Sunday, June 30, 2019

Starting A Fire With A Flint And Steel Set

By Debra Allen


When planning to go camping in the woods, there are certain aspects to be considered. This would entail checking the weather and the right season for camping, gathering the materials needed out in the wilderness, and even how accessible it is for you. While these factors might be fluid in a sense that they can still be changed, some constant requirements remain the same. These are food, water, tents, and jackets or blankets. Another skill that should be mastered by every camper that always comes in handy is using a flint and steel set.

The usage and history of this duo go way back. It is used as a technique to make fire during the metal discovery and experimentation around Asia and Europe. It firstly ignites a hot spark by hitting the carbon steel against a hard stone. The friction that is created will eventually grow into sparking flames. Once the flame catches on to dry material such as leaves and paper, you are good to go.

Learning this skill is vital for many adventurers and enthusiasts who love the wilderness. Not only do they feel like scout rangers themselves, but they also know that they can go places. Whether for cooking, lighting, warming up, and keeping away wild animals, fire is a basic necessity, and knowing to spark it is a life skill. As usual, the skills take time and a lot of practice. A few reminders must be noted before going out to the woods.

Look for a favorable location. The area you have chosen must be warm enough for you to withstand the climate, but also cool enough to avoid being sweaty all night. Ensure that the ground is not too dry that may be cause for enlarged and uncontrollable fire. But it must not also be too damp that the fire will be impossible to ignite. It might sound complicated, but the forest is a vast area to surely find one pleasant spot for yourself.

Afterward, ready all the paraphernalia needed. Get some firewood, leaves, and even rocks or pebbles that will help create a stable fireplace. You should also ensure you have enough air because once you start seeing small sparks, you must blow on them to grow. But most importantly, you should also have the patience as the process takes time.

Next, ensure that there is proper positioning, angling, and enough pressure to light the fire. The clashing of the two materials must be in synchronization. Be positioned somewhere not too windy, and the placement of the elements must also be correct. Even the way you clank the two would require certain force and maybe, physics. But do not be intimidated by these terms. You can always see for yourself what works best.

Once you get in the hang of it, some further clanking and proper angling will slowly kindle a blaze. This is where you can apply the air blowing to give oxygen to and make the fire bigger. The size of the flames will eventually grow but ensure that your blowing is not too harsh that you put it out. Imagine yourself being a light fan, not a fire extinguisher.

Lastly, fuel the flares by adding more firewood and dry materials to the flames. Feeding the flames with leaves and paper will add to the growth of the flames and thus making it last longer. If you plan to stay up all night, just cooking marshmallows and making smores, then prepare for more materials.

Readiness is required in the wilderness. You might be in for some adventure, but you will only end up getting lost or hurting yourself if you are not equipped with basic life skills. But no matter how hard you have prepared, there might still be some things that you cannot control. Still, cherish these adventurous moments and learn to have fun.




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