Flint and flint: what is it and how to use it?

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

What is a tinderbox? This device is designed to receive open fire. This item was very popular in the late 18th - early 19th century. Then the flint and steel went out of wide circulation, it was replaced by matches. They are much more comfortable in everyday life. Today, tourists use the flint. In this article, we will consider the principle of operation of such a device and tell you how to use it correctly. And also you will learn about the meaning of the word according to the interpretation of some dictionaries.

How does a flint and steel work?

Many have heard of flint and flint. What it is and how this object works, not everyone knows. The simplest flint and flint includes a flint - a file with the smallest notch, and flint. The mineral SiO2 (silicon dioxide) is used as flint. And also, together with the product, tinder is used (a lump of dried moss, dry grass, leaves, a ball of cotton wool, and so on). After the impact of the flint on the flint, a sheaf of sparks arises, whichignites the tinder. Then it begins to smolder, and it must be inflated in order to get a flame. However, if the quality of the tinder is good, then the fire will break out immediately.

Meaning of steel: how is the word interpreted in different dictionaries?

According to the explanatory dictionary of the Russian language Ushakov, flint is a piece of stone or steel, designed to carve fire from flint. Other dictionaries indicate identical values.

Encyclopedic Dictionary, 1998 Flint - “an iron or steel plate for making fire by hitting flint. It was used from the beginning of the Iron Age to the XX century.” Great Soviet Encyclopedia. Flint and steel - an iron or steel product (mainly kale-shaped or rectangular-oval in shape), which serves to make fire by striking flint. It has been common since the advent of iron until the invention of matches in the 19th century. In a number of regions of Europe, it was preserved in peasant life until the beginning of the 20th century. O. was worn at the belt in a leather pouch along with flint and tinder.

If earlier you asked yourself what it is - a flint and did not know the answer, now you probably understand what it is about.

How to use the tool?

How to use a flint and flint? It is very important to know this, because such a device does not give a flame that a lighter or ordinary matches can give. It can only give sparks, using which they get fire.

If we are talking about the classic steel, it is operated with two hands. First you need to dry all the elements of the device and check if it is dry. Wet flint and flint will not give sparks. After you check the dryness of the components, you need to lay out the tinder prepared in advance on the basis of the future fire. Flammable material must be used as such a base.

After that, you need to firmly grasp the base of the silicon with your left hand. Then the hand is brought to the tinder as close as possible, the maximum distance is 5 cm. With the right hand, they take the flint and press it against the body of the flint of the side where the tinder is located. After that, it is necessary to rub the body of the flint on the surface of the flint, which will lead to the appearance of sparks. The main thing is not to make movements with a large amplitude. Amplitude should be short and strokes should be fast.

After the sparks hit the tinder, it ignites, causing the base of the fire to ignite. In the event that the tinder is only smoldering, it must be well inflated. If we are talking about a semi-automatic fire starter, you can use this model with one hand.

It is very important to store the fire starter components in sealed, waterproof bags to prevent moisture from entering them. Particular attention should be paid to the dryness of tinder and flint, it is they who create the greatest problems. Wet chairs can simply be wiped clean before use.

What models are there?

Today, there are two types of steel:

• semi-automatic;
• mechanical.

The second come into action with the participation of two hands. The price is low and depends on the functionalcapabilities and equipment, as well as the company that produced the steel.

Benefits of flint and steel

We looked at the features of the steel. What it is? The device is a device for making fire. It differs from regular matches or lighters in the following ways:

• you can work with a steel even in the wind;
• does not break or freeze;
• suddenly, a flint and steel cannot "run out", unlike matches;
• highly durable.

Of course, this device is not eternal, it is erased over time. How many uses of one or another fire starter depends on its size.

The disadvantages of such a device include the fact that the fire after its use is not generated immediately. Here it is necessary to set fire to flammable material with sparks, which is not always possible due to weather conditions.

You will see a photo of the steel flint below.

How to choose a steel?

It doesn't really matter what the handle of the device is made of. It can be aluminum or wood. And the rod can be hidden inside a titanium case or a cheaper one. In addition, it does not matter what the armchair is made of: cheap carbon steel or stainless steel metal. These characteristics are not very important, because the main component of the steel is a ferrocerium rod. So the packaging does not play a role and will not affect the performance of the device.

Why do you need a fire starter in your survival kit?

There is always a flint and flint in well-designed survival kits. After all, a tourist should have two sources of fire, which can, if necessary, replace each other. The main source is a lighter or matches. But the flint is a backup option. Yes, starting a fire with a lighter is very easy, but only if it works. Matches run out and lighters break and fail. But the flint will always come to the rescue, the main thing is to use it correctly. Through frequent practice, you will not be left without fire in a difficult situation.

Helpful tips

Any steel is suitable for extracting a spark from the described device. The main thing is that it be alloyed. Even if it does not have high corrosion resistance, the only thing that matters is whether it generates a sufficient number of sparks. Remember that using a knife blade as an armchair is undesirable. It burns out and can become dull. This method should only be used in extreme cases.

Regular flint steel will successfully replace a small piece of hacksaw blade. You can do without a flint, but in field conditions it will definitely come in handy. If you are an avid hiker, get it. Moreover, even the cheapest model will cope with the task, if everything is done correctly. Now you have received an answer to the question, what is a flint and steel.