[TheForge] Flint striker problems?

[Thomas Benda]

I work with the boy scouts as a blacksmith instructor.  the first project
that they make is a flint and steel striker.  We operate on a very limited
budget.  I found that broken garage door springs work very well for
strikers.  I obtain them free from garage door installers.  I cut the coils
into about 4-6 in lengths (depending on your heat source)  when they are
red hot I slide the spring onto a firmly anchored piece of pipe and pull it
into a somewhat straight length. (make sure you pull it so that it unrolls)
I then use a chop saw to cut them into about 8 in. lengths.
I teach them how to make a small roll on each end the bend the it into on
open oval so as to fit their hand.  This is a water quench steel so just
drop into cold water.  use a stone to remove the mill scale from the
striking edge.  works great.

tom benda
cascade scout reservation
snohomish, wa