Have you forged a flint striker before? Then be sure to add a flint striker to your list of forged tools after this guide.
A flint striker is a piece of metal that sparks when struck. The metal used to forge the flint striker is carbon steel. Production of sparks is possible when you strike the sharp edge of the flint against a rock or each other.
There are many other metals used in forging a flint striker. You can make use of magnesium to forge a flint striker. Flint strikers make a good fire starter if used appropriately.
Forging a flint striker is very easy if you know the steps to take.
Essentials
Here is a list of essential tools needed to forge a flint striker;
Forge
If you want to forge your flint striker successfully, you have to follow the right steps and procedures. Here are some steps and procedures to follow to forge a flint striker;
Instructions on How to Forge a Flint Striker
Step 1: Get a Flat Steel Bar
You will need a flat bar of steel to forge a flint striker. The flat bar of steel should be about 5 centimeters long. You can increase the length of the steel if it suits you.
Instead of a flat bar, you can also make use of a flat instrument made of steel. An instrument like a file can be useful.
Step 2: Heat and Beat the Bar Ends
You have to heat the ends of the bar. Place each end of the bar into the forge and heat till it becomes red hot. After heating, you should beat the heated part with a hammer into a flat pointed shape.
Quick Steps
- Place an end of the bar into the forge for heating.
- Retrieve the bar from the forge after it becomes red hot.
- Beat the heated part into a flat shape such that it forms an arc that runs till the pointed end.
- Carry out the same procedure for the other end of the bar.
- After beating both ends, the shape of the bar should run from a pointed end to the normal bar side, then down to the pointed end.
Step 3: Bend the Tip of the ends Outward
After having the shape you want, you should bend the tip of the pointed ends outwards into an almost circular shape. You should heat the tip of the bar before beating with a hammer. You should also beat with care so the metal will not break due to its small size.
Step 4: Bend the Length of the Pointed Ends Inward
You do not have to confuse yourself with this step. The step before this says that you should bend the tip outwards while this says you should bend the whole end inwards.
Pro Tip
Before bending, heat the end of the steel in a forge. After heating, beat the end inwards with a hammer. Bend the end till it almost touches the steel bar till you have a shape that looks like an eye mask.
Step 5: Brush and Reheat the Flint Striker
You should brush the surface of the flint striker with a wire brush. Rub the wire brush against the surface of the flint striker to get rid of the coarseness.
After brushing the flint striker, you should place the flint striker in a forge for heating. Heat the flint striker above critical temperature; till it becomes red hot.
Step 6: Quenching
After heating the flint striker, you should remove it from the forge and place it in a quench liquid. Immerse it in quench oil or water and allow it to cool down. You should be careful when quenching the steel in hot to prevent fire outbreak.
Step 7: Grind Your Flint Striker
After quenching, there will be scales on the surface of the newly forged flint striker. You have to remove the scales by grinding it. Grind the flint striker with a grinder until all the scales are no more.
Aside from the removal of scales, grinding also helps smoothen the flint striker’s surface and edges. It also makes the surface shine.
FAQs on How to Forge a Flint Striker
Question
Can a flint striker light a large fire?
Flint strikers do not determine how large the fire can be; they only create the fire leaving the fuel to make the fire large. The flint striker starts the fire while the fuel keeps it burning. The fuel causes the fire to become large or small.
Question
Can I use my flint striker in the home?
Due to the type of fire used in the home, a flint striker might not be the fit for starting a fire. You can make use of other means of starting a fire at home.
Flint strikers are suitable for outdoor use; nevertheless, they are also useful in the home, especially to light up a fireplace. Generally, the flint striker is useful in creating sparks and starting a fire.
Question
How fast can a flint striker create a fire?
If you know how to make use of the flint, you could start a fire within a couple of minutes. If you do not know how to make use of it, you might need to learn how to use it to be able to use it successfully.
Video on How to Forge a Flint Striker
Warnings and Precautions
When forging your flint striker, you should take note of all safety precautions. These precautions serve as a guide toward safety when forging. Some of the safety rules to follow include;
- Put on safety attires when forging.
- Always use the appropriate tool for each task.
- Set aside and do not use damaged tools.
- Tidy and clean up your working environment.
- Remove every harmful substance from the working environment.
