Using the Web-Tex Steel of Fire

Firesteels from different manufacturers have different compositions and of course the exact composition of the Web-Tex Steel of Fire is a closely guarded secret.

Materials are chosen for their ability to enhance the characteristics of the Firesteel. All Firesteels are made from a collection of rare earth elements and iron collectively known as “Ferrocerium”.  “Ferro” comes from the Latin for “iron”.  And “cerium” is the main constituent of a group of similar rare earth elements contained in Firesteels such as the Web-Tex Steel of Fire. Magnesium and small amounts of other elements are included to change the characteristics of the Firesteel even further.

By varying each of the constituents of the Firesteel, changes can be made that effect its ability to produce a brilliant shower of sparks at temperatures up to 5500° F or 3000° C, its durability and tougness and the longevity of your tool.

First of all, the Web-Tex Firesteel comes with a veneer coating to make sure it reaches you in perfect condition. To remove, simply scrape the firesteel a few times with your striker - be warned, do this away from any combustible surfaces!

To use, one of the most important things to consider is the angle of the striker - around 45° is best for your Web-Tex Steel of Fire firesteel.

Holding your firesteel firmly in one hand, place the striker so the 'nook' or the shoulder where the part you hold and the serrated part meet fits over the firesteel snugly. Firmly and in one fluid motion strike the firesteel away from you to produce a big shower of 5500°  F sparks. Practice to find the correct speed for your firesteel and striker - strike it too slowly and hardly any sparks will be produced, too fast and your striker will slip over the surface of you firesteel without creating any sparks.

Should the surface of your firesteel become too smooth (if your striker moves over it too easily), it can be roughed up using the teeth on the serrated part of the striker.

Some people find it helps to hold the firesteel firmly in one hand while holding it at a shallow angle to the ground supporting the other end on the gorund itself.

The most important thing is to practice. Get used to using your Web-Tex Steel of Fire at home in your garden and become competent in lighting fires and sourcing tinder. It's too easy to get complacent with a tool that can work so reliably such as a firesteel.

To use, simply remove the necessary amount from the container and place in a small pile where you wish to ignite it. Don't forget to 'fluff up' your maya dust - the more surface area the better while you are trying to ignite it.

Once your tinder is lit, begin to build up your fire initially using thin dry twigs and sticks and building up to larger ones until you reach the size of fire you desire.

Building a fire up after lighting tinder can be a hard skill to master - don't underestimate it. Again, practice this skill before you need to use it.

View our short video detailing how easily you can light tinder using your Steel of Fire.