old style steel for striking flint

[RAPPLEBY2000]

i want to make a metal steel (as in flint n steel).
i've used a couple of friends ones and really want one of my own now!

what i need to know is:

what sort of metal do i need ie (high/low carbon)
can i make it at home, or do i really need a forge?

cheers

 

[Snufkin]

I asked about making strikers over on paleoplanet. The folks there said to use carbon steel and heat to non magnetic and quench it, no need to temper it. You could probably do it with a barby and a hairdryer at home. Next time I fire up my forge I'll do some scraps of 01 tool steel and if they work I'll hand them out at the next meet up.
Alternatively, you could use a piece of an old file. Clamp it in a vice to the required length and hit it with a hammer, should snap easily.

 

[Wayland]

I usually use an old file or rasp for the striker material, the older the better.

firelighting with flint and steel

 

[RAPPLEBY2000]

after Snufkin gave me a demo, then showed me how to use it i've really wanted one but not known how to go about making one!
cheers for the advice!

wayland, like the web site! i can see you've gone to alot of trouble to bring history back to life!

Snufkin mabey i can swap you a steel, for some bow drill bits, or something? :You_Rock_

 

[Snufkin]

Snufkin mabey i can swap you a steel, for some bow drill bits, or something? :You_Rock_

I'm always up for a trade. I could go for a bit of poplar and hazel. You bow drill kit was a lot better than mine .

 

[RAPPLEBY2000]

check your PM!
i have some hazel and polar, to give you!

 

[Snufkin]

check your PM!
i have some hazel and polar, to give you!

Thanks mate :You_Rock_

 

[longshot]

wayland, fantastic site. :You_Rock_

cheers from vinland

dean

 

[Zodiak]

firelighting with flint and steel

Fantastic web site! Very elegant, so much good advice clearly laid out where it takes others (like me) pages to achieve less.

There should be a 5* rating for sites like these :You_Rock_

 

[Snufkin]

I usually use an old file or rasp for the striker material, the older the better.

firelighting with flint and steel

Top site Wayland

 

[Wayland]

Thanks guys, I've been working on it for a while but it still needs a bit of a spruce up in places.

Glad you like it though.