Confused with flint sizing

[nemovir]

According to Jim Chambers website, the Late Ketland Flintlock flint size is 3/4" x 5/8".  Track of the Wolf has English flint with measurements of 5/8" x 3/4".  Can I safely assume they are the same sizes or is the first number the length and the second is the width or is it vice versa?

[rich pierce]

Same, that will work.

[hanshi]

While flints of a certain "size" may vary slightly in actual dimensions, I find that some larger or smaller flints frequently work well in many locks.  My squirrel rifle works not only with the recommended size flint but also with the next size up.

[Standing Bear]

Generally the first number is the width.  Generally not a gotta.  Be good to clarify w the vendor.

[rfd]

for a new  or new-to-me lock, and you have no flints at all, to make a wooden flint that fits well, then use those dimensions as need be.  doesn't need to be exact and if a tad wider flint is used that's no big deal.  flint length is more important and that will be reflected in the lock's geometry.  at half cock and with the hammer steel down over the pan you'd want that jawed flint to be up high on the frizzen face and nearly touching it. 

[Ky-Flinter]

3/4" x 5/8" or 5/8" x 3/4"

I'm with Rich, same thing.  The larger dimension will be the length, and the smaller dimension the width.

-Ron

[Pete G.]

Call TOW and ask.

[MuskratMike]

Had the same question with my rifle that came with a Chambers Late Ketland lock. I called Jim and yes the flint for this lock is 5/8 (wide) by 3/4 long.

[will payne]

Yeah like Mr. Pierce sayed it's the same size.

[ron w]

I know little to nothing about flint guns. reading this brings a question to my mind.   does flint have a grain direction ?  I ask because if it does, it would appear to me that there should be some consistency in the order of dimension listed. such as the first dimension would be width,...as in across the grain and the second dimension would then be the length of the flint as in the dimension with the grain. coming from a carpentry background when I hear or read two dimensions I always want to put them is some order, such as a 2x4's dimensions.

[rich pierce]

No grain in flint, like glass but much harder.

[Dphariss]

And until after the American revolution this type flint was not made in England. One of the reasons the British military used French flints until the English learned how the make flaked flints rather than spall flints they made until after the American Revolution. Or so I have read.

Dan

[Dphariss]

Watch the vid that follows as well and you will appreciate how fast  and accurate these guys from the 1940s were.

[Daryl]

That was good, Dan. Tks.