battlefields that it was like being on the "inside looking out" rather than the other way around as you would be as a tourist !!! Keep your powder dry !