After a few nights of hard frost and the day time temperature not exceeding much above freezing, I set myself a challenge of starting the fire using my flint and steel set.
It will help if you fuzz the edge first. I use my flint to scrape the edge and make it fluffed up and it catches a spark much easier. GOD Bless you and your family
Hi Caley.... Many thanks for watching and for the kind words. I will be keeping it up, especially now the nicer weather is here and I will be spending more time out. Thanks again, Mark.
Hi Tom, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment 👍. I agree, files make great steels for the flint and steel kit. I have a couple of old broken files that I have used in the past and they worked just as well as a forged steel. I find the older files seem to work better than some of the more newer ones. I'm not sure if it is higher carbon content or if it was a better steel that they used. Have a great week, all the very best, Mark.
hahaha 🦊👍 ...I like that Fox...cunning fellow, indeed. ...🦊👍 😍👍💓💗💖2:24 I don't know what it is ...but I really LOVE these leather made kits more than the modern cheap materials of plastic canvas types. 2:37 I like to use old Bastard Files for my flint and steel kits..they are cheap at yard sales..and easy to snap to size. 7:58 love that technique...everything is kept tight..and controlled...no wild swinging.
Hi there Mark. I've recently turned on to using the traditional Flint n Steel and thoroughly enjoyed this video, Thanks. Of course I still have several ferro rods as I reckon there will be situations where flint n steel will be difficult to use, but ferro rods wear out really quickly. I was most impressed with your folding Steels and Tinder pouch and it gave me some great ideas as I've been thinking of making one for myself. So cheers for a very informative video. Shalom n Blessings
Hi Paul, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) I agree, there are times when using a flint and steel may not be the easiest option, and like you I carry other mean to light fire. The problem with living in a wet country is having to deal with wet tinder. I tend to buy the larger ferro rods as they seem to last a good while, but the beauty of the flint and steel is they don't really wear out. I'm glad you liked the pouch. I made a simple version not too long ago, but I prefer the design of the one in the video :) Thank again for taking the time, all the very best, Mark :)
Nice video Mark, I watch your videos and it just makes me want to get out into the woods and start putting it all into practice. This weekend I think I'm going to get out into the woods and find me some horseshoe brackets so I can process some amadou for my fire kit. Thanks for sharing Mark, have yourself a great weekend sir. Atb, Paul.
Hi Paul, many thanks for watching the video and taking the time to comment. I'm glad they get you in the mood to get out into the woods. Its a bit wet here at the moment, we are having the tail end of the storms from US, so it will be a day of carving and editing videos for me tomorrow. You have a great weekend too brother. All the best, Mark :)
Hi HELLPARK, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Have a try. A flint and steel set can be made cheaply out of an old file and its always worth learning a few fire lighting techniques. It's easy after a little practice. Thanks again, all the best, Mark.
Hi Stephen, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. I was watching a video about Ohio the other day. It looks a beautiful State. I keep saying that I will travel across to the US. Ohio is one place I would like to see. The flint and steel is one of my favourite methods. It is like anything else. The more you practice the easier becomes. Have a great day my friend, all the best, Mark. :)
Mark Bailey Mark, Ohio is one of America’s richest states.....in terms of beauty and resources. It also has a lot of Native American history that I find very interesting. The early settlers had to deal with a very hostile Shawnee tribe that didn’t appreciate us Europeans moving into their territory. My family came to America from Wales. In this area there were many Welsh, English, Scottish & and Irish that gave them a run for their money. If you ever make it over here, I’d love to show you a few places where the Indians inhabited. I go there often to hike about, taking my Bushcraft skills and feel very connected to those early days of America’s founding. Stay in touch my friend. -Stephen
I find all the old history of the European settlers very interesting. We never did much about it in history at school. I don't think the subject is ever brought up, we were taught more about the old kings and queens, but to me this is real history. Normal folk who travelled thousands of miles by sea and by foot to forge out a new life. Most of whom died. Your family came from a nice part of Britain. I work at a trout fishery over in Wales. I live in England but the Welsh border is only 30 minuets drive away. Where I pass, the two countries are split by a narrow river. I will definitely stay in touch, all the very best, Mark.
Mark Bailey Mark? If there’s anything you need over here for your kit, feel free to ask. Sometimes It’s hard to find certain resources in certain parts of Europe, and we here in America have different resources that are readily more accessible. If you need fat wood or something I have some to share. Great resource. -Stephen
Thank you Stephen the offer is very kind. You guys certainly have more of a wide selection of gear than we have here in the UK. If we buy US imported gear, it tends to be quiet expensive. I may give you a shout for some fat wood sometime. I have a bit leftover from last summer, but my local woods don't produce very much. Thanks again, I'm very greatful for your kind offer. All the best, Mark.
