How to Make a Flint & Steel Firestarter

Fire starting is a useful skill to have.

The flint and steel fire starter was the easiest way to start a fire for centuries. Making a fire once required the skill of making a spark jump from this device to whatever piece of tinder was being used. Make no mistake, this is not an easy skill to learn and there is a reason that matches and lighters were invented. Still, many people like being able to start fires without having to rely on modern technology.

Things You'll Need

• Flint
• Forge
• Hammer
• Anvil
• Tongs
• File
• Coal or wood
• Match or lighter
• Tinder
• Safety glasses
• Thick leather gloves
• Closed-toe work boots

Instructions

1. Locate a piece of usable flint. Flint stone is a shiny black rock that will often have sharp edges. Many people choose to simply take long walks and keep an eye on the ground to look for flint. Another option is to simply buy flint online from a supplier. Whichever course is taken, the flint required must be at least 3 inches long and have a sharp edge.

2. Wear proper safety gear. In the following steps working with a forge will be required. Working with a forge requires safety glasses, thick leather gloves and closed-toe work boots. Put these items on before starting the forge.

3. Light the forge and get it to the proper temperature. Use tinder to start the fire before adding wood or coal as the fire's main fuel source. After the fire is started, activate the forge's blower mechanism. The mechanism blows large amounts of air over the fire, causing it to burn at very high temperatures. The fire is ready when flames appear to be propelled out of the fuel at great speeds.

4. Forge the striker. Use the metal file to make the striker. The reason a file is used is because files are made from steel with very high carbon levels, which is necessary to create a spark. Place the file into the fire with the tongs. Then wait until the file turns a bright red color. Once the file has been properly heated, use the tongs to remove the file from the fire and hold it on the anvil. Then hammer the edges of the file toward each other, making a "C" shape. Do not cool the file in water because the high carbon content would cause it to shatter. Instead place it on a non-flammable substance and allow it to cool at a natural rate. Once cooled, this object is now the striker for a flint and steel firestarter.

Tips & Warnings

• Always keep a large water source close at hand when using a forge.

• Using a forge can result in damage to self, property or others.

References

• Flintknapping Tools: Where Can I Find Flint?
• Artist Blacksmith: How to Make a Striker for Flint and Steel