The Evolution of the Fire Steel

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[@leroydion246]

When I was a kid, I was taught to use an Old Horseshoe for steel with flint from a Cowboy, whom was my pack leader! I remember him saying that calvary and pony express riders used them during the 1800s

[@the_baba_yaga9986]

I've watched Dave since I was 13 lol I've become a modern-day Frontiersman because of Dave Canterbury

[@bmk506]

Sooo....your like 14 now ? ;)

[@RatgenerationX]

So your a 14 year old pro! Jk Dave is awesome and I respect anyone out using the skills he teaches... good job man!

[@ralphlatorre203]

I ordered a flint and steel kit from SRO a couple of years ago. The steel is straight. I now know why I had better luck getting char to light in the box than when I use the thumb method. As I watched this, I could see the amount of sparks being thrown from each steel and each method. Very interesting and thought provoking. Thanks Dave!

[@alexpaulk9364]

I always appreciate your perspective, Uncle Dave. Respect from Georgia, -Alex

[@simpleman8644]

Man I have learned so much from you this year. Even my kids are learning these skill. We spent the last couple weekends gathering fat wood and punkwood

[@MrGoosePit]

Great timing. I was just cleaning up the garage and came across a fire steel I purchased about 10 years ago. I sit down tonight to watch some videos and was happily surprised to see this video! Thanks Dave!

[@stephenwilliams1364]

Dave I’m an aspiring blacksmith and this is something that I’ve been wanting to forge....thanks for making life easier for me 😃👍 You are still the most credible and best teachers in the field today !

[@danieljames2718]

Love outdoorsy stuff. Back to basics is so relaxing and I'm constantly learning. Thanks Dave. PS.. I got my flint and steal today. And the word tinderbox. I remember my gran taking to me about that many years ago. I'm 70 by the way. Very interesting and great fun watching. Keep Vlogging and I'll keep watching...

[@mauricioruiz9021]

My favorite method of fire. I practice it almost every weekend

[@matthewcooper5503]

Mr Canterbury at his best. Thanks alot Dave for all ur free information.

[@BenAndDog]

Your work has inspired me to continue learning bush/woodcraft skills for years, thanks.

[@FishTheJim]

This is very interesting especially the box. I currently use a two pouch belt system of carry. Fire making tools in one pouch and an altoids tin with various tinder material plus wax and 4 Ought mesh steel. I always carry a flint and steel to practice with and I use that very Pathfinder arrowhead one you were demonstrating with. Very useful to know :)

[@contentofcharacter]

This actually answered a few questions & my flint & steel ignition just became way more efficient. Thanks Dave🙏

[@craigcerminara9605]

No need to apologize for providing folks with an education. Many thanks

[@ElderHiker]

More "rock solid" advice from the guru. Some day, when you are trapping rabbits, you are going to catch one of your avid subscribers emerging from the rabbit hole that you sent him down. When I was a Boy Scout during the mid-to-late 1950s, we learned fire making skills, but we always used a match. The big innovative technology of the day was windproof matches that we carried in small, metal cylinders. They were a big deal back then. As I have continued developing my woodsman skills over the years, I have learned several "new" ways of making fires without matches which I don't even carry anymore. Your treatise on fire steels is mind blowing and explains my successes and failures. Thanks for all you do for our community. You are a national treasure.

[@jasonpettit9984]

You have come so far over the years my friend,and what I wouldn't give to have your knowledge,oh nevermind,it's in years of KZbin vids,and I'm glad I've seen most of em,thanks for always sharing your info to us over the years.... you've made a difference,,,,but in this vid just like all the others,I always, always learn something new...

[@maknifeandrods7701]

I have followed you on and off for about 10 years. I never thought about the curve of the steel and how that works. Now being into blacksmithing I will take this into account when I make them. Thank you for the information. we can learn every day of our lives. God Bless

[@allencampbell9719]

Not a boring video at all, Dave. I think it's very interesting and thought provoking. The gear and tools that we all use, have evolved over time. And I believe that understanding that 'evolution' is just as important as using the tools themselves.

[@ronmeyer5907]

I've always considered "In the box, in the house" or in a bird's nest on dry ground, assuming no fire hazardous conditions. The on-top-of the flint is best in wet weather or stealthily situations. I've seen guys light their pipes with the in-the-box (the pipe bowl) method and a 1/2 fingernail size piece of charcloth on top of their tobacco. Now that is really showing off and pretty amazing!

