RE: flint knapping with a file?
That's a nice looking rifle. I have a couple Tradition rifles although they are all cap lock. They also work excellent. I at one time was trying to buy a Tradition's PA Pellet but the deal kind of fell through. The person first promised one style then when I agreed they said that was gone but would send me a blued barrel instead. I wanted the nickel or stainless steel model and refused to settle for something different when that was not what was agreed to..
So I bought a Thompson Center Hawkins instead and have been very happy with that rifle. The lock time of the flintlock is excellent and it is a great shooting rifle without a doubt....