Hello all - not sure if this should be in "gunsmithing" forum or the "muzzleloading" forum, but since this is gunsmithing question, I put it here. I acquired a flintlock pistol and the darn thing just won't spark. I've purchased the "good" flints from Dixie Gun Works, but not sure if they were the Arkansa flint or English flints. The do NOT spark, and I think the frizzen might be the problem. Take a look at this photo:
Note the metal part that is solder on top of the frizzen? That piece of metal has a "lighter color" than the metal of the frizzen - AND, a file cuts it nicely. Shouldn't the surface of the frizzen be case harden so when the flint strikes it will spark better?
Before I heat it up to remove that top layer and do a case hardening on the frizzen I wanted opinions from this knowledgeable group.
Thanks for any guidance,
Ken H>