How To Make A (Flint and Steel) Steel Out Of A File And Trying It Out!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Today is 3-20-19 and I just watched this video again. I noticed that my hands were shaking a lot in this one. Back then, as it turned out, my Synthroid medication was too high and it caused some pretty bad "shakes". It's kind of distracting now that I watch it back again. Yes, I still have a slight tremor which often comes with aging but nothing like what was going on here. LOL! It makes me want to do another Steel Build Video. We'll see!

[@weallmattergatorwilliams9434]

Dave would you happen to have a PO box I would like to some of the char cloth I've been making...it's all cotton but very fibrous.. I takes a spark better than anything I have ever tried....I'd like another opinion

[@yd2712]

Anyone else involuntarily take a deep breath when he did? Great vid!

[@abdullahali2203]

Yup

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

I was a welder fabricator for years and new had one explode they come apart with a chunk of they get bound up but never exploded on a normal grinder. Years I used them in fab demolition and construction. Also those file steels are throwing some of the best sparks I have seen!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

That’s been my experience too from many years of Pipe Fitting. Never over spin what the discs are rated for. The RPMs are shown on the side of the grinder and the discs.

[@jimnocks7793]

Mr. West im new to your channel. Great videos you are a master of fire. I feel like i just took a advanced fire starting course in the last twenty four hours. I thought i new everything till i found you. Sir color me impressed your videos have took my fire skills to a whole new level. I have watched dozens of videos on the subject your videos are the best so far.Thank you for sharing.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks Jim!

[@Kightravin]

It was an awsome build. I broke a file into 3 pieces and used my grinder to smooth the edges and rounded the ends. It works great.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

They make really good steels.

[@1957rlh]

This enabled me to safely work with my younger grandsons when they wanted to help starting a fire at camp. A bushknife was just to dangerous but the file really sparks the ferro rod great and is safe for them to learn with. Things with edges come later!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

You just warmed my heart. Thanks for the feedback!

[@fwright4772]

@@DavidWestBgood2ppl what were you using the final hit against to get your spot without a rock? What was that?

[@prophez23]

Very nice job! I'm a professional Bladesmith and Blacksmith and I really enjoyed this video. Keep up the good work.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I really miss working with metal. As a pipefitter for years, we got to fabricate all kinds of projects other than just the usual pipe installations and hanger supports.

[@scottthesing5161]

What stone do u use

[@hamidrezaahmadian5723]

Dear David, Thank you for your great videos. I learned a lot from your videos. I made my own flint steel out of a file, a very good experience. God bless you.

[@keithcheeseman567]

I gotta make me one of these, I'm on fire (pardon the pun) and stoked watching this. You got me I'm subscribed and will continue watching your back catalogue. Thank you

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks Keith, they make some of the best steels.

[@oldbones9162]

Finally found this video! Been wonderin’ if you ground the ends on that file. Now I need to go through my old files! Thanks....again!

[@oldbones9162]

As always……nice watchin’ you makin’🔥………which reminds me I need to make some more char cloth!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I'm down to just pieces, myself and am completely out of charred punkwood.

[@stovebolt50]

Very neat, thanks for sharing

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks for watching!

[@endo2th]

Great results!!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thank you!

[@GimmieTheGaff]

Awesome video. Thanks so much.

[@daveedwards6567]

Nice one 👍 Dave great tekneek good video thanks

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks! 👍

[@oldpup4810]

Leaving the large flat side as a file is helpful as well. If needed to help repair a tool, you always have a file with you. :)

[@Thicbladi]

Yeah and makes it easier to grip

[@Johny40Se7en]

Brilliant stuff.

[@tomtroy1745]

You might have become my new role model haha

[@mountainbearoutdoors]

great video I might have to try this! thanks for sharing such a simple idea!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I'm glad you dropped in.

[@raulmorales9967]

Nice,a hole is a hole.thanks for the video.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I thought I was getting called a name there at first. LOL! Thanks friend.

[@BitMiller]

Great and informative video, thank You! :)

[@thomasgold-1000]

That’s a great looking piece of gear, right there!! I’m sure it’ll serve you well for many years to come...

