[TheForge] Fire Steel

[Ralph Douglass]

Mike Linn wrote:

> Whats best for making steels for flint & steel kits?
>
> Spring steel (1045 or so) quenched in oil
>
> File steel (1095) quenched in oil
>
> Mild steel quenched in water
>
> some alloy like H13 or S7?
>
> I dont have time to try everything and find the best, plus I figured
> someone else has already done the experiment.
> I dont want to reinvent the wheel but I need to know what material makes
> the best fire steel.
>
> thanks.
>
> Mike

Mike you will want a nice high carbon steel. Personally I use garage door
springs. It is about the right size and it is free. But if buying new I would get
1095 or 1084, as you want a high carbon so you can get a GOOD spark.

But I use the garage door spring quenched in hot ( 180 F ) water.  Works well.
I have also used them in peanut oil. They spark OK. Not as well but they are less
likely to break if dropped.

Ralph

--
"Good is the enemy of Excellent. Talent is not necessary for Excellence.
Persistence is necessary for Excellence. And Persistence is a Decision."