My wife and I just finished a weekend of historical demonstration at Put in Bay for Perry’s Victory. This was the second time we’ve done this event and we really enjoy the opportunity to meet with people. She spent time sitting and working on sewing, tatting, and sharing games. I was at the forge, and as always, made fire.
I try to make as many flint strikers when I an at an event. For one reason, I need them to put kits together. But they are easy to show some basic forge skills, and most people are able to follow the process and see something from beginning to end. A fire steel takes about eight to ten minutes.
The real trick is not the shape, it is the final process of heat treating. Shape has nothing to do with the function of the steel, although there are some shapes that are useful in different ways, but I will save that for another post.
The timing of the quench is the secret, and I won’t hide it. I bring the steel to a dark cherry red, then quench in oil. Why? Oil does two things, quench at a different rate and give the steel a coating to protect it. A wire brushing and a little bit of file on the striking edge and it is time for a test.
With a spark, the steel goes into a pile for use. No spark, and it means it goes back to the fire and another heat treating. It is not hard, but it does take some experience and patience to make it work.
If you want to get your own fire making kit, click on the link above or email me.