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

It's as sparky as the green lanyarded one. Thanks!

[@rajhooblal8764]

Thank you David Appreciate you sharing this. Will definitely use your great advice.

[@thebushcraftchef3374]

I pressed like at 2 m in. This is my kind of guy.

[@chkrbrdvans]

David, you seem to be a bit of a pyro. Good video!

[@oceanhouse8080]

And you still have a decent file dual purposes, nice

[@MrDukesinner]

Hey David,I was a pipefitter/welder for almost 40 years!!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Maybe we worked on the same jobs along the way... Brown and Root at a paper mill in Texarkana... Fluor Daniel in Virginia and North Carolina at a coal fired Power Plants... I've worked all over the EAST.

[@MrDukesinner]

@@DavidWestBgood2ppl I am a union hand,and worked everywhere but the southeast,mostly the western states,from Wyoming(my home) to California,Nevada,Arizona,Montana,Utah,and Colorado.

[@MrDukesinner]

I spent the last 3 years in the trade as a CWI.

[@Stormdrane]

Nice camping/bushcraft/survival type project to make, thanks for sharing!

[@fromthegreenroom]

Very cool man. That second nest smoke spiraling towards the camera was really cool. Starting a fire is a necessity for survival. Thank you. 🔥🙏

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks friend!

[@jcmillercrossedblessedoutd1421]

Great video and share, appreciate it. Like the file idea✌🏻✌🏻

[@robvegart]

awesome!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! Very simple and common!!!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Yup. TY!

[@newlife155]

A joy to watch a master..

[@НиколайГончаров-щ1ч]

Dear David, thanks for the instructional videos. I want to add this: it is always useful to have a backup method of getting fire, so a semicircular notch has been made in my chair. Now it is also the top bearing for the Indian violin.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnnTZXZoo8RroZo

[@НиколайГончаров-щ1ч]

@@DavidWestBgood2ppl Thank you, I appreciate the humor. Obviously, the shortcomings of Google translator worked here. I beg your pardon, I do not speak English. Such is the type that disappears in nature. By Indian violin, I meant a fiery bow.

[@markluke8447]

Very informative video, thanks for sharing. I'm going to do this too.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Easy and satisfying build.

[@sandytooks]

Great Video. Plus, I have the same hammer.

[@robertfleming387]

Nice...TY.

[@utharkruna1116]

I'm gonna make one of these just cause it looks cool .

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Yes, It's obvious how great it works, but nobody ever talks about what a piece of art it is... bright lanyard, the history and charm of the Nicholson logo on the one side, understanding the way it was used by reading "Mill Bastard" on the other side, enough of the file's form left to see from a distance what tool it was, and then all the bumps and bruises and scars that such an aged tool should display... ART!

[@utharkruna1116]

@@DavidWestBgood2ppl the logo is top. Gives a nice look. I'm certain i have an old one somewhere. Also having a piece of a file could be useful.

[@BearArms1972]

I really enjoy your vids. My wife doesn't really understand my fascination with starting little fires in my back yard. I have a burn can made from an IKEA steel utensil canister and 4 bolts for legs. Works great. I've done the ferro rod, and magnifying glass, and other methods. Will have to try the fire roll and flint and steel ones. Thanks for the quality "edutainment".

[@linklesstennessee2078]

That’s another good striker David

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

It's as sparky as the green lanyarded one. Thanks!

[@martinrobinson9230]

Thanks for all your vids David they are great. Are your new strikers annealed please? Thanks mate Rob 👍👍👍

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

No. Thanks friend!

[@MasterK9Trainer]

Right on Dude. Very clear and simple and you offered alternate tools to do this project which will help those who don't have a particular tool. Very cool. I bet one could strike matches or ferro rods on those steels as well.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Yes! Thank you!

[@philiptruitt]

Thanks David!

[@johnycooke1358]

The best char cloth i have found is the red shop rags. Has not failed me yet.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I agree. I made some premo char cloth out of some blue shop rags that I had.

