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Post by johnhalf on Jun 25, 2019 12:42:57 GMT -7
I remember seeing in another forum that there is no documentation of a “patch knife” 1740-75. Also have been reading about the absence of knives in belt sheaths. So know i am wondering how folks cut patches readily, what knife? How was it carried? A hunter one could use the knife tucked in the waist band. What about an irregular, a militia man? Need to reload under pressure. What would they use?
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Post by Black Hand on Jun 25, 2019 14:31:44 GMT -7
No designated patch knife, but plenty of knives that could cut patches. Conceivably a folding knife could be in every pocket or gun bag.
The claim they made about the "Absence of knives in belt sheaths" is dodgy at best. Now, belt sheaths WITH a built-in loop did not appear to be common, but a knife in a sheath worn in the sash or belt would appear to be common.
All my patches are pre-cut (and pre-lubed). I don't care for cutting at the muzzle because it takes too much time. Even more if you lube then cut at the muzzle (or some combination thereof).
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Post by johnhalf on Jun 25, 2019 16:11:55 GMT -7
Yes i am assuming a knive in a sheath, at the waist, probably tucked into the belt or sash. I am with you on cutting at the muzzle. Was that really how it was commonly done? Seems pretty easy to cut them ahead of time. Like you mine are precut and lubed.
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Post by Black Hand on Jun 25, 2019 16:21:35 GMT -7
There were likely as many ways to load as there were shooters - much like today. Get 5 shooters in a room and you'll get at least 7 opinions...  |
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Post by spence on Jun 25, 2019 17:24:35 GMT -7
Here are two of the seven.
"Travels Through the States of North America and the Provinces of Upper and Lower Canada, During the Years of 1795, 1796 and 1797", by Isaac Weld, Jr., a young Englishman.
"The best of powder is chosen for the rifle barrel gun, and after a proper proportion of it is put down the barrel, the ball is enclosed in a small bit of linen rag, well greased at the outside, and then forced down with a thick ramrod. The grease and the bits of rag, which are called patches, are carried in a little box at the butt-end of the gun."
Audubon and His Journals. Vol. II by Maria Audubon, describing a hunter loading his rifle before a raccoon hunt:
"To a leathern bag swung at his side is attached a powder-horn; his sheath-knife is there also; below hangs a narrow strip of homespun linen."
"He introduces the powder into the tube; springs the box of his gun, greases the “patch” over with some melted tallow, or damps it; then places it on the honey-combed muzzle of his piece. The bullet is placed on the patch over the bore, and pressed with the handle of the knife, which now trims the edge of the linen. The elastic hickory rod, held with both hands, smoothly pushes the ball to its bed;"
Spence
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