The very first object I made in my Blacksmithing classes at Brookhaven College was a flint striker. in addition we made charcloth and used both to start our propane forges. We made ours out of old files, which were 1095 steel, but you can make them out of any steel that is high carbon. I have some 1095 3/8" steel rod which we can use to make some strikers from.
There are a million patterns and types of strikers, but they are pretty simple to make. Here’s some examples you could make.
The process is very straightforward. We will turn a round rod into a square rod with rat tails on the ends. We’ll then curl the ends using a bending fork to fit around your hand so that you can easily strike flint and create sparks. I have some flint stone to use to demonstrate the functionality, too.
My question is this: Is there interest in such a class? The project could easily be done in the normal three hours I teach blacksmithing classes. We can use either the induction forge or the propane forge to make them. The class cost would be $15 to cover materials but you would leave with a flint striker, flint and some char cloth… Something like this:
I can show you how to make your own char cloth but it is better done outside as it generate a lot of smoke.
I have plenty to give you some. I make mine on a propane bbq grill.
Here’s the kind of Scouting Kit you could make. A friend of mine makes these type of kits and adds a blacksmith’s knife to go along with them. You can easily make the pouches from leather, too, but that is another class.
Here’s another interesting description of fire making:
