Flint and Steel Fire Starting


Flint and steel is an ancient method used to start a fire. By striking a piece of high carbon steel against a rock the small pieces of steel ignite and can be used to ignite tinder. Although we still use the term flint rock, a lot of hard rocks with an edge will allow us to create a spark.

So, how do we make steel flammable ? To cover that we must go into ignition temperature. Ignition temperature is the minimum temperature needed to cause a substance to burn. Ignition temperature is controlled by properties such as density, surface area, and humidity. The striking process increases the steel's surface area and lowers the density of the steel. The increase in oxidation from the small pieces of steel will readily ignite when it comes in contact with oxygen.

We cover the process for making char cloth in the following link:

Making Char Cloth

Once we have the proper materials the process if fairly simple. It takes some practice to get the spark to land on the cloth properly. We strike the steel against the sharp edge of the rock. Hopefully, we create small sparks.

** Most people will hold the char cloth to the stone and strike the stone. This seems to be a easier way of getting the spark to land on the cloth. Also when you first start learning this method, wearing gloves to protect the hands while learning is a good idea. The flint rock is usually sharp and will easily cut through skin.

Once the spark lands on the Char cloth we see a red ring that begins to expand. If we blow on the cloth, the ring will get larger and the temperature increases.

We place the charred cloth on the tinder nest. Wrapping the tinder around the cloth as we continue to blow on it. The tinder will dry and ignition temperature is achieved. We used dry grass and dandelion clock for the nest. We shredded the grass so the strands are thin.

This process takes practice but should be learned. Most fire starting methods such as bow and drill, fire plow, and flint/steel will require igniting a small spark. As far as the steel used for this process, experiment with different high carbon steel such as an old file.

Please see related articles:


Char Cloth / Char Paper

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Science of Fire Making

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