[@woodscrafter1971]

Never thought about the difference between the arc and the straight edge...very interesting and I believe you're absolutely right! Also you mentioned the width of the steel. I've found that to be a huge factor. I have a piece of broken file that my great-grandfather owned that is 3/8" thick and it throws a spark like nothing else I've seen. Very cool discussion!!

[@proximap2151]

Remember dual survival when David put gun powder in his wound and lit it... savage.

[@tg94702]

I did something similar back in May. Only difference was that it wasn’t an wound or on purpose. Oh and I wasn’t as savage either lol.

[@j.wgib5on34]

Bad ass no doubt on a scale of 1 to 10 rate this one 85

[@BruceNitroxpro]

Dave, you have NEVER bored me or repeated a thought in a boring fashion, EVER. Honest injun!

[@MrNed09]

I know what you mean Dave, I'm a fire geek also! I have built up a number of fire steels over the years, and I find the curved ones better due to using the preferred method of laying the char cloth on the top of the flint, I find it less likely to hit your knuckles against the flint also! One of my most prized bushcraft possessions, is a brass HBC tinderbox my wife brought me many years ago, which has a removable cover in the centre of the lid, with a magnifying lens in the centre! Infact, that tinderbox was one of the main reasons I got into working with leather, so I could make a nice leather belt pouch in order to keep it safe out in the field! Thanks Dave for everything you do for the outdoor community, and wishing you and your family a happy Christmas and new year.

[@theoutlaweastwood8971]

I could watch these instructive history lessons all day

[@bobboyer9440]

Very interesting. I will now have two flints in my box, one straight and one curved. Thank you.

[@maxpinson5002]

Never knew about or thought about a divided box for whatever reason. The first time I made hash out of my char cloth from the flint shard and striker rattling around, I just carried them outside of the box. Learned something new today . Thanks for the great video

[@Bill23799]

So back in the early days people walked around with a small tinderbox with a Fire Steel and Flint rock like folks today walk around with a BIC lighter? I thought Fred Flintsone used a Zip-Rock Lighter that rubbed two small sticks together when he used his thumb to activate it to light his Winston Cigarettes.

[@karmaclanton5544]

😀❤

[@timberg7377]

This is something I've always thought about, I find it so interesting to go down this rabbit hole.. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, I would have-to say, I would agree with you.

[@angelafowler508]

You did not bore me. Learning is never boring.

[@TuskKult]

This is really a brilliant observation, Dave. I suspsect there is a lot of merit to this in terms of design evolution historically, that you're shedding light on an area gone dark in our collective memory and that this is worthy of presentation to academia. I have several different steel strikers and cannot tell you how many times I've switched from the thumb method to setting my charred material down because the striker I happen to be using that day is too straight and isn't throwing the sparks in an angle conducive to catching it, or vice versa. Though quietly to myself I knew one striker of mine threw sparks in a different manner than another, the thought never occurred to me that this was by design of people far more intimate with the tool than myself and the people replicating them for my use - its use being an essential part of our ancestors well being, livelihood and daily life, so that same intimacy, despite long time use and cultivated skill on my behalf, is not readily at the forefront of my mind without epiphany. Epiphany tested in practice and measured against history as done here. Excellent work!

[@eatmorenachos]

You amaze me in the variety of topics you come up with and the way you find to look at the same subject from different angles. Another great video.

[@michaelharris4503]

Well done . Interesting AF as the Corporal says lol.

[@windmag5510]

He says Outstanding

[@SurvivorMetalMan]

I love the flint and steel method, tried and true ancient technology, that will be with us forever.

[@kirkterwilliger6407]

Thanks Dave, makes perfect sense. 👍 stay safe and god bless you and your family.

[@kelvinmoffatt934]

As always humble and informative I have been watching you on this platform for years Dave thank you as always and god bless

[@snaponjohn100]

Being a fellow fire geek, I found this extremely interesting. Thank you for the post my friend. God bless you and your wonderful family. John

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Good job! I would say the artifact fire steels w/ divots are evidence of your theory (of a transition from charred tinder in a box to char cloth held in the hand). - and also the transition to curved fire steels around the same time. Very interesting.

[@brucehenthorne]

School never ends great video. THANKS DAVE C.

