Everything you needed to know about firesteel

Firesteel is an integral part of every basic and complete outdoor equipment. It must not be missing in any EDC or other survival kit. It is a simple and effective way to start a fire in nature, even in difficult conditions. It saves you when your matches get wet and the lighter doesn't work. But do you know where firesteel came from and how to find your way around the wide offer of outdoor and bushcraft markets and choose a quality model? Get inspired at Rigad.com and always have a source of fire literally in your pocket if needed!

There is no life without fire!

During the long human history, there were moments when man began to use fire to his advantage. These moments became significant milestones. It was not only about protection from external influences from the cold to dangerous predators, but also about the preparation of food. In the beginning, fire was obtained exclusively from nature, when, for example, lightning ignited a tree. Over time, however, man has mastered various ways of making fire. From stone cutting to wood grinding to sharpening rod and flintstone.

Firesteel is a simple and effective means of starting a fire in nature.

This little piece of history showed us how important fire is to mankind. This is no different nowadays, which is why firesteel is added to every first aid or survival kit, EDC (Everyday Carry) kit or various emergency kits. The source of fire has many uses – for example, as an emergency signal, to sterilize water or to warm a person in an emergency.

More than 120 years of tradition

Firesteel as such has its roots in Austria, where it was invented and patented by Carl Auer von Welsbach in 1903. The chemical composition of the so-called Ferroceria is obvious from the name, it is a soft alloy of iron and rare chemical elements such as cesium, magnesium, etc.

Thanks to this discovery, the perfect product for instant fire-making came into human use. The unique properties of firesteel, such as long-term and repeated use, resistance to natural influences and simple and quick fire-making, ensured unprecedented popularity not only among the civilian population, but also among the armed forces.

Different types of firesteel have different lengths, thicknesses and quality of slabs. Choose the right model that will exactly meet your needs from the wide range of Rigad.com!

How to recognize a good firesteel?

1) It really works

Nowadays, we can find a whole range of firesteels on the Internet, which differ from each other in size, design and alloy quality. However, we are able to distinguish good and reliable firesteel from low-quality ones very easily. If we take a firesteel, put it on loosely laid office paper and light it, then it is a good firesteel.

2) High-quality firesteel plate

Another parameter that we should focus on when choosing is a quality firesteel plate with a firm and sharp edge. Using the firesteel plate, we create the necessary spark for ignition with smooth movement and pressure on the firesteel. This plate should be attached to the firesteel using a cord, the length of which must not limit the firesteel.

At the same time, we should be able to use the firesteel plate, for example, even in winter, when we will be working with gloves at temperatures below freezing. The firesteel plate can be replaced with the back of a knife or a sharp stone, because it is primarily about that sharp edge that we use to strike with.

The quality of the firesteel plate also matters when choosing firesteel!

3) The right length

The length of the firesteel itself is also important. An experienced bushcrafter or survival instructor can start a fire even with a 2 cm long firesteel. But it would be an almost impossible task for an ordinary person without experience. Therefore, at the beginning, I would recommend avoiding various types of firesteels entwined in paracord bracelets, etc. The ideal length of a firesteel, which a person will be able to use in an emergency, starts at 5-6 cm.

4) Roughness

An unforgettable parameter is the frequency of firesteel use and the resulting roughness. Logically, I'll choose a "thicker" firesteel if I want to make a fire with it on a daily basis.

TIP: Starting a fire in nature may look simple, but it requires practice and preparation. Detailed instructions on how to make a fire that will burn reliably are already prepared for you in one of the next articles. Stay tuned!