Mine too, then solar fires. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment Steve. I have subbed to your channel. It looks like you have some good things going on. I look forward to watching, All the best, Mark. :)
Hi Alan, I hope you are keeping well :) Many thanks for working through the videos..... it is very much appreciated :) I have had an email saying my camera should be back next week, so hopefully there will be a new video up soon. Thanks again mate, all the best, Mark :)
9:44 I recommend to people..to build their fire lodge first...kindling, smalls, and a few big 1/4 cut wood...with *a door way* open...then when you get your nest burning , you place it inside the doorway..and you don't have to worry about smothering your fire, or burning your hands.
I think my last lot of flint came from down south. We don't have much around my area, the ground isn't very chalky. When I lived in Somerset, we used to find loads down on the coast and on the chalk downs. I'm sure you will love the flint and steel method. It is very satisfying. Don't be working too hard Sel..... all the best, Mark. :)
I have a load of flint in the shed I just need to get a steel and sorry I did miss out the knife review only cos I'm not in the market for one at the moment and I got to mission on getting through your vids 😁👍
Hi Carl, many thanks for watching mate and taking the time to comment as :) If you have only older English files knocking around, they make great steels. You can pick them up quite cheap from old farmers markets or car boot sales. I say older English steels as they have more carbon in the steel compared to a modern Chinese file from somewhere like B&Q. If you a lot of flint, it fetches good prices on eBay if you are thinking of getting rid of any :) Have a great day brother, all the best, Mark :)
another great video.you have an information packed,down to earth style which comes across very well. Sorry to ask such a daft question but what is the maker/name of your green outer smock.it looks proper warm!!
Hi Tim, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. The smock is made by Napapijri Sherpa smock. I have had had it years. It only tends to come out in the winter. I'm not sure if you can still get them, but If you google them, you can check if they still make them. Thanks again Tim, all the best, Mark.
Really nice, clear, calm guidance on flint and steel usage - thanks! I'd love to see how you prep the amadou - I've read about it but never seen the process... sounds like prepping the amadou can be a bit tricky to get right especially with older fungus?
Many thanks for watching the video Jim and thanks for your kind words. The amadou that I used in the video was actually processed by a friend of mine. We used to use a lot of it at one of fly fishing schools where I taught and used to use it for absorbing water from dry flies, and still have quite a lot left over from then. You can pick it up quite easy from places like 'Beaver Bushcraft' and I think amazon sell it. When it comes to preparing amadou straight from the tree it can be hit or miss on the quality of the end product. Some people like to add ash to the water prior to boiling and some like to use clean water. I will try and locate some of the fungus next time I'm out in the woods and give it a try. There is a good video by 'Clan Gunn Bushcraft', where they show you the process from start to end. Thanks again, Mark.
Yeah - funny that - I went looking after I watched your vid and caught that amadou vid you mention by Clan Gunn - really good and simple just how I like it so if I get hold of a couple of hooves when I'm out and about I'm going to have a little go myself. Cheers.
Top work there Mark, flint and steel can be as quick as that or you can be sat 45 minutes later and still hitting them together. I’ve had to split my flint down due to the edges rounded off now which isn’t great. We can’t get hold of flint in our neck of the woods can we? Is it sourced down south? Another interesting lesson from you mate, thanks 👍
Hi Ant, I hope you are keeping well mate. Sorry for the late reply bud, I didn't realise you had commented mate. I have been away for a couple of days. Yes, I usually get my flint from down south. A lot of the good English flint tends to be further South amongst the chalky areas . There is a good supplier I used to buy it from, but they seem to have closed down. If you enjoy learning about flint and prehistoric skills you should check out Will Lord. He has a great You Tube channel and website. You may have seen him at the bushcraft show. I will leave you a link to his website. He goes into detail about sourcing flint, knapping and primitive skills. I love to see how out prehistoric ancestors lived and what they used to survive. Stay safe Ant.... speak to you soon mate, all the best, Mark 🌲🔥😀. www.will-lord.co.uk/
Hello .. just a question that has nothing to do with the video .. what are your pants .. please .. otherwise I love your videos very well explained it's nice .. Laurent
Hi Laurent, I hope you are keeping well. Sorry but I can't remember what make the pants were. I bought them from a work wear shop a number of years ago. Nowadays I tend to wear either Carhart or dickies work pants as they are hard wearing. Sorry I couldn't be more help. Thanks again, all the best, Mark :)
Hi Mark, Hope you are keeping well mate? Just watched your video using traditional steel and flint to start a fire (and as experts generally do you make it look easy.) I've just acquired a Wilma's Swedish steel striker and got some char cloth to practice starting a fire in the old traditional way. My eldest grandson has got to that age, 12, and wants to go camping, cook outdoors, use knives, etc. and of course build a fire. So like grandad's do, I said of course I would show him how to go about looking after himself outdoors lol. I can show him everything he needs to know but it's been years since I even attempted to use traditional ways to start a fire lol. So, Mark are there any 'tricks of the trade' you can pass on for me to use? or is it just perceverance. Cheers Mel Clarke