[@franklujan3196]

Thanks for the education great stuff 👍

[@717adventures5]

Thanks for sharing! Keep up the good work

[@robertdunning5763]

David West, thanks for sharing your knowledge. I enjoy your videos. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@robertdunning5763]

@@DavidWestBgood2ppl Thank you. I have learned a great deal watching your videos and continue to do so!

[@rknissel]

Will be going on my To Make list, I bought a hip tool box with probably 30-40 files in it at a flea market, nasty and dirty, but plenty of good steel, thinking of using one side for fling and maybe sharpen the other side for shaving or splitting timber.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Hope you'll send a pic or make a video.

[@SeazenStudio]

Always love your videos, man. Your whole channel is full of great info.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks SS!

[@kimberlyduncan1053]

Nice!

[@ArcticGator]

Nice thing is you will always have a file or two to rework a chipped edge on a knife or axe if need be, i think i have a box full of old broken files somewhere i might do this to

[@mtnfordman]

What material, rocks, or crystal can you use as a flint? Love these videos. Thanks

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Quartz, Chert, and others, 7 or harder on the Moh's Scale. See my flint and steel playlist.

[@stephenfeeney2966]

such a Great but simple idea 👍🏻

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

I have cut files for years to use as striker for ferro rods,, works well for that application also,just leave side edges square and sharp...hardened steel,works great ,,one full sized file usually makes three strikers,,last forever.....just shows a good re-purposed use for a worn out file...nice cordage wrap....

[@manuelvazquez8758]

Use Jute for the lanyard, it's great tinder.

[@littlewoody5539]

Nice job .

[@gooberdooberwunderb]

Is there anything other than rocks that I can use to strike against the steel to see if it will spark?

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

They tell me ceramic/porcelain tiles and broken pieces of toilet will work.

[@rickdd606]

Thanks Dave. I have been wanting to make one of these for a while, maybe this week end. Question, Why smooth the edge? Seems it may be useful for scrapings or ferro rod for the edge to remain.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

The chert has to scrap microscopic pieces of iron off the steel and they burn/react with the oxygen in the air. That kind of scraping works best with a smooth edge.

[@BadJuJuAdventures1701]

You make it look so easy. I couldn't do it that fast with a Bic Lighter.....

[@Thicbladi]

Well actually for me it’s easier using flint and steel or ferro rods because it burns through tinder slower so you don’t need much

[@45auto]

Have you ever made a fire steel from an old chain saw file? I'd love to see how that could be done.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

It should work. I won't be trying it though.

[@christiankuehne4478]

Cool mann

[@SP-rv2fb]

Great video boss. I made my first steel from a file which I got from a welding workshop near my house and still using it. I have put a video on KZbin also. Great work

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

They're very sparky and I LOVE the look too!

[@Antonio-MadTexMex]

Does harden steel throw more sparks than unharden steel?

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Yes, hardened high carbon steel.

[@trynsurviven2440]

Pawn shops can be a good resource for finding files. Bought a Nicholson for .25 cents.

[@curtwinterstein1067]

I was just gonna ask 'where' to find a file!

[@Laufowler1980]

What is the Black stof Thats catching the spark?

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Black leather from a scraps package from the hobby store for $8.

[@CJTWTelevision]

Hi David- Enjoy all of your videos immensely. Have a question: Why do you ease off the edges on the file? Wouldn't the sharpness of 90* angle be more helpful in scraping off the iron to produce the spark? Thanks in advance.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Yes, sharp corners will give up molecules much easier than the rounded or eased corners, But it won't take long to wear them down to rounded. For consistent and uniform edges overall... top, bottom, and all unstruck areas, I ease them from the start. I'm still able to get showers of sparks from it.

[@CJTWTelevision]

Great- thank you for the information. I have a striker that does not seem to throw sparks nearly as well as when I received and I thought that it was because the edges were worn down. Maybe it is something else. Regardless, thank you for the reply and all the videos.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Sharp rocks are key.

[@fuzzlenuff]

Excellent!

[@radagast6682]

I don't have a cut-off wheel so, I annealed my file and cut it with a hacksaw. I can't get a spark off of it. I tried chert, agate, and dacite. What am I doing wrong?

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

The file has to stay hardened to cast sparks. See my making steels playlist.

