(Flint and) Steel - Where to get?

[British Red]

Hi,

I'm looking to purchase a steel to act as a flint striker. Not a ferricium rod you understand, but the curvy piece of steel used to strike sparks off a flint shard. I know I could make one - all I lack is a forge, any skill or time . I thought I would ask here first rather than in kit chatter as it seemed the right place! Found my horses hoof fungus and will prep it over the weekend. I'm confident of getting a firesteel spark to catch, but would love to try with a proper "flint and steel". Can of of the more experience pyromaniacs help me out?

Red

 

[Motorbike Man]

Hi,

I'm looking to purchase a steel to act as a flint striker. Not a ferricium rod you understand, but the curvy piece of steel used to strike sparks off a flint shard. I know I could make one - all I lack is a forge, any skill or time . I thought I would ask here first rather than in kit chatter as it seemed the right place! Found my horses hoof fungus and will prep it over the weekend. I'm confident of getting a firesteel spark to catch, but would love to try with a proper "flint and steel". Can of of the more experience pyromaniacs help me out?

Red

Have a chat with Jason (Or Jason-01, both the same bloke just different forums and I can never remember which is which ) He makes some superb hand forged fire steels in a variety of styles.

 

[Motorbike Man]

Just checked, it's actually Jason01

 

[British Red]

Just checked, it's actually Jason01

Superb - I've mailed Jason via his website - thanks Jon

 

[spoony]

you can use a old metal file, we all have one of those knocking about somewhere

 

[Motorbike Man]

No probs, glad to help

 

[British Red]

Spoony,

I had heard that - I just fancied something pwetty

I'm trying to get in touch with my inner Viking!

Red

 

[Jeff Wagner]

Jonny Crockett has them

http://www.survivalschool.co.uk/acatalog/Products_With_Choices.html

 

[British Red]

Jonny Crockett has them

http://www.survivalschool.co.uk/acatalog/Products_With_Choices.html

Thanks Jeff - I've just ordered one from Jason though - saw one on his website and it was love - its so pretty I'll have it for an ornament if I'm useless using it!

 

[jason01]

You shouldnt have any trouble using it BR, I dont make em as ornaments

 

[oops56]

Well i got all the flint and steel i need but i order a fire piston form some one no name i was 62 at the time gray now i am 63 hope i can make it to 64 or it got lost in the mail [he. he.]

 

[Brian Curnel]

As Spoony said you can use an old file, rasp etc... and as for a forge you can set the file in the coals of a hot fire and use a heavy stone as an anvil if needed, also another stone if to hammer if ya wanna go about it the traditional way.

 

[British Red]

As Spoony said you can use an old file, rasp etc... and as for a forge you can set the file in the coals of a hot fire and use a heavy stone as an anvil if needed, also another stone if to hammer if ya wanna go about it the traditional way.

Brian ,

To be more accurate, YOU could set the file in the coals of a hot fire and use a heavy stone as an anvil if needed.

I could set an old file in a coal fire and get 3rd degree burns - I'm rubbish at metal work. Always was, always will be! If I had someone to show me how, I'd give it a go, but without a tame jason on hand, I'll reach for my wallet! If I can get it going maybe I'll branch from there, but for now, I'll stick to wood

Red

 

[Brian Curnel]

if I had someone to show me how, I'd give it a go,
Red

I don't have pics but I can tell ya....

1. get a good bed of coals place the end of the file about 1/2 into the coals, make sure that they are hot!

2. check file periodically to see if it has a cherry red or orange glow, when it does it is malletable, and you're ready to start.

3. Turn the file onto its narrow side and hammer it until it starts to get"squared" to the other side. ( you may have to set it in the coals repeadedly)

4. Once you have achieved that then onto bending the handle, place about 1/4 of file over a small log then hammer it as to bend it in the shape (cresent like) once done dip in water several times but do not leave it in water or do this process in oil which tempers the metal.

Repeat step 1-4 for side two and you'll have a striker.

Hope this will help you experiment.

Also I have a source to getstrikers but it is in the US.
Bri

 

[British Red]

I don't have pics but I can tell ya....

1. get a good bed of coals place the end of the file about 1/2 into the coals, make sure that they are hot!

2. check file periodically to see if it has a cherry red or orange glow, when it does it is malletable, and you're ready to start.

3. Turn the file onto its narrow side and hammer it until it starts to get"squared" to the other side. ( you may have to set it in the coals repeadedly)

4. Once you have achieved that then onto bending the handle, place about 1/4 of file over a small log then hammer it as to bend it in the shape (cresent like) once done dip in water several times but do not leave it in water or do this process in oil which tempers the metal.

Repeat step 1-4 for side two and you'll have a striker.

Hope this will help you experiment.

Also I have a source to getstrikers but it is in the US.
Bri

Thanks Brian,

If I get to try, I'll have a medic standing by with cling film and ice water!

Red

 

[Brian Curnel]

Heres a link with strikers

http://www.dixiegun.com/

Brian