Hi Mel, I hope you are keeping well mate :) All good here thanks. I have just started back at the fishery this week, so the usual early season out of fitness and aches and pains lol. The Wilma's steels are great steels to use. Nice one, I'm glad your Grandson wants to go out and spend time learning about the great outdoors. You will be his hero ;) The easiest way I find to use a steel, is to first off have a sharp piece of flint and then when you strike the steel onto the flint, make them glancing blows. You are trying to shave tiny pieces of steel off, so it doesn't have to be too hard of a hit or you will just chip the flint. It can often turn into frustration and end up hitting the steel too hard on flint. If so I would have a brew and try again. If everything is wet, I would start by making your tinder bundles out of jute. Try and make them quite thick or you run the risk of burning through it before it has had chance to combust into flame. Once you have done it a few times, then it becomes second nature. If you are going to have a fire once your tinder bundle is lit, it might be worth charring some punk wood. It is nice having a couple of different options. I hope this helps Mel.... and didn't turn into a ramble lol. But the main thing is, don't give up. Nice gentle glancing blows :) Have a great weekend mate, all the best, Mark :)
@@markbailey2981 Thanks for the advice Mark, brilliant. I'll be giving it a go soon and will let you know how I go on. My grandson loves being outdoors so I'm lucky there. Pleased to hear you are back at the fishery, you'll soon be back to full fitness for the season. I do a bit of fly fishing when I can you can't beat it. Thanks again Mark. Take care mate and have a great weekend. Cheers Mel
Hi Elo, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) You have me stumped there my friend. I have never tried Amadou in a fire piston before. I'm pretty sure when I saw them using fire pistons at the bushcraft show they said that you could also use natural tinder's in them. But I'm not sure if they meant it had to be charred? I will try and find out and I will let you know. I have been thinking of getting a fire piston, so it would also be good to try a selection of things instead of charred cloth to see what works. Thanks again and have a great weekend, all the best, Mark.
I have several fire pistons and find them troublesome at best, one minute I am getting an ember on char cloth every pull, then all of a sudden it stops and I can't seem to get it to work for pull after pull. I have only recently secured a quantity of amadou, and as I live in Australia amadou isn't easily harvested and I have to buy it so I am hesitant to try it in my fire pistons as I don't want to waste any of it as char cloth is so easy to make and replace for me. For those that have amadou to spare and can replenish their supply easily go for it and test it out. Though for me fire pistons are best left for homestead use and I would never rely on them as my primary fire lighting device as I find them unreliable.
Hi Rich, I hope you are having a nice weekend my friend. The shelter and location are still there. I often go there for a brew and a quiet day away. It is about 15 minuets walk from my house, but there a couple of large roads that run alongside it. Even though it is about 3/4 of a mile away from the camp, the camera picks up the road noise and the sports bikes etc, so I don't do any videos there anymore. It's a shame, it's a nice little camp. Maybe we will go back there for another look :) I have got a video on my SD card, but haven't found the time to edit it yet. It was chucking it down with rain all day, so I hope the noise on the tarp isn't too loud, I may scrap it if it is. I will take a look when I'm next off of work :) Thanks for getting in touch Rich :) All the best, Mark :)
the little I have fooled around with amadou I have found it takes a spark as easy as char cloth. Isn't it renowned for taking a spark easily? That's why it's processed so heavily so that it takes said spark.
Hi Orion, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. I agree, Amadou is one of the best materials for flint and steel. Chaga is better if you can find the right pieces. I prefer Amadou to charred cloth. It lasts longer in the tinder bundle and seems to be hotter. If it s well processed then it usually takes easily :)
@@markbailey2981 because of where I live (Australia) I don't get to find either chaga or amadou and have to rely on buy it (which I do occasionally as I want to experience all sorts of bushcraft related things) as the trees the fugui that both chaga and amadou grow on don't occur here. I have been trying to think of an Aussie equivalent but I don't think there is one.
@@waveman0 Hi Orion :) If you get a spare minute, if you email me your post address, I have got some Chaga here that I can send to you. My mate harvested it when he was in Scotland last year. you can get me at markbay@hotmail.com If you let me know it is you in the email, then I will know I am talking to the right person. Have a great weekend, all the best, Mark :)
@@markbailey2981 I am so thankful to Mark for making this happen and giving me the opportunity to experiment with chaga, here is the results ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-heKf5h-fLo8.html and using a magnifying glass ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Sd6422flOVc.html
Hi Prepperjon, you can buy good English flint off Amazon or another good place is Beaver Bushcraft. Here is a link to their flint: www.beaverbushcraft.co.uk/ourshop/prod_6373551-1-x-Bag-Specially-Hand-Knapped-Small-Norfolk-Flint-Shards-Approx-500g.html I hope this helps, all the best, Mark.
Hi Prepperjon, I don't know of any stores that sell it in the USA, but I have seen it on Ebay and Amazon. Most will do international shipping. You could try somewhere like the Pathfinder Store if you have no luck on Amazon or Ebay.
Prepperjon www.neolithics.com/spalls-1/ This is a good place I've found. Pretty large pieces for a ton of cutting edge. Used thier English and Texas Flint, amazing results with both.
