View Full Version : Pimp my firesteel
British Red
17-05-2006, 22:19
Heres an idea for something that is a complete waste of time...a firesteel pimping thread :lmao:
I am in awe of the Shings and Shinkens of this world who make beautiful knives but I lack err talent (?). However, given a bit of coaching (thanks Leon-1), anyone can make a pretty firesteel.
You will need:
A lump of wood
A fireball (unhandled) firesteel (outdoorcode sell em for £6 for the thick ones)
A 9.5mm drill bit (no of course I haven't got one - I use a plain old 10mm)
A tube of araldite or similar glue
Thats it!
No, I won't put up photos of "how to" - shape wood, drill hole, glue in fire steel (as Leon patiently explained) is it. :D
I had a go with a bit of "gash" wood and its encouraged me to try and do a better one. Given how much I enjoyed it when we were comparing Swedish army axes, I wondered if anyone else fancied joining in on a (pontless) exercise (or just show me ones you have done to inspire me) :confused:
Red
Lol...........I just did that to my fire steel yesterday evening, I no nailed it onto a bit of elder, and it worked a treat...............Jon
I glued an antler tine point to mine.
bambodoggy
17-05-2006, 23:31
When I was in Sweden last year with Bearclaw Bushcraft an old Swedish instructor showed us his firesteel and how he'd "pimped" it.....
He'd made a wooden handle for it and said the reason was so that if he dropped it in the lake while he was out canoeing then it would float.... which seemed like a very good idea to me....then he mentioned that it was made of maya wood (heavily resinous pine wood) so that not only did he have the means to make sparks by running the firesteel on his knife spine but he also always has maya shavings with him to light from the firesteel....... pretty clever huh ;) They know a thing or two, about these Swedish firesteels, these Swedish guys you know :D
Well, I thought it was a top idea anyway :)
Bam. :D
stuart f
17-05-2006, 23:55
Heres my pimped
http://img1.yoxio.com/img/226942.jpg (http://img1.yoxio.com/view/226942.htm)
British Red
18-05-2006, 06:52
Wow...thats nice stuart!
Love the maya wood idea too bam...keep em coming (I'm fooling with a bit of antler at the moment nobby - waiting for some nice wood offcutes - not sure if it will work out but if it does I'll post a picc)
Red
I'm up for a bit of firesteel pimping. Now let's see....
jdlenton
18-05-2006, 09:07
me too i'll put it on the list to do
James
British Red
18-05-2006, 09:57
me too i'll put it on the list to do
James
Excellent - thats three of us :D
Having seen the one above I am re-thinking showing mine though :o
Red
Pimped Firesteels! Like glowing blue neon lights and go-faster stripes - This post might quickly make the firesteel the chav tool of the bushcraft world?
hehe
I recently got a 'blank' firesteel from Gary and have been meaning for a while to put something on the end of it - might have a play when I get some free time. Thanks for the equipment list, makes step one a bit easier.
British Red
18-05-2006, 11:16
Andy - does that mean you are going to share your results mate :confused:
And by the way - don't nick my "blue neon" design! :lmao:
Red
Andy - does that mean you are going to share your results mate :confused:
And by the way - don't nick my "blue neon" design! :lmao:
Red
they maybe some time away, but once done I'll stick a piccy up yeah.
I'll have to find some just as equally chavy to do...perhaps a tiny subwoofer in it or something. :lmao:
make it 5! - i've had a inkleing if an idea I have wanted to try for a while ;)
British Red
18-05-2006, 12:01
Now we're cooking ! :thanks: :cool:
How about one that incorporates a striker that detaches onto a little bit of cord.
Or maybe an every day household item (car keys meet survival :lmao: )
I've got one that fell out of one of those blast matches after I stupidly lent it to a friend. I've got to try one of these ideas. :) :)
British Red
18-05-2006, 15:45
So are you in Ralph? Come on in - the insanity is lovely!
We could even have a kind of poll at the end
"most attractive"
"most practical"
"downright daftest"
"most chav appropriate" (for andyn)
"most innovative" etc......
Red
We could even have a kind of poll at the end
"most attractive"
"most practical"
"downright daftest"
"most chav appropriate" (for andyn)
"most innovative" etc......
