How Do You Use a Firesteel?

Brian Andrews

Brian Andrews

Joined
Dec 11, 2006
Messages
1,659
I have posted links to this video before, but never really embedded it or got a thread going about it.

The user "spamel" posted this video on the Bushcraft UK forum some time ago. Since seeing this firesteel technique, I have used it ever since and honestly I have not found a better way to use a firesteel.

However, I still see tons of pictures or pictures of firesteels that indicate people are using them in the first method that he talks about.

So, here are my questions:
- Do you use a technique like this?
- If not, why?
- Do you have a technique that works better?

I am only asking and starting the thread because I am always looking for better ways to do stuff. Please throw out any and ALL ideas.

 
This is the way I do it.
It is as he says, a more controlled way to do it.
 
Its definately a more controled way of using it, but you don't get a big shower of sparks.

When I use the whole surface of the rod, I get a huge shower of sparks, which ussually lights my tinder on the 1st or 2nd strike. I am not too worried about wearing down the rod. I am not using it everyday. So I am not too worried about wearing it down too fast.
 
I was always taught to hold the knife still and pull the firesteel toward you, to prevent accidently plowing through your tinder pile.
 
tonym said:
Its definately a more controled way of using it, but you don't get a big shower of sparks.
Click to expand...

Yes, but that is the huge advantage of this method, IMO. You don't get the big blast of sparks that go up in a big flash. The sparks seem to be everywhere, and not as hot. Using the video method the sparks you do get are very directional, very hot, and last longer.

It is almost like a small piece of the rod comes off and continues to burn. I have had sparking action last a couple seconds this way.
 
briangandrews said:
Yes, but that is the huge advantage of this method, IMO. You don't get the big blast of sparks that go up in a big flash. The sparks seem to be everywhere, and not as hot. Using the video method the sparks you do get are very directional, very hot, and last longer.
.
Click to expand...

I place the bottom of the rod in the tinder pile, then a strong controlled scrape(not fast) down the length of the rod. This always directs the sparks into the pile.
If I don't rush and properly prepare my tinder, its lit in 1 strike.


briangandrews said:
It is almost like a small piece of the rod comes off and continues to burn. I have had sparking action last a couple seconds this way.
Click to expand...

I will try this method again, as you are definately more experienced than I.

But this last part sounds like you may have magnesium impregnated in the rod. I have a few rods like that and they are cool. When you scrape some of the magnesium doesn't light intil it comes in contact with another spark, and then BAM! A big flare up. That stuff burns hot.
 
tonym said:
I place the bottom of the rod in the tinder pile, then a strong controlled scrape(not fast) down the length of the rod. This always directs the sparks into the pile.
If I don't rush and properly prepare my tinder, its lit in 1 strike.
Click to expand...

Okay....I gotcha. That makes much more sense. I was thinking you were talking about the light press, fast scrape, big shower of sparks type of use.

I either typically use a light my fire army size steel, or occasionally I will use a strike force. Typical is the LMF since it is on my sheath.
 
I use to do the light press fast scrape, with not alot of sucess, but after some practice and proper instruction I do this method. Works great in the wind and rain as well.

My wife has the camera with her right now, but I am going to the W.L.C. for WAR when she is out of work. I will post a quick video when I get back on Monday. I'll use both the standard ferro rod and the magnesium impregnated one, so you can see the difference.
 
On another note if you don't mind Brian, whats your preffered striker. I wind up using the back of my knife blade most of the time, but the saw on my Vic Farmer works better in my oppinion.

Marty Simon uses a carbide machete sharpener, and man that thing throws some wicked sparks. I haven't picked one up yet, but I plan on it.
 
My way is as follows
First, collect some amount of firesteel powder by grinding slowly and steadily
on some flamable thing.
Then, generate flash on the powder and you will get fire quite surely.

Well, let me confess that I use firesteel mostly to ignite liquid fuel cooking stove ;)
 
I do also use the: scrape slowly, scrape slowly, scrape slowly, scrape fast. Whoosh.
The first three is the same motion as if you were making fuzz sticks. You move your thumb and not your hand. When you then scrape fast, you do it a bit faster. Your hand can rest on the ground next to the tinder and it doesnt squash the tinder.

Compare the usual method to a normal match and this method to a life boat match. It is about the same effect.
 
neat video a good way to just put the sparks where you want and keep the wear down on your rod.

Thanks Brian,

Bryan
 
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