Victorinox Alox awls and firesteels

W

Watson-349

Joined
Apr 19, 1999
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100
Hello, Does anyone use the awl that comes on the Victorinox Alox models on a firesteel?

My question is: Are the sparks coming from the awl or from the firesteel?

Does it ruin the awl? The reason I am asking is because I just received a Farmer and although I like the idea of using the awl as a striker, I wouldn't want to mess up the sharp edge it came with.

I would use it in a heartbeat in an emergency, but for everyday fire starting, camping or whatnot, perhaps I shouldn't.
 
It doesn't run the awl per se, but the can opener works really well on firesteels. Also the backside of the saw also works really well.
 
+1 on using the back of the saw, just use it quite near the pivot (i.e not near the tip) so as it won't fold back at you. You'll see a bit of residue on the blade after scraping but it will just wipe off.

BTW all the sparks come from the firesteel. Have fun. :)
 
I use the back of the saw while it is in the closed position to avoid any chance of it closing on me. The front of the saw rides high enough to work for me and get a nice grip on the striker that way. Give it a try and see what you think.

I also experimented with squaring off the inside of the bottle opener and can get that to work pretty well too. It is my backup as the saw works better for me. I have also squared off the edge of the nailfile on cadets and 58mm saks with decent success.
 
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You can also just file part of something down a little to give it an abrasive corner -like the can opener or bottle opener or something.
 
Any sharp corner will work. The awl, the back of a file or saw, or the can opener. It does not ruin the implement, but it may leave some black marks after striking it. The black marks will rub off with a little elbow grease.
 
How about using a swedish scout firesteel? It looks like a key,has a lanyard with a striker attached. Wouldn't normally have to use knife as a striker then.
 
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