How to Make a Flint & Steel Fire Starter

After rubbing sticks together for friction, the next-oldest way to start fire is probably striking flint against steel. A solid piece of flint is struck by a piece of steel. The rough, chipped-up flint shaves off bits of steel that produces the sparks. These are then used to ignite tinder. Back in the days when steel was a prized commodity, these fire-starting kits were hard to assemble. Nowadays, steel is everywhere, making it a simple task.

Things You'll Need

• A steel tool, such as a Buck knife
• Geology guide (optional)
• Rubber or otherwise-waterproof bag
• Small box

Instructions

1. 

   Get a steel tool for striking. The typical store-bought flint and steel kit will include a piece of steel with a hook on each end, but in reality most anything handy can be used. A good idea is to use an old Buck knife. Don't use a good knife as a striker, because doing so may ruin the blade.

2. 

   Find or buy some flint. Flint is a common sedimentary cryptocrystal, and it can often be found around limestone or chalk outcrops. Many places where people go to camp will have rock formations where flints can be collected. A basic geology guide may be helpful in looking for flints.

3. Get a small rubber sack, and fill it with dry tinder. The sack helps to ensure the tinder stays dry. There is no need to put the steel or flint in as well. Ordinary precautions (see Step 4) will keep them dry enough. To catch a spark, tinder needs to be very dry, which justifies extra care.

4. Put all three parts--the flint, steel, and the rubber sack of tinder--into a small, easy-to-carry box.