[@stevea.8816]

I have a couple sitting around. I always stopped from getting rid of the old ones and now this is the answer, awesome thanks.

[@gooberdooberwunderb]

Any file will work as a fire steel?

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

No, check them for sparks before modifying. See my steel playlist.

[@chrisunderhill8853]

hey david not sure if you check messages on old vods, Just was wanted to ask you why its better to round over the edge vs leaving it square and sharp? is it just to keep the flint from breaking to much? i was thinking after watching this i would leave one side rounded and one side shard square so i could use one side for flint and one side for fero rod.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Yes, the teeth will grab and breakaway that razor edge of the Chert. A steel is too unwieldly to make the best ferro rod striker.

[@chrisunderhill8853]

@DavidWestBgood2ppl awesome thanks for the quick reply!! I have used char cloth with ferro and with lighter but never knew about chert till I found your channel. Thanks again and for sharing.

[@jimfield3347]

What is the black fabric?

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Char cloth.

[@lisacox8109]

What is the advantage to char clothe

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Char_cloth

[@smokeycanopy]

Great video i have a few of these but not added a lanyard yet subbed you also.

[@scottthesing5161]

What kinde of stone did u use

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I always use Chert, Flint, or Quartz.

[@curtwinterstein1067]

Very cool video! Does this have to be a nicholson brand? Or am I looking for a specific type of file?

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I think there are probably many other brands that will work. Files with high carbon steel that are hardened make great sparks. Because Nicholson works well and is easy to find at Flea Markets for a dollar or two, I'll stick with them.

[@stevedavison6115]

What do you do with the rest of that file? Can ya not make more steels out of it? Enjoyed the videos. Great job.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Yes. You'll find that video in my Steel builds playlist.

[@an8rakoryxos]

hi, im searching to buy a flint steel but many guys in my country (greece) tell me that i will not find for sale, and i need to make it. Im not blacksmith, also im rookie about camping so im searching for infos. I see your video and i wonder if i can make a flint steel by cut and craft a lima like yours. Does that metal have the same effect?

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

You can break a file and smooth one edge.

[@curtisgriffis7731]

how long should they be made

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

As long as your palm is wide.

[@tombrown2727]

DAVEi too like the file striker better than the knukle buster one as I kept bustiong my hand on the flint . also you can file a ferro rod with the flatteeth and use it to sharping your knife ina emer.

[@abdullahali2203]

Knuckle buster is good

[@travelingcyclist7834]

Bravo👌

[@beebob1279]

I guess with one file a person could make two or three pieces of steel. I've heard that quartz also works well. I just found your video on quartz

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Yes, TY!

[@aarondavis5535]

How do you know witch rock to use

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Learn to identify flint, chert, or quartz. You can buy these online too.

[@EricAgustin-ew8nf]

What kind of metal did you use?

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Files are made out of 1095 steel.

[@EricAgustin-ew8nf]

Ohh😯🤔

[@the430movie]

Made a bunch of these from rusty old files... Works great with quartz... Still learning funguses though.

[@denofearthundertheeverlast5138]

Are those pine needles for the birds nests?

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Yes

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Such a simple build... Just a $1 Flea Market file, 2 cuts, a 3/16" hole, smooth edges, a Cobra Weave lanyard, and start sparking! If you don't have a Dewalt side grinder like I used, you can break the file to size in a vise, use a hacksaw to cut the tang, use a bench grinder for smoothing, and use a drill for the 3/16" hole for the lanyard. After the build I tried it out. I made 3 Flint and Steel fires with some moderately reactive t-shirt char cloth and poor chert... Unhappy with those results, I made 3 more Flint and Steel fires. This time I used some great denim char cloth and a very sharp piece of chert... vive la différence! Come see how beautifully it all worked out. Please SUBSCRIBE at the end of the video. Thanks! OTHER BUILD YOUR OWN STEEL RELATED VIDEOS: Making A Flint and Steel, Steel From A Nicholson File kzbin.info/www/bejne/foCzdnatepKAmc0 Trying A Flint and Steel, Steel Made From A Nicholson File kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6uYh4Z4o8eintE

[@abdulwahidburhani9245]

Good show, thanks much

[@anthonygoodrich8503]

I know you prefer denim for char cloth, have you tried canvas, thinking thicker is more durable ?? Your thought??

