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!
@weallmattergatorwilliams94344 жыл бұрын
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
@1957rlh5 жыл бұрын
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!
@DavidWestBgood2ppl5 жыл бұрын
You just warmed my heart. Thanks for the feedback!
@fwright4772 Жыл бұрын
@@DavidWestBgood2ppl what were you using the final hit against to get your spot without a rock? What was that?
@oldpup48105 жыл бұрын
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. :)
@Thicbladi4 жыл бұрын
Yeah and makes it easier to grip
@Kightravin5 жыл бұрын
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.
@DavidWestBgood2ppl5 жыл бұрын
They make really good steels.
@prophez235 жыл бұрын
Very nice job! I'm a professional Bladesmith and Blacksmith and I really enjoyed this video. Keep up the good work.
@DavidWestBgood2ppl5 жыл бұрын
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.
@scottthesing51612 жыл бұрын
What stone do u use
@yourmom13023 жыл бұрын
I honestly didn't know that a file could be used this way. Good to know
@BearArms19725 жыл бұрын
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".
@hamidrezaahmadian57235 жыл бұрын
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.
@jimnocks77935 жыл бұрын
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.
@DavidWestBgood2ppl5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Jim!
@yd27124 жыл бұрын
Anyone else involuntarily take a deep breath when he did? Great vid!
@abdullahali22034 жыл бұрын
Yup
@BUZZKILLJRJR Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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.
@rockytopwrangler20695 жыл бұрын
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....
@manuelvazquez87584 жыл бұрын
Use Jute for the lanyard, it's great tinder.
@thebushcraftchef33745 жыл бұрын
I pressed like at 2 m in. This is my kind of guy.
@oldbones91624 жыл бұрын
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!
@philiptruitt Жыл бұрын
Thanks David!
@chkrbrdvans4 жыл бұрын
David, you seem to be a bit of a pyro. Good video!
@fromthegreenroom2 жыл бұрын
Very cool man. That second nest smoke spiraling towards the camera was really cool. Starting a fire is a necessity for survival. Thank you. 🔥🙏
@DavidWestBgood2ppl2 жыл бұрын
Thanks friend!
@oldbones9162 Жыл бұрын
As always……nice watchin’ you makin’🔥………which reminds me I need to make some more char cloth!
@DavidWestBgood2ppl Жыл бұрын
I'm down to just pieces, myself and am completely out of charred punkwood.
@newlife1555 жыл бұрын
A joy to watch a master..
@rajhooblal87645 жыл бұрын
Thank you David Appreciate you sharing this. Will definitely use your great advice.
@user-qe7qd4lq7q2 жыл бұрын
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.
@DavidWestBgood2ppl2 жыл бұрын
kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnnTZXZoo8RroZo
@user-qe7qd4lq7q2 жыл бұрын
@@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.
@thomasgold-10005 жыл бұрын
That’s a great looking piece of gear, right there!! I’m sure it’ll serve you well for many years to come...
@DavidWestBgood2ppl5 жыл бұрын
It's as sparky as the green lanyarded one. Thanks!
@BadJuJuAdventures17015 жыл бұрын
You make it look so easy. I couldn't do it that fast with a Bic Lighter.....
@Thicbladi4 жыл бұрын
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
@Stormdrane5 жыл бұрын
Nice camping/bushcraft/survival type project to make, thanks for sharing!
@Johny40Se7en9 ай бұрын
Brilliant stuff.
@oceanhouse80805 жыл бұрын
And you still have a decent file dual purposes, nice
@stevea.88165 жыл бұрын
I have a couple sitting around. I always stopped from getting rid of the old ones and now this is the answer, awesome thanks.
@keithcheeseman5672 жыл бұрын
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
@DavidWestBgood2ppl2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Keith, they make some of the best steels.
@raulmorales99672 жыл бұрын
Nice,a hole is a hole.thanks for the video.
@DavidWestBgood2ppl2 жыл бұрын
I thought I was getting called a name there at first. LOL! Thanks friend.
@johnycooke13585 жыл бұрын
The best char cloth i have found is the red shop rags. Has not failed me yet.
@DavidWestBgood2ppl5 жыл бұрын
I agree. I made some premo char cloth out of some blue shop rags that I had.
@tomtroy17455 жыл бұрын
You might have become my new role model haha
@MasterK9Trainer5 жыл бұрын
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.
@DavidWestBgood2ppl5 жыл бұрын
Yes! Thank you!
@trynsurviven24405 жыл бұрын
Pawn shops can be a good resource for finding files. Bought a Nicholson for .25 cents.
@curtwinterstein10675 жыл бұрын
I was just gonna ask 'where' to find a file!
@stovebolt50 Жыл бұрын
Very neat, thanks for sharing
@DavidWestBgood2ppl Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@endo2th Жыл бұрын
Great results!!
@DavidWestBgood2ppl Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@GimmieTheGaff5 жыл бұрын
Awesome video. Thanks so much.
@daveedwards6567 Жыл бұрын
Nice one 👍 Dave great tekneek good video thanks
@DavidWestBgood2ppl Жыл бұрын
Thanks! 👍
@tomsmith60944 жыл бұрын
I made one too David a file Nicholson they work great .thank you for showing me to make one
@DavidWestBgood2ppl4 жыл бұрын
They're VERY sparky!
