How to light a fire with flint and steel
To light a fire with traditional flint and steel, first catch a spark in char cloth. The cloth begins to glow; you then use that ember to ignite a bundle of dry tinder. Here is what to prepare and how the steps fit together.
This method uses a piece of flint and a suitable high carbon steel striker. It is different from a modern ferrocerium rod: the flint removes tiny particles of steel that become sparks. A steel striker alone will not light your campfire.
Prepare before making a spark
Check local fire restrictions and choose an authorised, suitable fire place. Have water ready before you begin. Read our safe campfire guide first. Do not practise indoors, inside a shelter or close to dry vegetation.
What you need for flint and steel fire lighting
- A traditional steel striker and flint with a suitable sharp edge.
- Char cloth: cotton fabric that has been charred in advance. A spark makes it glow, creating the ember you need for the next step.
- A loose bundle of dry tinder, such as prepared jute fibres.
- Dry, fine kindling and small firewood, arranged ready to use.
- Water and a suitable place to extinguish everything afterwards.
Wear eye protection and keep your fingers clear of the flint edge. Learn the striking movement with someone experienced, and follow your kit's instructions.
Catch a spark
Place a small piece of char cloth on the upper face of the flint, close to the edge. Hold it securely without putting your fingers in the striking path. Strike the steel against the edge with a controlled movement so sparks land on the cloth. A small glowing point is the beginning of your ember.
Turn the ember into a flame
Place the glowing cloth in the centre of your prepared tinder bundle. Loosely fold the fibres around it so air can reach the ember. Hold it away from your face and gently blow until the ember spreads. As it begins to flame, place the bundle in the prepared fire place and add fine kindling gradually. Keep hands clear of the flame.
If it does not catch
Stop and check your materials. Damp tinder and tightly packed fibres make the task harder. Practise catching an ember before trying to build a complete fire. Carry a reliable backup firelighting method when appropriate; this is a skill to learn, not a reason to depend on a first attempt in bad weather.
Leave it completely cold
Never walk away from an ember or burning tinder. Extinguish the fire fully and check that the remains are cold before leaving. Pack out unused materials and leave the place tidy.
Explore our fire strikers and check each product's description for what is included. The Njord Small set includes flint, a steel striker and a leather pouch. You also need suitable tinder, such as char cloth and a dry tinder bundle; these are not listed as part of the set.
Further reading
The traditional method is illustrated in Flint and Steel's fire starter guide. For choosing a fire place and extinguishing a campfire, follow the sources linked in our campfire safety guide.