Red
what a great idea! :D - why not go the whole hog and make it a mini competition?.... - i'll throw a little leather odds and sods pouch (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=546&cat=500&ppuser=2368) into the 'prize pot' if you like ;)
I have a Stewart Marsh knife and it has Birds Eye Maple (BEM) scales. So I thought it would be nice to have a matching fire steel handle. :p
I eventually found some BEM on evilbay, under the guise of pen blanks, just like these (http://search.ebay.co.uk/pen-blanks_W0QQfromZR40)
Will take some phots over the weekend.
Heres an idea for something that is a complete waste of time...a firesteel pimping thread :lmao:
I am in awe of the Shings and Shinkens of this world who make beautiful knives but I lack err talent (?). However, given a bit of coaching (thanks Leon-1), anyone can make a pretty firesteel.
You will need:
A lump of wood
A fireball (unhandled) firesteel (outdoorcode sell em for £6 for the thick ones)
A 9.5mm drill bit (no of course I haven't got one - I use a plain old 10mm)
A tube of araldite or similar glue
Thats it!
No, I won't put up photos of "how to" - shape wood, drill hole, glue in fire steel (as Leon patiently explained) is it. :D
I had a go with a bit of "gash" wood and its encouraged me to try and do a better one. Given how much I enjoyed it when we were comparing Swedish army axes, I wondered if anyone else fancied joining in on a (pontless) exercise (or just show me ones you have done to inspire me) :confused:
Red
Red there ae a load of different things that you ca get away with on firesteels and pimping them if you have the time and patience, I'll try and find a few bits that I have floating around.
British Red
18-05-2006, 18:31
Wow Graham offered a pouch and then Phil joined in with ...."I have a Stewart Marsh knife...." - I suddenly thought the prizes were gonna get good! Still looking forward to seeing the photos Phil!
So we have Graham and Phil in on the thread (thanks for the prize offer Graham - have a rep point!) and Leon with a masterclass!
Fantastic stuff - looking forward to this!
Red
I just though of some good firesteel pimps
Gold, great for the West End and goes with your gold Rolex and teeth and signalling aircraft.
Silver, in case of werewolves e.g. American werewolf in London
Magnesium, extra tinder
Titanium, for tactical fire lighting
British Red
18-05-2006, 19:53
Hi Shing,
Love the idea of a "tactical firelighter" :D Are you going to do one for the thread :confused: I suspect we should tie one hand behind your back or something - far too talented for mere mortals like me ;)
Red
Ive got one im making at moment, can i use that. its not very good i just chucked a bit of matching wood on the end
British Red
18-05-2006, 21:30
Ive got one im making at moment, can i use that. its not very good i just chucked a bit of matching wood on the end
Hmmm sounds like a ringer.......course you can Ash!!
Please can someone help me, how do I attach a photo?
Thanks P@ul
Please can someone help me, how do I attach a photo?
Thanks P@ul
it basically needs to be published on the net somwhere - lots of peeps use photobucket or you can upload to the gallery here and link to that
British Red
18-05-2006, 22:09
Paul,
You need first to have the image uploaded to a hosting site - I use
http://www.imageshack.us
Upload your image there and they will provide you with a "direct link" to the hosted image.
Then click on the main "reply button". Above the text box is a yellow square with a mounatin in.
Click the square, paste in the direct link, click okay.
Done
Hope that helps
Red
Thanks for the help, I have tried to put the pic in my gallery but its to large to upload. I am now working on the imageshack option.
This may take some time!! :confused:
British Red
18-05-2006, 22:25
Okay...this isn't a proper one - the handle is ...err comfortable?...secure? Designed for someone who hates that silly little finger / thumb grip? :confused:
Whatever (hardly portable....can you have a "table firesteel" - like a table lighter :D )
http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/2034/largeantler6pd.jpg
Okay it was an offcut I had around and I haven't got any suitable wood right now (will do by the weekend though :) )...I was bored..
Red
Your a "Bandit" Red, that looks pretty good to me ;)
stuart f
18-05-2006, 22:37
Thanks for the help, I have tried to put the pic in my gallery but its to large to upload. I am now working on the imageshack option.
