Re shaping flints

[Jerry V Lape]

Needed some new flints in preparation for an elk hunt in a couple weeks.  Looked through my stock and found I had nothing good enough.  So I pulled out an old diamond steel and after spending a few minutes several marginal flints were now properly shaped.  Thought others might not know that a diamond steel plate will shape flint. 

[RichG]

do it all the time. Takes a while, but something to do while watching a movie or ball game. Also flints last longer as sharpening doesn't remove as much material as knapping.
2nd the harbor freight diamond stone. same one I use.

[smylee grouch]

Yes, I have used one to take some of the hump off flints that are just a bit too fat and hard to stay in the jaws. They also can be used to shorten the back side of the flint and put a notch there to help fit for cock screw

[Daryl]

So does a green stone on a grinder, but don't get the flint overheated as it will crack.

[satwel]

What is a diamond steel, please? I'm not familiar with that tool.

Thanks

[Birddog6]

I use a Muzzy Wheel & grind the tops flat on all that need it. Buy flints in bulk &
Grind them & don’t have to do it again for years. Very Important to have a vacuum
sucking that dust off the discharge of the wheel, as you should not inhale the flint
dust or wheel dust.

[Daryl]

What is a diamond steel, please? I'm not familiar with that tool.

Thanks

A Diamond blade sharpening device is what was meant by a diamond steel.
Steels,  for honing blades are also available with diamond dust adhered the surface, but flat, diamond 'stones' are what was meant, I wager.
This is s diamond knife honing steel.
https://www.amazon.ca/Wiitek-Diamond-Sharpening-Sharpener-Professional/dp/B075M68LZ6
These are different grade of diamond sharpening stones.

[RonT]

Harbor Freight, ~$12.
Cheers,
R

[Don Steele]

A while back I undertook to use an inexpensive set of diamond files ( ordered from Amazon) to reshape flints and see how well they could thereby extend the useable life. That series of tests worked out quite well for me. This is one I had considerable success with:


I found it necessary to place a small piece of wood behind the rock as it shortened, but kept a nice edge.