Steel strikers, bought, for flint & steel

[Ascobis]

I didn't search for previous discussions of this topic.

I whack old files in my vise to make 2" pieces for striking flints. They work just fine. I see beautiful smithed strikers with curlicues and etched makers' marks on the big river.

Has anyone tried both? Is there any utilitarian reason to prefer one over the other? Aesthetically, yes, curlicues win.

 

[John Fenna]

I make "busted file" strikers but prefer to use forged "pretties" just coz they look nice....

 

[crosslandkelly]

I have both, and theres no difference in the sparks they throw. But my forged strikers look better.

 

[rancid badger]

John's file strike-a-lights work really well, I've got a couple in my kit.

I'm also the very proud owner of a couple of classic forged strike-a-lights made by the late Mike Ameling which are excellent!.

Me being me, I went through a phase of collecting old files from car boot sales and turning them into strikers and the odd knife. I love the old brand stamps and was amazed at how many different manufacturers there used to be.

I've got a box full of strikers in the garage somewhere.

Heres a short video of me checking them out

I think the charcloth was a bit damp to be honest!

And a bit of a blast from the past

Cheers

Steve

 

[Sundowner]

John's file strike-a-lights work really well, I've got a couple in my kit.

I'm also the very proud owner of a couple of classic forged strike-a-lights made by the late Mike Ameling which are excellent!.

Me being me, I went through a phase of collecting old files from car boot sales and turning them into strikers and the odd knife. I love the old brand stamps and was amazed at how many different manufacturers there used to be.

I've got a box full of strikers in the garage somewhere.

Heres a short video of me checking them out

I think the charcloth was a bit damp to be honest!

And a bit of a blast from the past

Cheers

Steve

Hi Steve,
Have you got a forged one you want to sell?
Lost your number (yes, again!!) Or I'd given you a call