@jcmillercrossedblessedoutd14215 жыл бұрын
Great video and share, appreciate it. Like the file idea✌🏻✌🏻
@utharkruna11164 жыл бұрын
I'm gonna make one of these just cause it looks cool .
@DavidWestBgood2ppl4 жыл бұрын
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!
@utharkruna11164 жыл бұрын
@@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.
@MrDukesinner3 жыл бұрын
Hey David,I was a pipefitter/welder for almost 40 years!!
@DavidWestBgood2ppl3 жыл бұрын
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.
@MrDukesinner3 жыл бұрын
@@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.
@MrDukesinner3 жыл бұрын
I spent the last 3 years in the trade as a CWI.
@oldbones91624 жыл бұрын
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............!
@robvegart5 жыл бұрын
awesome!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! Very simple and common!!!
@DavidWestBgood2ppl5 жыл бұрын
Yup. TY!
@tombrown27275 жыл бұрын
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.
@abdullahali22034 жыл бұрын
Knuckle buster is good
@markluke84473 жыл бұрын
Very informative video, thanks for sharing. I'm going to do this too.
@DavidWestBgood2ppl3 жыл бұрын
Easy and satisfying build.
@ArcticGator5 жыл бұрын
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
@rknissel5 жыл бұрын
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.
@DavidWestBgood2ppl5 жыл бұрын
Hope you'll send a pic or make a video.
@_dave44605 жыл бұрын
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...
@suzyfuc28625 жыл бұрын
Old way to make a fire...now day thats easy for us
@mountainbearoutdoors5 жыл бұрын
great video I might have to try this! thanks for sharing such a simple idea!
@DavidWestBgood2ppl5 жыл бұрын
I'm glad you dropped in.
@linklesstennessee20785 жыл бұрын
That’s another good striker David
@DavidWestBgood2ppl5 жыл бұрын
It's as sparky as the green lanyarded one. Thanks!
@BitMiller2 жыл бұрын
Great and informative video, thank You! :)
@717adventures55 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing! Keep up the good work
@the430movie4 жыл бұрын
Made a bunch of these from rusty old files... Works great with quartz... Still learning funguses though.
@franklujan31964 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the education great stuff 👍
@stephenfeeney29665 жыл бұрын
such a Great but simple idea 👍🏻
@sandytooks4 жыл бұрын
Great Video. Plus, I have the same hammer.
@SeazenStudio5 жыл бұрын
Always love your videos, man. Your whole channel is full of great info.
@DavidWestBgood2ppl5 жыл бұрын
Thanks SS!
@richardnineteenfortyone7542 Жыл бұрын
Saturate the ends of paracord with WHITE GLUE and let 'em dry overnight. They won't unravel and will be easy to poke through holes like shoelaces.
@martinrobinson92302 жыл бұрын
Thanks for all your vids David they are great. Are your new strikers annealed please? Thanks mate Rob 👍👍👍
@DavidWestBgood2ppl2 жыл бұрын
No. Thanks friend!
@robertfleming3875 жыл бұрын
Nice...TY.
@45auto5 жыл бұрын
Have you ever made a fire steel from an old chain saw file? I'd love to see how that could be done.
@DavidWestBgood2ppl5 жыл бұрын
It should work. I won't be trying it though.
@Fistmybeer Жыл бұрын
Thx! ^^
@aieraierduk86235 жыл бұрын
The perfect steel. Tanks ciao
@DavidWestBgood2ppl5 жыл бұрын
Grazie per la visione. Per favore torna spesso.
@rickdd6065 жыл бұрын
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.
@DavidWestBgood2ppl5 жыл бұрын
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.
@SP-rv2fb3 жыл бұрын
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
@DavidWestBgood2ppl3 жыл бұрын
They're very sparky and I LOVE the look too!
@nutthrower44154 жыл бұрын
I realize this is an old vid but I have made one of your file strikers and was wondering Do you have to maintain an edge on the file or once the edge teeth are worn down no further upkeep needs to be done I ground off my file edges is there any thing else I need to do? I hope this makes sense Thanks
@DavidWestBgood2ppl4 жыл бұрын
No, once you grind the edge smooth without overheating the steel, no maintenance is required. If you did overheated it, it will not throw or cast good sparks. Sparks are a function of the hardness/temper and carbon content.
@nutthrower44154 жыл бұрын
David West , thanks David, I might have done some over heating but I can still get sparks as long as the rock has a sharp edge , great channel 👍
@mtnfordman Жыл бұрын
What material, rocks, or crystal can you use as a flint? Love these videos. Thanks
@DavidWestBgood2ppl Жыл бұрын
Quartz, Chert, and others, 7 or harder on the Moh's Scale. See my flint and steel playlist.
@TheDukie54 Жыл бұрын
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.
@beebob12793 жыл бұрын
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
@DavidWestBgood2ppl3 жыл бұрын
Yes, TY!
@CJTWTelevision5 жыл бұрын
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.
@DavidWestBgood2ppl5 жыл бұрын
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.
