Making a Flint Striker

ColonialFlintStriker

Colonial Striker

A flint striker is neat way to start fires when you don't have matches or a lighter. The materials to use for this project is any type tool steel. I would recommend and type of 5160 tool steel such as coil spring; leaf spring; or even old files.

Starting with around 4 inches of stock, get a good heat and proceed to reduce the size of the metal until you get the metal about 1/4 x 3/8 thick making sure all sides are as flat as possible. From this 4" stock you should be able to get at least 2 strikers. Heat metal and cut off a peice about 3". With a good yellow heat, holding the metal in the tongs with the thicker side up, place over the anvil on the near side, about 1 inch and using half face blows start to flatten while keeping the same width. Reduce the thickness until it is about 1/16th in thickness. Get the metal hot and bend over the horn. You want to keep the open between the striker and the handle wide enough that your fingers will be able to fit comfortably inside when the metal is cold.

Heat the metal again and quench in water. You can quench in oil if you wish but not necessary for this use. Water is a harsher quench for tool steel but will work fine for this use. Once the striker is cool. Take a piece of flint and strike onto the striker to test for sparks.

Colonial "C" Flint Striker

Colonial "C" Striker

Follow the instructions above, but instead of flattening one end, taper both ends to square points leaving the middle fairly thick. Heat one end being careful not to burn it and put a pig tail on it. Place back in the fire if needed. Cool the pigtail in water and bend a hook on the end. Do the same for the opposite side. Heat the striker and quench in water. Test with a peice of flint.

Now that the flint striker is finished you need some char cloth, jute, and wood to make a fire. Along with making and selling striker, you might want to make a Flint Striker kit .

-- RebStaup - 28 Jan 2008