Flint and steel
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| Firestarters |
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| Primative |
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Flint and steel |
| Modern |
Flint and steel have been used together to start fires for centuries. Flint is a form of mineral quartz that is usually dark-gray, black, or deep brown in color. It should not be confused with ferrocerium, an artificial material often marketed as flint. In addition to its use as a cutting tool, flint will scrape off a shower of hot sparks when struck against high-carbon steel.
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The set
A flint firestarting set uses a piece of flint large enough to be firmly grasped with the thumb and forefinger. One edge should be an acute angle, but it does not need to be sharp enough to cut. Any piece of high-carbon steel can be used as the striker. For ergonomics and ease of use, a "C-shaped" piece of steel which fits around the fingers is most often used.
Usage
The thumb and forefinger of the non-dominant hand pinch the flint below a piece of char cloth or other form of tinder. The striker is held in the dominant hand above the flint, and sharply brought down in contact with the flint's edge. Sparks are produced and ignite the tinder. Below, a first time user is shown using a flint and steel set to create fire.
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Maintenance
The steel striker should be kept free of oxidation such as rust. The flint should be kept fairly sharp by either knapping or pressure flaking. The set can be used after exposure to water (including being completely submerged), yet will work best when dry.
See also
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