first fire steel

[mark.177]

something different today, had a go making a fire steel from an off cut of o1. first time iv tried this as im not really set for forging... on my hands and knees with a small lump of rail track as an anvil on a very small stump and in the snow! but at least i made something! and it works!

quenched the striker face in water, no tempering

 

[Fraxinus]

Am liking the design and don't think you'll ever wear it out, lots of meat in that one.
Some determined effort went into that by the sound of it, nice job.
Rob.

 

[mark.177]

 

[Muddypaws]

Impressive! (Both the make and the technique - makes me realize just how lacking my firecraft skills are!)

 

[srod]

Very nice - lots of sparks!

 

[Monikieman]

Aye, plenty o' meat there. Nice to see something different.

 

[richardhomer]

Nice job mate. It's something that I would like to have a go at one day.

 

[mark.177]

thanks, made another one today with a modern twist. double sided. the larger holes for finger grip.

 

[VaughnT]

first time iv tried this as im not really set for forging... on my hands and knees with a small lump of rail track as an anvil on a very small stump and in the snow! but at least i made something! and it works!

That you were able to turn out such a nice piece with minimal kit speaks volumes. You turned a couple good curves, kept everything to reasonable thickness, have a great taper..... and no mule tracks.

Overall, that's not just a win, but shows you've got a talent for the Trade. Your perseverance and attention to detail speaks well for you and you'll do well if you keep that up! Good job.

 

[mark.177]

thank you for those encouraging words Vaughn, it would be so much easier with proper tools. heres my set up.

 

[Robson Valley]

All the mod cons. Not even any rust on the anvil. Certainly a quality product for the effort.

 

[snappingturtle]

That sparked and catched well, and that's a fine light anvil, I'm guessing you made that?

 

[mark.177]

made a few more this afternoon with a simpler design incorporating a ferro rod striker

 

[Fraxinus]

Aaaagh man! Now you're just showing off
And making me a tad jealous that I don't have somewhere to try it out at the moment
Top job, Rob.

 

[Everything Mac]

Not too shabby at all Mark. As constructive criticism, note the slight bulge where you've bent the handle over, it is unavoidable in my experience but can be hammered flat. This will force the handle back out again slightly but it can be curved back in relatively easily a second time without the bulge.

Looks like a decent set up you have there though. Far better than what I started out with.

All the best
Andy

 

[VaughnT]

That kind of consistency is mighty good.

As for not having kit.... that's hogwash. You've got the kit. You've got the drive. You've got the eye. Nothing's stopping you from doing the same level of work you see in the Sutton Hoo find. Or did you imagine those guys had million-dollar workshops?

I'd recommend you not set your anvil stump on a pillow, though. Most blacksmiths will set their stumps directly on the ground. Not sure why you opted for a pillow base.... and then complain about how hard you're having to work. Seems to me you might have figured that part out right off. Maybe it's a British thing? It'd sure make for a good excuse to take a tea break!

Here's a good video to help show you the "way", doing without much stuff.

Every time I need a little kick in the butt, I watch that video and get my brain rewired a little.

As penance for the pillow base and complaining about kit, you are hereby sentenced to chasing two flint strikers with the design of your choice....

And I mean proper chasing, not some hamfisted simple chisel strikes any retard could do. You'll be quizzed, don't think you won't!