Poor Man's Bushcraft Steel Striker

How to turn a metal working file into a very functional, cheap and easy flint striker.
For purchasing more attractive strikers, I recommend:

Ragweed Forge
http://www.ragweedforge.com/cat-misc.html

and Ben's Backwoods
http://www.bensbackwoods.com/servlet/Categories?category=Fire%3AFlint+%26+Steel

Both are reputable and dedicated to the craft and making happy customers.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• bushcraft
• camping
• flint
• steel
• primitive
• aboriginal
• colonial

[fhqwgads2]

Thanks. A good bit of info to know. I bet an old chainsaw file would work, too. I have a bunch of them - now I know why I haven't thrown them out!

[otakop67]

@fhqwgads2 Probably a pack rat just like me ;D.

Let me know how they turn out, I have a couple broken ones I want to work over in the forge for this.

[fhqwgads2]

@otakop67 Will do, I know where I can find some big chunks of flint around here.

[otakop67]

@fhqwgads2 Depends on where 'here' is. I picked some flint up from a friend who just returned from the midwest with some. I've used chert before and quartz with good results. Basically, any quartzite rock will work, it just has to be above 6.5 on the mohs scale to make it harder than steel so it can spark.

[STREETRAT211]

where did you find that big ass altoids tin? please write back

[otakop67]

@STREETRAT211 Just the same as DX said. That's the side they come here... than and the minis. I've also gotten them at CVS and Dollar General stores

[otakop67]

@jdisgf8u9dsgv Yes, I do. But then, I don't claim to be poor.This is part of a series of bushcraft kit that can be made for very little or nothing at all. It is to demonstrate that one doesn't need to buy the expensive gear to enjoy the wilderness. People survived thousands of years without it.

It is also for those who have to get by with very little. Every day for them is a fight for survival, not as a sport or a hobby, but as a fact of life. This to show those who can show them.

[warpedwoz]

Well said, simple cheap and reliable.

[tonykellyefc]

GOOD MAN, KEEPING IT BASIC,THANKYOU.

[2kargarage1]

Great video

[dxgadgetreview]

@STREETRAT211 It's just the size they're sold in here. I pick mine usually up at either Walmart or Food Lion.

[shippen2010]

good vid. is it important for the file to be annealed so its soft?