How to make a fire striker.
Although based on a couple of 18th century examples, the idea of an iron strike to spark from is ancient.
In this example I am using O1 steel as it strikes very well. But you can normally make good ones from old files easily. It's advisable, if making them from old files, that you don't clean off the file teeth as they will help create sparks.
With some effort you can get enough heat off charcoal and a BBQ to heat the material as it needs to be carbon rich (compared to mild steel), meaning it has a lower working temperature.
Remember to harden the material at the end but heating to an orange heat and quenching in oil. I have used old engine oil, that I intend to replace due to all the health hazards it poses. Quench the work so it is still smoking but not igniting the oil. Vegetable oil works just as well, but won't make you ill.
With practice fire strikers, with flint and charcloth a convenient and simple way to start a fire even in damp conditions.
