Firesteel Guide: How do I use a flint?
Complete guide: How to use a firesteel to light your first fires
Welcome to our complete guide on using a firesteel, a reliable and durable fire starter for lighting your campfires, fireplace or barbecue.
A firesteel, also known as a fire starter or firestone, is an essential tool for lighting a fire outdoors. It is made of a handle (generally plastic or wood) and a ferrocerium rod. It is durable and can be used in all weather conditions, even in rain, snow or high humidity.
To use a survival flint, you’ll need a scraper (usually supplied with it, but you can also use a knife, in which case it’s best to use the back of the blade to avoid damaging it), and some fuel.
Fuel can be dry wood, twigs, tree bark, pine sap, dried leaves or herbs, lichen, etc. You can also use tindersticks, small 100% natural resin-rich wooden sticks, or other effective fuels like cotton, paraffin or sawdust.
In our shop, you can find different types of waterproof and effective fire tinder to accompany you on your excursions:
Guide: Using a Firesteel
1. Before using the firesteel for the first time, scrape the black rod to remove the protective varnish, you should then see the gray metallic ferrocerium.
2. Prepare and gather your tinder on a support, preferably out of the wind.
3. Hold the firesteel at a 45-degree angle and rub it with the scraper provided, using a brisk, firm up-and-down motion to send sparks flying across your fuel.
4. Add twigs and wood to maintain the fire.
5. Always be aware of yourself and your environment when using a firesteel and make sure the fire is completely out before leaving.
Tips and advice:
– It’s best to scrape the end of the rod to extend the life of the ferrocerium in your firesteel (and avoid wearing out the middle of the rod and breaking it), as well as making it easier to direct the sparks towards the fuel.
– You can scrape a little ferrocerium from your rod to mix with your fuel and thus ensure easier ignition.
With a little training, you’ll quickly become an expert in the art of fire starting with a firesteel. It’s important to familiarise yourself with a natural firesteel and use it in real-life conditions to make sure it works properly in an emergency.
Retrouvez 5 utilisations du firesteel originales que vous ne connaissez surement pas.
Before setting off on your adventure, make sure you prepare your survival kit. For more information, see our article: The essentials in a survival kit.
One final little bonus tip in video: Use a pencil sharpener + a small piece of wood to make shavings (Thanks Mike Horn)
Looking for a fire starter flint ?
Fire Starter – Firesteel Survival with Fat Wood Stick
Out of stock
14,99€10 mm Survival Flint
- Ferrocerium rod wider than most flints on the market (10mm)
- Over 15,000 possible uses in all weather conditions
- Multifunction scraper (bottle opener, hex wrench, tinder grater, ruler and map scale)
- Delivered with a pine wood tinderstick to start your fires
- Carrying pouch with Stealth Bear logo, perfect for a gift
or on our website:
Fire Flint XXL – Survival Firesteel + Fire Starter Cord
Out of stock
19,99€XXL Survival Flint 12 mm
- XXL ferrocerium rod for even more sparks (12mm)
- Over 20,000 possible uses in all weather conditions
- Multifunction scraper (bottle opener, hex wrench, tinder grater, ruler and map scale)
- Comes with a jute fire starter rope and tube for starting fires
- Carrying pouch with Stealth Bear logo, perfect for a gift
or on our website: