Making 18th Century Spunks.

The author demostrates how to make 18th century spunks. These are sulphur tipped splints used for lighting fires or candles.

CAUTION: Burning sulphur will stick to the skin & spunks when lit can drip fire if you use too much sulphur. No reposibilty is taken by the author for dammage, loss or injury whilst using or practicing this period skill.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• survival
• bushcraft
• woods lore
• woodscraft
• 18th century
• primitive skills
• living history
• colonial
• flint and steel
• tinderlighter
• spunks
• sulphur splints
• making fire

[GWNDFM]

Thank you ever so much for this video !!! I have just started to get back to wood craft and such even though I am 57 I have always found the old way the coolest. Would you show us how to make the tinder you use I am in the midwest in the usa. what plant or material do you use and can we find them here? I just don't believe that char cloth was that commonly used.thanks so much keep on making these and I will go and watch what yhou have made. Your welcome at my campfire anytime GWNDFM

[historicaltrekking]

@GWNDFM If you go to my channel you will find all the info in the videos you need.

Cattail & punk wood should be available to you in your area, possibly Amadou too.

Regards, Keith.

[historicaltrekking]

I don't recall the melting being a problem, but if it catches a light then it can be overpowering to the nose. Not so much the smell as a tendency to make you choke! You know that smell you get from striking a match? Well that is the sulphur content. You notice that I am doing it in our old cottage where it is well ventilated & I am using the open fireplace.

Sulphur will also drip fire if you have too much on the splint. Personally I would recommend you do it outside just incase of any accident

[TomsBackwoods]

Great Video!!

[historicaltrekking]

@TomsBackwoods Thank you Tom, glad you liked it.

Regards.

[LittlePetieWheat]

Most informative. Do you have a preferred way to cut your spills? Have you made a Spill plane?

[historicaltrekking]

@LittlePetieWheat I use a clasp knife. I have never heard of a spill plane. I will look it up. Thank you.

[Tuxdaddy]

Gotta ask... How bad's the smell of melting sulphur ?? Better to do it outside when possible or safe to try with you beloved around ?? LOL

[historicaltrekking]

@EDINBURGSTAR Glad you liked it my Friend.

Regards, Keith.

[historicaltrekking]

@landlockedviking Thank you. Glad you found it interesting.