i hand pick all my flints...i like a good flat...some seem to have a point like you mentioned...some seem to have a nice flat...i buy ones with a good flat and good solid color....my lock also needs them a few hairs shorter...so i take my lock with me when shopping for flints and put them all in before buying....i buy them from a small local BP shop...the lady is real nice and understanding.....she pulls out a giant try and goes through them with me......i ordered my first few online...they were way to large.....