sourcing flint

[irishlostboy]

i was wondering; where would i find flint? either in the wild or to purchace? i want to get my hands on some to make more flint and steel kits, and to learn how to make blades and stuff with it.

second question. what is the difference between flint and chert? i worked on an archo dig years ago as an assistant. we found a lot of chert. and one exquisitly worked bone white flint knife. also some very early worked copper.

 

[Grooveski]

County Antrim has chalk/flint deposits. There used to be an interesting article on the web about the area and evidence of trading for scottish pitchstone but it appears to have been removed.
The location can be read about here:
http://www.geographyinaction.co.uk/Landscapes/Landscapes_WhiteRocks.html

You also hear a lot about porcellanite in Ireland. No idea what it is(other than black) but it replaces tuff as a local tool stone for axes.
[Edit]Antrim again. Looks like the place to go.
http://www.habitas.org.uk/escr/summary.asp?item=14
You can see the location of the quarry and the debris chute. Looks comparable to Langdale.

 

[Celt_Ginger]

Hi ILB. I live near the North Antrim Coast. I can get you plenty of flint for flint and steel sets. Pm me your address and I'll send you some shards.

 

[irishlostboy]

Celt Ginger, you are the man PM on the way.