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I'll try it some day. Denim is plentiful and works perfectly though.

[@LtAzariel]

is this a 1.0 or a 1.25 carbon file?

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Don't know.

[@aieraierduk8623]

The perfect steel. Tanks ciao

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Grazie per la visione. Per favore torna spesso.

[@_dave4460]

good project. 2 minutes with a filecard would make it look brand new. i may just toss a short file in with my other fire starters...

[@pete4199]

Super nice. Greetings from Bornholm(DK)

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Vær hilset. Tak fordi du har set mine videoer. Gud velsigne dig og din familie!

[@pete4199]

I am impressed :-) You too.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

It's just Google Translate... When I noticed the word "tak" it reminded me of being at the Olympics in Lillehammer so many years ago..

[@pete4199]

Norge/Norway is a very very beautiful country, but rather expensive. Thumbs up for Google Translate, it was a perfect translation.

[@kyle-bq2zd]

Nice work! Looks like a good weekend project for me to tackle. Stupid question: did you use a special bit to drill the hole?

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

No, the tang is soft enough to easily drill.

[@suzyfuc2862]

Old way to make a fire...now day thats easy for us

[@stephensgate1]

David, is there anyway to purchase one of these from you?

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

No, sorry.

[@NikLyons]

Would you not recommend using other files like half moon or round? I didn't know a file could be used for making 🔥 fire. I have a bunch of extra files I don't need. I'm gonna try this. You make making fire seem so effortless.. Like the god of fire. Cool little stove! I gotta learn that cobra weave. Thanks!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I think all shapes of files would work... Lots of really good Cobra Weave tutorials on youTube... Check out my Hobo Stove Builds Playlist.

[@botchvinik8668]

Hello David, I'm a relatively new viewer of your videos. I subscribed immediately after watching the first one...i think it was one of the vids on cotton/ash fire rolls. I was amazed that one could produce fire in that way! So thank you for all your awesome, educational videos; my survival knowledge has increased greatly. I am curious about the cobra weave lanyards you made for the 2 steels...why are they so short? More precisely, I'm wondering; how do you employ those lanyards? I mean, you can't hang the steel around your neck. Thanks again for the wealth of knowledge. God bless. P.S. My apologies, I was mistaken re: "subscribing". I certainly intended to Sub after my first time viewing one of your vids. Just noticed after posting this comment...to my embarrassment... that I hadn't yet done so. That's been corrected. ☺

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Please customize these techniques to your needs. The lanyard looks and works best to/for me when it's as long as the steel and 32" for a bow drill bow string, Please Search my channel for "cobra weave" and "deploy".

[@TheDukie54]

I know this is an older video, but just a comment on your lanyard or fob. If you make it a little longer you have a cord for a bow for starting fire that way just in case.

[@oldbones9162]

Went to shop an’ found that old file ( same brand too) an’ made that striker! Didn’t wanna cut the file so I clamped what I wanted in the vise an’ snapped off the remainder...now that’s what I did, I wouldn’t recommend that unless your covered with all that safety gear ‘cause files fly apart when you do that! Used the center punch....but just like your other one, the hole went off center some. Recalled havein’ a chunk of quartz outside the shop after you mentioned one can use that. Put the hammer to it an’ whatta’ know......this old man made sparks!! You’da thought I was a ten year old out there playin’ with matches! Thanks once more for the videos............!

[@timothyrothrock4173]

Been a pipe fitter for 33 years. Never had one explode. Maybe they were dropped while in use, or pinched

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Yep. Maybe overspinning a cheap disc will cause an explosionlike failure.

[@MultiRusty111]

I found that you have to grind off the file edge for a file to be used for a flint n steel set.I see you've done that.With the file not ground down it just won't work.

[@johno6861]

I have the same grinder as you but I also have a Bosch variable speed one I like better. It is safer and does not gyro.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I've used them but not the variable speed. All on... top RPMs for those couple of uses. Thanks!