[@trevorandrews1349]

Growing up, it was Les Stroud who sparked my interest with his survivorman series, then it was bear gryls who furtherd my interest into the world of survival. Then comes dual survival and from there comes Dave canterbury who i followed into the realm of my true passion witch is gaining the skills to not just survive... but to thrive with the knowledge of self reliance. Dave has taught me that the more skills I hone the less tools I need, witch in turn allows me to enjoy my outdoor experiences more carrying less equipment

[@Flashahol]

Great insight, now I'm looking for a firesteel with a straight and a curved side!

[@opwards]

Shared in my local blacksmithing and knife making page. Cheers Dave

[@Nini51963]

Thank you so much for sharing this and everything you share I’m trying to learn everything I can between your videos and your books .

[@allennundel6532]

Excellent rundown about flint and steel over time of how and why things changed with the steel! Really like your videos and have watched many over the last few months. New to bushcraft and have ordered a few items from your shop. Keep the information flowing.

[@jaybird4610]

Fire making and flint and steel never gets old Thanks for the vid

[@guyperry8888]

Your videos are never boring. Interesting, inspiring, thought provoking about history, evolution, or what ever the subject is for the "lesson of the day" is. Thsnk for all you do.

[@TBOR101]

Thanks Dave..I enjoy your take on the ways of the past, always interesting. Merry Christmas

[@ActionMattGreen]

Been trying to talk myself into one of these. Gotta brush up on all forms of fire to feel well versed. Thank a ton friend.

[@BinManSays87]

Dave since you're a fire geek have you found a book called "the art of fire the joy of tinder, spark and ember" because it's it's a cracking bit of work and teaches you all sorts even how to make a fire piston. I'm sure you know more than enough to get by but it's a good read while camping

[@woodstrekker6345]

Again Dave, thanks for your research and all the work you do for us.

[@semco72057]

That is nice information to know and I am learning more of what I would need if in the forest and need a way of survival and this is information I didn't learn while in the Air Force. You have given us the information on the use of the Fire Steel and how to use it to make char cloth and also to make a fire using the material when camping out. I thank you so much Mr. Canterbury for showing everyone how to use the fire steel and in making char cloth for use in the woods.

[@larryharlson8490]

Thank you Dave for your thoughs.

[@stuartbryan5253]

I enjoyed this video as much as i have all your videos. Keep em comin' as long as you can.

[@kenberry1850]

Really enjoy my arrow-head fire steel. Thanks Dave.

[@garyminick1050]

Great and interesting video Dave . I noticed the difference in fire steels over the years but didn't know why. I personally use charred punk wood in my tin so as not to burn up cloth . Not that it matters to anyone. It just seems more easily replenished in the woods.

[@younggun9956]

Flint and steel is such a fun method of lighting fires by far my favorite (not saying its the most practical)

[@Timmy6216]

I've made fire with quite a bunch of different things and this taught me quite a bit thank you for posting it. I do love to learn stuff

[@jasonburns9320]

Good job explaining the way they have evolved. I have not heard this from anyone else.

[@BillHinson]

This is a great video and a great explanation of flint and steel

[@backyardsounds]

If I may throw my two cents in about char-cloth. I make and sell a lot of it and people love it because it's not brittle and isn't sooty. The secret is to use thick denim and not to overpack the tin. Have heat surround the tin and remove it the instant it just begins to stop smoking or just before that. It's flexible and lights up easily and very fast.

[@johnfleming8285]

Interesting! I would never had even given it a thought. But I am very glad you did. Thanks for a great video.

[@eddyoddrod]

Surprisingly more interesting than I initially thought. Thanks for the video.

[@weschaffin]

Dangit Dave...you just dont stop...Wonderful video!! Its why I always follow and learn because we can never learn to much...Thanks!

[@mortenw.3575]

Thanks, Dave. Very interesting! I find that convincing. There is no fooling people who relied on flint and steel several times a day for their entire lives. Those designs looked like that for a reason.

[@microaggression3359]

Great old fashioned Canterbury art. Loved it

[@runlevelzer0]

I live in Florida and, over time, humidity can be an issue with charred material. I've taken to keeping a couple of the desiccant packs from pill bottles in my char tin. It's not period, but it is effective at keeping my char from fouling due to the high humidity.

[@missionpreparedness1533]

David, Excellent historical perspective... LJ

[@ronniemurrell9037]

Now that make good sense to me. Thankful you put that out. Hope all is well.

[@alcmantyrtaeus]

I read a story set in the 17th century where a character uses a flint and steel awhile back. I have to dig it out and reread the scene for accuracy if there is enough details.

