Flint Strikers

[hss_forge]

I am going to do a weekend hands-on demo for a local church group in October. They'd like to forge some flint strikers because their campouts are very much Boy Scout like in that they teach some skills and crafts to build character and confidence in young men.

I've made strikers before, some worked better than others. Any ideas on what type of stock to use? Quenching? I would like to be relatively sure that they'll throw a good bunch of sparks when called on.

Rick

 

[mete]

High carbon is necessary !! Any of the 1 % carbon steels ought to work -1095, W-1,W-2,0-1.

 

[hss_forge]

Thanks. Harden as hard as can be?

 

[David Wesner]

Hi Rick.Have you seen this site http://www.lanouvelle-france.com/striker.html for reference ? That is an artifact we look for around here with metal detectors but they are few & far between.Probably because the small size they must deteriorate quickly. Post some pics when complete eh ??

 

[tnmike]

Old files work great. I harden in water with no temperering.

 

[tnmike]

To be clear ....I harden just the striking face in water. Ive made many out of worn out files.

 

[hss_forge]

OK..I'll do a few and try them out.

 

[B Finnigan]

You also have to keep in mind the type of flint you use. Some sparks better then others. I have a few pieces and it seems the darker colored stuff does better then red red/brown types. I have yet to get a piece of charcloth ignited with the red flint but the darker does it every time. I don't remember the exact gemological names for them off hand though.

 

[LRB]

Good file steel, and 1095, which is my favorite. 01 does not spark as well, I think due to the chrome and other additives.

 

[cooks 7]

don't forget to tell them to watch their knuckles, a sharp flint will do some damage easily, trust me i know