This may take some time!! :confused:
Hi P@ul, if you click on FILE at the top of your computer you should see RESIZE PICTURES click on small and that will reduce the file size of your picture thus making it easier to upload onto here. hope that helps
British Red
18-05-2006, 22:47
Carefully oriented to hide the blemishes mate ;)
Actually it needs a bit of finishing but I'll leave it overnight to let the epoxy go off! It was intented for a head piece for a staff that never quite came into being but I didn't have any suitable wood and it was that or Big Brother :eek: so it went to a noble cause! Got a few off cuts and bits and bobs coming from nice people and a couple of other fireballs that want a handle (blame Leon - he started me off). It makes a nice short project. Interestingly the curved bit of antler makes a super grip...hmmm anyone need a really easy to grip firesteel :confused:
Red
Red, I like that very much.
Hopefully I have also managed to include a link to my photo.
http://img367.imageshack.us/img367/5907/p20800076gz.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Stuart f, thanks for the help, if this hasn't worked I will try that next.
I feel this is going to be a bit of a anticlimax! but I will be happy if I have learnt to upload a picture.
British Red
18-05-2006, 23:02
That works just fine P@ul. Lovely grain and colour on that wood - is it yew?
Red
Not the type of firesteel you had in mind but I couldn't resist the opportunity to post this picture of my steel striker again.
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/data/500/firesteel1.jpg
It's based on a Viking steel and constructed with a couple of bronze strap ends and a bit of custom construction for the hanger.
British Red
18-05-2006, 23:14
:eek: :eek: :eek:
That is truly beautiful mate
Err swap :confused: :lmao:
red
That works just fine P@ul. Lovely grain and colour on that wood - is it yew?
Red
No, its a bit of oak, It was more by luck than judgement that the grain turned out as it did, after sanding down I finished it with walnut oil.
P@ul
Brian Curnel
18-05-2006, 23:30
Very cool...
Jeff Wagner
19-05-2006, 04:17
Not the type of firesteel you had in mind but I couldn't resist the opportunity to post this picture of my steel striker again.
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/data/500/firesteel1.jpg
It's based on a Viking steel and constructed with a couple of bronze strap ends and a bit of custom construction for the hanger.
This is very special. Where might I obtain one similar to this? I have a particular design in mind that is shaped like an arrowhead. Triangular rather than rectangular
This is a great idea, I'm in on this one. :D
So many creative ideas here dont know where to start :confused:
British Red
19-05-2006, 08:44
Boxy,
Excellent! Thats the kind of fun of this isn't it.....its just something to hold a rod with - design is limited only by imagination!
Red
Mr_Yarrow
19-05-2006, 10:03
Well Red, im in for this. I have already ordered 2 blank steels from Brisa on BB recently and was thinking about a funky handle for one of them, so will share it with you chaps - dont hold your breath though :lol:
Rgds
Buckshot
19-05-2006, 10:45
I have two very similar, one for each sheath.
I experimented with various shapes and decided that a triangle would be best. It gives me three sides to use rather than the normal two of the standard green plastic top. Obviously rounded corners and the flat sides are actually slightly concave so my thumb rests on it easily.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/BCUK/Firesteel1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/BCUK/Firesteel2.jpg
Cheers
Mark
Nicklas Odh
19-05-2006, 12:19
I have not made that fancy "pimpings" on my firesteels.
First I removed the plastic handle, then I drilled a small hole through it about 6-7 mm from one end and finally I put some nice cord through it. When I use it I put my middle finger through the loop and the steel "starts" just between my thumb and the next finger. This solution gives a "softer" handle.
I have one of those on my keyring, barely covered in electr...tape.
The next one is a split ring through the hole. I have it in my Kydex sheath for the F1. Its like pulling the pin out of a grenade and its easy to use.
There's some nice work in this thread.
I have a couple of BCB steels waiting for me to make handles, just need to decide what from and design.
Interesting thread
Rgds
Moduser
This is very special. Where might I obtain one similar to this? I have a particular design in mind that is shaped like an arrowhead. Triangular rather than rectangular
Is this the sort of thing you're after.
http://northan.net/files/tn81s.jpg
It's made by Alban Depper and he has a site here (http://www.northan.net/cgi-bin/enshop/commerce.cgi)
British Red
19-05-2006, 13:20
I have two very similar, one for each sheath.