[@rlgroshans]

Very interesting subject. I am new to the whole flint and steel thing and had never really thought about the reason for the difference. I am just starting to forge fire steels and knowing this information I am better set up for making the proper steel ofr the proper intended usage. Thank you for sharing this perspective.

[@williamstrome5271]

never used a straight steel striker dave but very interesting I've had and used other steel strikers like you mention makes good sense to me thanks for sharing this

[@jrifter1281]

Great video as always. I noticed you got my tent in the background. Pretty awesome piece of gear till you got to move it.

[@Braapncamp]

Interesting and educational Dave! It's very interesting how the form of the "artifact type" has looked over long time. A successfull tooldesign.

[@richardmarsh9257]

Excellent video! Never thought about the evolution of steel strikers. I just assumed the variations in type were due to personal preference. This make perfect sense.

[@Kavilion]

What a great idea for a video. I’m fascinated by technological developments in ancient tech. I’d love a video covering the tech progression of bows

[@ArkWildmansurvival]

Getting my first steel soon! Enjoyed the video.

[@shocktroop0351]

Great video Dave, very interesting. Flint and steel is my favorite fire starting method and the two different shapes for the two different techniques makes very good sense.

[@tacworx2]

Always learning something new from Dave! Thanks for the video more things to try out on my next outing

[@jamesgroves5294]

Thanks Dave. I appreciate your knowledge

[@motzmare1]

Thanks again, I have learned so much from you over the years!

[@W_H_K]

I know of two historical examples from Scandinavia and Finland from around the 800s that are curved. Both are types intended to be worn on a belt as a part of personal kit. It makes sense.

[@samthai818]

Striking into a tinderbox and pulling out an ignited piece of tinder is a great idea! It will catch 90% of your sparks and after you pull out what you need, you close the lid to extinguish any extra ignition you don't need. That is genious!

[@K0MBIAN]

Great video, Sir. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and theories. I never imagined the history of a humble flint and steel kit could be so interesting.

[@josephmaschari1073]

Very Good information. I can use it on making strikers. Thanks

[@RatdogDRB]

Nuttin' like a good common sense approach to tool design/making... and, life in general. Nice vid Dave.

[@brianyanrobinson8985]

Always love youre historical intervention , permits me to learn alot more about the tools used in Bushcraft and they're origins , thank-you

[@gordonmccalister1892]

Wise deduction! I had never really thought about it. I guess its one of those things where you just get comfortable with how it is as apposed to how it got that way. Thanks for the education as always!

[@BerserkerGang2019]

In germany we've used Flint steel up into the early 1900 until the match became popular and affordable.

[@sosteve9113]

same here in Belgium,matches are fairly new

[@troybranaman316]

Wow very informative and interesting !! Thank you Dave for posting !!! Take care and stay safe my friend

[@davidlee8551]

Excellent thoughts, presented well ! Thank You.

[@ericblair3009]

Great history lesson AS EXPECTED for you...... THANKS!!!!

[@sherryrileys9178]

Thank you for that information. It helps me understand the process.

[@kennysherrill6542]

Outstanding Dave, you are the Master Fire Blaster.👍🇺🇸

[@hammerhound168]

Nice bit of experimental archaeology !

[@scottyclark5174]

Dave, I use a fire steel that can be obtained from or viewed at the museum of fur traders. Russell is the brand on it. I dont know how authentic this fire steel is but give it a look. Looks like a squished washer. Can tie a cord to it to loop around your thumb so you don't misplace it while building a fire. Your a fire geek so thought you might like to take a gander at a design I haven't seen you display. Regards

[@ChipmunkRapidsMadMan1869]

Personally, I love my SRO Arrowhead. It works fire four ways and I wear it on a thick, leather thong. It is a lot of fun at Rendezvous to use it with pyrite in the fire making contest.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

ROCK SOLID INFO DAVE!! MAKES PERFECT SENSE

[@bobwalters508]

Come to Rumble please! I've moved over there now. Just going through my lists to ask content creators to upload on this free speech platform.

[@toddnewsom8129]

Perfect video. A combination of history and bushcrafting. Made my morning. What is the history of firemaking prior to 800AD?

[@mathewhenderson5757]

Great content for the community. That's why we come for info

[@dpilkington4443]

Great info I love to learn. My question is what kind of rock is flint and where to find it? Thanks.