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Pocket steel for knives
The pocket steel for knives is usually a cylinder consisting of a flint or rectangular shape used before the invention of lighters or matches to light a fire and can usually be activated with the back of the knife or with a plate often supplied with the flint.
For those who are passionate about hiking, survival, prepping, etc. knows what it is because it is one of the elements that can not miss in your equipment, because fire, like water, like a shelter are among the key elements.
The structure and use of the steel
It simply consists of a small hardened steel plate, with a rough surface, on which the flint was beaten to obtain sparks with which to light a bait for example:
- cotton impregnated with saltpeter,
- dry leaves,
- straw
- wood chips (Feather Sticks),
- Paper
- cotton or
- other highly flammable material.
From the flame produced you can light a dry wooden stick and with it then light larger branches to make a campfire, light as in the past the fire in the fireplace or simply the tobacco in the pipe.
The shape is generally elongated, often in the shape of a spindle or cylindrical bar, with different decorations depending on the historical period of belonging.
Today more modern cylindrical shapes are used and with structures to protect the steel but above all properties such as magnesium or other elements are added that produce incandescent sparks useful for triggering the ignition of a fire.
How long does a steel wheel?
The steel has practically an “infinite” life.
History of acciarino
Obviously its manufacture was possible only when metallurgy allowed it: it was necessary to have a suitable steel and the necessary skill to make it well tempered and this was possible when the knowledge in metalworking reached a fair level: perhaps a thousand years ago or perhaps earlier.
Perhaps already at the time of ancient Rome.
The first matches were invented in the first half of the nineteenth century, yet the steel was still in use for several years.
The complexity of the operations for lighting the fire with the steel and the fact that matches already existed can give us an idea of the low efficiency that the latter must have had.
Before the appearance of the steel, two woods of different hardness were still used, energetically rubbed together (usually by rotation) and with the heat produced by their friction primitive baits of various types were lit (usually dried vegetables or well-dried animal hair).
Modern use of the steel
Nowadays given the possibility of operating even in impervious conditions:
- in the rain,
- in the snow,
- in humid environments,
- under strong gusts of wind or
- temperature extremes,
The Acciarino is an important element of many kits of survival and hiking enthusiasts.
The first steels were developed for the Swedish army, to be able to light fire even in the most difficult conditions.
Rain, wind, snow and hail will not be a problem.
The magnesium rod turned out to be quite suitable for this.
Such a rod is also very durable and a long service life that varies depending on the model.
The steel is able to light a fire in many conditions and guarantees it in many conditions, it is good to have lighters with you even like the famous Zippo, Bic, matches but if you are a hiker, a survival practitioner you can not have the steel and get used to using it.
Once you’ve mastered the technique, you’ll have a lot of fun with this small, but powerful, fire maker.
It is sold both as an object in itself and as a component of bracelets, watches and thematic knives, but I do not recommend it.
You can find it of different length and diameter but look for one of abundant size like the one I talk about below in the post .
The rediscovery of this tool has led to the implementation of the “magnesium steel”, a steel containing magnesium to be scratched in powder on the bait to greatly increase the chances of success of lighting the fire.
Conclusions
Man has been lighting a fire since the dawn of time.
It is one of the most famous and ancient techniques to survive is to have a fire nearby.
Whether you want to light a campfire, light a cozy fire in the fireplace or use your barbecue you need the right tools that are available such as matches, lighters but if you are a bushcrafter or survivalist one of these tools is precisely the steel.
From the practical flame of a lighter, to the hot sparks of a steel or even a fire starter that harnesses the energy of the sun regardless of the ignition of the fire, do not forget to use the suitable firelighter, it is one of this is the steel.
As you saw in the post for only 22 euros this kit in XL version that is among the best steels I tried not only because they are two pieces but you can use the back of your knife but above all for the generous size and quality offered by the brand.
Are You Experience?
Andrea
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