Just got my first primitive flint and steel.

T. Erdelyi

T. Erdelyi

Joined
Feb 3, 2001
Messages
32,359
Just picked up a fire kit, tin, sisal, char cloth and flint and steel.

This isn't as easy as I thought it was, I normally use magnesium rod and some kind of native tinder.

I've also managed to get proficient with a Fire Piston,(if you've never tried one it's wild the way it works).

Now I need help now gettin' good with a flint and steel, I've already noticed my idea of how to use the flint and steel was backwards I always thought you struck the flint with the steel, (that just chips the flint).

Ok folks any additional advice?
 
T. Erdelyi said:
Just picked up a fire kit, tin, sisal, char cloth and flint and steel.

This isn't as easy as I thought it was, I normally use magnesium rod and some kind of native tinder.

I've also managed to get proficient with a Fire Piston,(if you've never tried one it's wild the way it works).

Now I need help now gettin' good with a flint and steel, I've already noticed my idea of how to use the flint and steel was backwards I always thought you struck the flint with the steel, (that just chips the flint).

Ok folks any additional advice?
Click to expand...

Your idea is not incorrect. (Assuming you're right handed) hold the flint in your left hand between your thumb and your digit finger, the flint in a horizontal plane. Position your char cloth ON TOP of the flint extending as close to the edge as possible without allowing it to be contacted by the steel. Strike the steel in kind of a glancing blow downwards (against the SHARP edge of the flint - the sharp edge is shaving a very thin bit of steel from your steel. It's the steel that burns, not the flint.) When you strike down, sparks should fly on top of the char cloth. Much easier to demonstrate than describe. If you have any further questions, feel free.

True Tinder Fungus (Inonotus obliquus) and a very few punky woods (in my experience) will also work as tinder. False Tinder Fungus (Fomes fomentarius) usually has to be treated to get it to work, although I heard somewhere that by cutting it a certain way, you could get it to work without treating (this I have not tried yet).

Doc
 
Fire pistons are pretty amazing. Have one, plan on buying another.

Just got my first steel and flint. Its a striker knife, very nice(maker is making another knife for me, love his work). I got it going right out of the box, but my char cloth got effected by humidity and Im having trouble getting the flint sharp(its already dull, Ive been playing with it....alot). Its fun, keep working at it and its extremely satisfying compared to using a lighter.
 
DOC-CANADA said:
Your idea is not incorrect. (Assuming you're right handed) hold the flint in your left hand between your thumb and your digit finger, the flint in a horizontal plane. Position your char cloth ON TOP of the flint extending as close to the edge as possible without allowing it to be contacted by the steel. Strike the steel in kind of a glancing blow downwards (against the SHARP edge of the flint - the sharp edge is shaving a very thin bit of steel from your steel. It's the steel that burns, not the flint.) When you strike down, sparks should fly on top of the char cloth. Much easier to demonstrate than describe. If you have any further questions, feel free.

True Tinder Fungus (Inonotus obliquus) and a very few punky woods (in my experience) will also work as tinder. False Tinder Fungus (Fomes fomentarius) usually has to be treated to get it to work, although I heard somewhere that by cutting it a certain way, you could get it to work without treating (this I have not tried yet).

Doc
Click to expand...

Doc IS the resident fire expert.... I would take his word for it!

DOC: First, I would be interested in Pictures of both the TRUE and the FALSE Tinder Fungus.

Second, How ya been? Haven't heard from ya in a while!
 
Hey Guys..

T...

I'm Shocked!!!

You are only getting this now ?? :)

Well...
Welcome to the 1800's my friend!

DOC is correct,, this is the proper way to use F&S...
Once your sisel runs out,, you can use Jute cord (not the green stuff)...

If you want to kind of get it fluffed up.. You can cut short pieces 3-5",, cut alot of them and toss it into a cloth bag or pillow case and run it through the wash..Hot water, No soap..

This should undo the twisting in the string and you Should end up with a big ball of Jute..Dry it in the sun or in the dryer if you like..

This works well for tinder bundles if you want to go that route...

You should also be knowing how to make char cloth,,and get yourself a cheapo mag glass...

When you get all this together you'll have an almost true 1800's period firekit...

Enjoy and keep us informed as to your process.. Little bit of a learning curve,, but you'll get it...

Certain rocks will work with your steel as well..
Try different things and Please watch your Knuckles!!! :)

ttyle

Eric
O/ST
 
Rescue Mike said:
Doc IS the resident fire expert.... I would take his word for it!

DOC: First, I would be interested in Pictures of both the TRUE and the FALSE Tinder Fungus.

Second, How ya been? Haven't heard from ya in a while!
Click to expand...

Hi Mike,

I've been here. Where have you been?

As far as True Tinder Fungus (thanks to the Internet) check here.

As for False Tinder Fungus, here.

Hope that helps.

Doc
 
Normark said:
Hey Guys..

T...

I'm Shocked!!!

You are only getting this now ?? :)

Well...
Welcome to the 1800's my friend!......ttyle

Eric
O/ST
Click to expand...

I've always carried a match case filled with Blue Tips, now at the ripe old age of 47 I'm experimentin'.
 
T. Erdelyi said:
I've always carried a match case filled with Blue Tips, now at the ripe old age of 47 I'm experimentin'.
Click to expand...


To go off topic a bit I miss Jerry too.

Right now would be about when I'd be getting ready to go out to Deer Creek after seeing the Hampton spring shows they always had.


Another Good Man Gone - Ekoostik Hookah


Reluctant hero of the family


His life played out like a tragedy


A music man was all he claimed to be




A flash of brilliance like a shooting star.
Etched in your mind for as long as you are.
Give him five minutes you could feel the music in his heart.



Bringing joy to everyone


Taking pride in the work that he'd done


But i never really thought that he'd be gone
I was hoping there'd be just one more song
Another man, another good man gone
Another man, another good man gone


Singing melodies that warm my cold.
Never fittin' in to a typical mold.
Takin'me back to the days of old.

Telling tales of life and places he'd been,
A prophet of sorts to his following kin.
Visit him once and you knew you'd be back, over and over
and over and over again.

You know we had a lot of fun.
All in all it was a hell of a run.

Remember how we laughed and how we cried.
Fifty-three years till his heart grew tired.
But he left his mark just like a branding iron.

Sometimes I still hear the music play.
A warm wind blowin' all the clouds away.
Lettin' the sun shine bright in the sky on a cold dark winter day.

No one stays forever young.
Nothing's for sure but the rising of the sun.


another man, another man

another good man gone
Click to expand...
 
hollowdweller said:
To go off topic a bit I miss Jerry too.

Right now would be about when I'd be getting ready to go out to Deer Creek after seeing the Hampton spring shows they always had.


Another Good Man Gone - Ekoostik Hookah
Click to expand...

Still off topic but the last one, I have 113 shows on discs, Email me of the forums if ya wanna trade or just see what I got, I have stuff from the late 60's- early 90's.

6-14 76 was a great show, actually my favorite, it was on my Birthday.

That's it no more Dead talk on this thread.
 
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