@CJTWTelevision5 жыл бұрын
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.
@DavidWestBgood2ppl5 жыл бұрын
Sharp rocks are key.
@robertdunning57635 жыл бұрын
David West, thanks for sharing your knowledge. I enjoy your videos. Happy Thanksgiving!
@DavidWestBgood2ppl5 жыл бұрын
Happy Thanksgiving!
@robertdunning57635 жыл бұрын
@@DavidWestBgood2ppl Thank you. I have learned a great deal watching your videos and continue to do so!
@jamieprice1265 жыл бұрын
ive made them before but never made a video you should show the whole process in making one people would like that
@littlewoody55395 жыл бұрын
Nice job .
@fuzzlenuff5 жыл бұрын
Excellent!
@DavidWestBgood2ppl5 жыл бұрын
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
@abdulwahidburhani92455 жыл бұрын
Good show, thanks much
@shawnt88915 жыл бұрын
Last step! I’d hit the file with wire wheel and clean up the grooves. But other than that nice rig!
@botchvinik86682 жыл бұрын
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. ☺
@DavidWestBgood2ppl2 жыл бұрын
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".
@jefferylimberis1659 Жыл бұрын
Looks more like a Ferro rod striker than a flint and steel to me.
@timothyrothrock41733 жыл бұрын
Been a pipe fitter for 33 years. Never had one explode. Maybe they were dropped while in use, or pinched
@DavidWestBgood2ppl3 жыл бұрын
Yep. Maybe overspinning a cheap disc will cause an explosionlike failure.
@pete41995 жыл бұрын
Super nice. Greetings from Bornholm(DK)
@DavidWestBgood2ppl5 жыл бұрын
Vær hilset. Tak fordi du har set mine videoer. Gud velsigne dig og din familie!
@pete41995 жыл бұрын
I am impressed :-) You too.
@DavidWestBgood2ppl5 жыл бұрын
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..
@pete41995 жыл бұрын
Norge/Norway is a very very beautiful country, but rather expensive. Thumbs up for Google Translate, it was a perfect translation.
@anthonygoodrich85032 жыл бұрын
I know you prefer denim for char cloth, have you tried canvas, thinking thicker is more durable ?? Your thought??
@DavidWestBgood2ppl2 жыл бұрын
I'll try it some day. Denim is plentiful and works perfectly though.
@travelingcyclist78345 жыл бұрын
Bravo👌
@stevedavison61152 жыл бұрын
What do you do with the rest of that file? Can ya not make more steels out of it? Enjoyed the videos. Great job.
@DavidWestBgood2ppl2 жыл бұрын
Yes. You'll find that video in my Steel builds playlist.
@kimberlyduncan10535 жыл бұрын
Nice!
@danlux49543 жыл бұрын
The disks don’t explode as long as I’ve used them.
@joseeduardobonani82935 жыл бұрын
Thanks..
@ngatigates1764 жыл бұрын
no need to buy those flash but skinny versions, thanks for the $$ save
@christiankuehne44785 жыл бұрын
Cool mann
@kyle-bq2zd5 жыл бұрын
Nice work! Looks like a good weekend project for me to tackle. Stupid question: did you use a special bit to drill the hole?
@DavidWestBgood2ppl5 жыл бұрын
No, the tang is soft enough to easily drill.
@gooberdooberwunderb Жыл бұрын
Is there anything other than rocks that I can use to strike against the steel to see if it will spark?
@DavidWestBgood2ppl Жыл бұрын
They tell me ceramic/porcelain tiles and broken pieces of toilet will work.
@MultiRusty1115 жыл бұрын
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.
@1957rlh5 жыл бұрын
I have used different file brands and types without problem. You're repurposing as a striker so you don't have to worry if it can still file, that's why they throw them out... when they get loaded up and not cleaned out, when the uninformed run a file back and forth in a sawing motion instead of one motion so the file teeth can shave into the metal and not be damaged from pulling backwards on the file. They are great.
@DNdefape5 жыл бұрын
Thank u
@NikLyons5 жыл бұрын
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!
@DavidWestBgood2ppl5 жыл бұрын
I think all shapes of files would work... Lots of really good Cobra Weave tutorials on youTube... Check out my Hobo Stove Builds Playlist.
@johno68615 жыл бұрын
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.
@DavidWestBgood2ppl5 жыл бұрын
I've used them but not the variable speed. All on... top RPMs for those couple of uses. Thanks!
@kennethread5637 Жыл бұрын
David is trying to teach a primate way of making fire give him a break. If you got your kids doing it. Safety glasses and hearing protection fire extinguisher all the normal precautions
@marcelwilloughby14833 жыл бұрын
They will only explode if there is damage (crack ) in the disc. Otherwise they r safe with proper ppe
@Antonio-MadTexMex2 жыл бұрын
Does harden steel throw more sparks than unharden steel?
@DavidWestBgood2ppl2 жыл бұрын
Yes, hardened high carbon steel.
@chrisunderhill88539 ай бұрын
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.
@DavidWestBgood2ppl9 ай бұрын
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.
@chrisunderhill88539 ай бұрын
@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.