The Flint & Steel Fire Starter Kit Review
The knowledge of primitive fire-making skills is something every outdoorsman or bushcrafter should know. Having the right tools to facilitate this process is a must. This is where the Flint and Steel come in handy. Each one of these kits is handmade and forged. The team at Flint-and-Steel Ltd. (www.flint-and-steel.com) has done a great job making these kits. Having this compact kit in your pack is a great way to have a ready-made fire source in just about any condition. There is nothing like making a fire with your own two hands.
Impression
My first impression of the Flint & Steel Fire Starter Kit is it is well made and crafted. The kit consists of a small tin box in which each component fits snug. It has a nice size piece of flint and a good amount of Jute Twine. The firesteel or striker can be easily grasped by the fingers. It has a good weight to it. The char cloth container is compact and has a good supply inside. It also contains a useful color illustrated instruction insert that explains how to use the kit to make a fire. There are fire starter kits also available in a variety of custom-made leather pouches.
Kit Contains:
- A firesteel, 2.36″ (60mm) in length
- A small tin container of linen char cloth tinder
- A small piece of flintstone
- A bundle of Jute Twine
- English language instructions for beginners
Field Test
I took my Flint & Steel Fire Starter Kit to my favorite spot on the lake to test it out. It unpacked quite easily. The instructions included in the kit were easy to follow. I decided to try it out with my Vargo Wood Burning Stove and make a cup of tea.
Steps
My first step was to make a twine bundle for my ember to catch. I cut 5 pieces of twine into 4-inch strips. Then I unwound each thread to separate fibers. I created a bundle of fibers that my charcloth could sit in. It is important to gather, cut, and stage all of your wood before you start a fire. This will allow you to get your fire up and running quickly.
Strike
I took a piece of char cloth from the tin and placed it above the flat side of the flint. It took 5 or 6 strikes to get a spark to land on the char cloth. It did not take much of a spark to get the cloth to light. I was very surprised at how quickly it took. I would recommend doing a few practice strikes without the char cloth first to get a feel of how hard you should strike to get a spark.
Having Things Prepared
Spark
Once I landed a spark on the char cloth, I placed it into my twine bundle and began to gently blow into it. It did not take much blowing on the bundle before it erupted into flames.
We Have Fire
I have to say this may be my go-to method and kit to make a fire. The whole process is a great way to get connected with the basics of starting a fire. It also makes you connect with nature in a primitive way. The whole process was very easy, enjoyable, and relaxing.
Where to Buy:
These fire starter kits are available for sale in their Etsy store or website:
Website: www.flint-and-steel.com
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PrimitiveFireMaking
Here is a video explaining the product:
Conclusion
The Flint & Steel Fire Starter Kit is a very well-made kit. This kit is a great gift for anyone who hikes, backpacks, or loves the outdoors. It should be a mainstay in anyone’s pack.