Does a firesteel deform an edge?

Deadhead Archer · Apr 12, 2006

It seems like the #1 recommended striker for a firesteel is a knife, but at the same time I'd hate to be in a survival situation that would cause me to intentionally blunt my knife. Does one use the spine instead of the edge?

I'm curious as to the answer for this, I did some looking around here and can't find anything to substantiate one way or the other.

Does anyone know or have a recommendation?

HoB · Apr 12, 2006

I do. Usually, I prefer rounded spines but for that purpose a square spine works pretty well. Although, if you have a magnesium firestarter, scraping of the magnesium with the edge is much easier and faster....and yes, it royally screws up a fine edge :grumpy: .

Deadhead Archer · Apr 12, 2006

Thanks HoB! I didn't want to ruin a good edge just testing it out.

I'll have to see if I can find a substitute to go with the firesteel. I don't want to be in the bush and blunt my razor edge!

yog · Apr 12, 2006

A short section of hacksaw blade (about 3") is about the best thing to use with a fireseteel, and easy to pack

HoB · Apr 12, 2006

Pretty darn cool idea! Thanks! I will tape one right onto the firestarter. :thumbup:

wetdog1911 · Apr 14, 2006

yog said:
A short section of hacksaw blade (about 3") is about the best thing to use with a fireseteel, and easy to pack

Best idea.

2nd best idea is squaring off a small section of spine to use as a striker.

Have done it, tried it to make sure it works, but other than that, use the hacksaw blades.

Rob

SirJames · Apr 15, 2006

Primus firesteels come with a strip of carbon metal so no knife needs to be abused. If nothing else, use the spine and not the edge.

If you are using a hacksaw blade use one of the ends so you can use the hole to tie it to your steel. Blades are best broken in a vise with pliers or with two pliers if you don't have a vice, tape the blade for extra safety before you break it. Use a file to smooth and round the broken tip. You can file the teeth off or keep them on if you want an added cutting tool. You use the none teeth spine of the blade.

CUTS LIKE A KRIS · Apr 23, 2006

Some firesteels that I have come witha small file to shave off some material and use as a striker- and work great! As well the file is another tool to help you in a survival situation.