Making custom firesteels-a really simple and satisfying project

This is another beginner-friendly crafts project you can achieve with really simple tools. 

You can get firesteel blanks from your favourite outfitters. I got mine from the awesome Janet from https://www.nordisches-handwerk.de/handwerk-schnitzen/dalapferde-handwerk-geschenkartikel/fertige-produkte/feuerstaehle/4411/scout-feuerstahl-firesteel-ca.-6-3x60mm

A firesteel is somewhat of a misnomer.  To the kids I explain it a by stating that the material isn't of course steel, but Auer metal, an ingredient in mini fireworks like a sparkler decoration. Technically, it is called Ferrocerium and it is a compound from Iron and the rare-earth mineral cerium, hardened with magnesium and other ingredients. It was discovered by the Austrian chemist Carl Auer von Welsbach in 1903, possibly in residues from Thorium mining. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrocerium).

A ferrocerium rod is a rather convenient and reliable way to start a fire. Well, a BIC or matches are even more convenient, but sometimes not as resilient in a wet environment. And let us not forget the aspect that they are fun! 😉 

The wet blanket of course is that they are a highly industrialized approach to a rather simple problem. Sustainability works in another shed, so to say.  They can last you for a long time, though, which is sort of a compensation for a bad ecological balance.  

I got myself some small diametre ones, just 6,3 mm. Those make for a lighter and more compact carry.  For the things I do that is more than enough, and they are dead cheap.  But you can get yourself a bigger one alright.  

Making them requires a knife, a saw and a power drill. Actually you can also use a Swiss Army knife to mount them.  

Saw off a little block of your favourite wood.  I used bog oak, birchwood burr, and stag antler.  

Drill a 6mm hole into the handle. With the tip of your knife, remove the burr from the hole. Do not glue the Ferrocerium rod into the handle or use pine resin. That way, you can use up the half that rests inside the handle, too.  Two I recessed to the half of the rod into the handle to make for a more compact carry, the other two I left a bit longer for easier use.  Gently tap the rod with a wooden mallet or rubber hammer. 

On the stag antler Ferrocerium rod I added a lanyard hole for carrying in a traditional bushcraft sheath loop. And just like that- hey presto: Ferrocerium rod. 😉