Using steel & flint method with khuk?

eraaij

eraaij

Joined
Jan 17, 2002
Messages
191
While practicing some firemaking skills, I tried to get a spark using a flint and my AK. It didn't work. Did anybody on the forum try this with their khuks?

Regards,
-Emile
 
I've tried using my chakma to steel flint for a fire. However, only one of my chakmas is hard enough to throw a good spark. You might try that first. I'd imagine that the little chamka would me much easier to angle and strike the flint the right way. Just a thought. I'm sure there are a lot of rough and tumble experts that could give you hints.

Thanks
Jake
 
Uncle Bill-- that's pretty cool. I wouldn't have thought that a plastic cigarette lighter would be hard enough to throw sparks with flint ;) .
--Josh
 
Emile, the carbon content is there, but due to the differential hardening of a khuk it's tough spine is too soft to throw a hot spark. Any non-alloyed, high carbon steel, with a Rockwell hardness of around 62 or better will throw a hot spark. That's why old files, carefully ground smooth without burning out their temper, make good fire strikers.

I've taught classes in flint and steel fire making, and I go to the flea market, buy up old files, use a bench vise and hammer (ala Bruise) to snap them into three inch sections, grind off the rough edges, and voila', every student has their own striker to practice with. What about flint? Any hard stone that shatters cleanly to produce a sharp edge will strike sparks from steel, so it's fun to experiment with what you find lying around.

Good luck and have fun with your primitive firemaking skills, and remember, chicks dig it.

Sarge
 
I wonder if chicks also dig UB's 39 cent cigarette lighter?:confused:

By the way, Sarge, how do you find those "Air Force Pilot issue" rectangular Magnesium fire starters?
 
Emile, the carbon content is there, but due to the differential hardening of a khuk it's tough spine is too soft to throw a hot spark. Any non-alloyed, high carbon steel, with a Rockwell hardness of around 62 or better will throw a hot spark. That's why old files, carefully ground smooth without burning out their temper, make good fire strikers.
Click to expand...

Sarge, that was my idea also. Carbon is there but steel too soft. My Greco Companion in 8670 throws a nice spark and I heard good reports, surprisingly, on VG10 steel.

I thought about ordering a couple of handmade strikers from Ragnar.

Some chicks like it, others don't care (anymore). You want to light a fire for both :)

Regards and thanks all,
-Emile
 
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