I experimented with various shapes and decided that a triangle would be best. It gives me three sides to use rather than the normal two of the standard green plastic top. Obviously rounded corners and the flat sides are actually slightly concave so my thumb rests on it easily.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/BCUK/Firesteel1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/BCUK/Firesteel2.jpg
Cheers
Mark
Triangles ....genius!
Jeff Wagner
19-05-2006, 15:58
Is this the sort of thing you're after.
http://northan.net/files/tn81s.jpg
It's made by Alban Depper and he has a site here (http://www.northan.net/cgi-bin/enshop/commerce.cgi)
Thanks for that. I have a message off to him now.
My dodgy effort
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c116/budoash/firesteel10.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c116/budoash/firesteel002.jpg
redcollective
20-05-2006, 17:26
Oh no Shinken that's not dodgy at all. Very nice indeed. Is the blade yours too?
I hesitate to show my efforts given the quality of the ones shown so far but I am but a journeyman among craftsmen.
Here it is: http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1038&limit=recent
And nothing to do with this but my new Spyderco which with a Pacpal knife and a Wilkinson pruning saw (B&Q £9.99)) are my cutting tools. I am also experimenting with a tomahawk.
See here: http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1037&limit=recent
The blade was made by Shing but i put the handle on, surely for this thread to be authentic we need to use old beaten up firesteels :eek: :umbrella:
British Red
20-05-2006, 19:44
Ash,
I'm trying to work out how to jack a firesteel suspension ...any clues mate?
Lol - yours is lovely - spot the knife maker - first steel I've seen with "scales" instead of a one piece handle - like lanyard tube. Good job mate - you could make money on them!
Red
Check our Pbknives Scandi with firesteel thread, now that is a nice firesteel!
British Red
20-05-2006, 21:14
Yeah, PBKnives one is gorgeous I must admit.
Heres my latest...plain Rosewood (courtesy of a kind bloke...thanks mate!) but my technique is improving which was the point of it ....to teach me to carve
http://upload3.postimage.org/254476/Rosewood1.jpg (http://upload3.postimage.org/254476/photo_hosting.html)
Red
Very nice red what finish have you used?
Dave.
British Red
20-05-2006, 21:35
Very nice red what finish have you used?
Dave.
Dave,
No thank you sir! :D
A light oiling followed up with home made polish (just beeswax and linseed oil boiled up). Strangely it looks scratched in the thumbnail - if you click it you can see thats the grain (phew)
Its a start any way - plain but the fit and finish are okay so I wouldn't be ashamed to lend it to someone - a nice bit or wood to work really helps! Hmm need another design to work on now I've done "plain round"
Red
Very cool B Red looks very confortable to use too!
how about a toblerone shape? triangular with decretive grooves/grips?
Dave.
British Red
20-05-2006, 22:09
Hmmmm...I did like the trangles above...
One thought a taper from the butt end towards the steel would form a natural wedge shape, increasing the grip kind of forcing it into the natural finger and thumb hold as you use the steel making the control better and less likely to slip or be dropped a bit like a three sided pyramid shape with the steel emerging from the point.
Dave.
British Red
20-05-2006, 22:34
Aaah I seee - oh yeah...pyramid....or cone even....like it!
twelveboar
21-05-2006, 08:52
Can I enter my new firesteel holder?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/twelveboar/axesheath005.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/twelveboar/axesheath004.jpg
Got do be the equivalent of putting alloy wheels on a clapped out Nova.
British Red
21-05-2006, 10:15
Now I really like that - thats truly original
Not the type of firesteel you had in mind but I couldn't resist the opportunity to post this picture of my steel striker again.
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/data/500/firesteel1.jpg
It's based on a Viking steel and constructed with a couple of bronze strap ends and a bit of custom construction for the hanger.
i love this, best lookin bit of kit ive ever seen.
British Red
21-05-2006, 20:42
how about a toblerone shape? triangular with decretive grooves/grips?
Dave.
Lovely piece of snakewood went into this (courtesy of the legenday Stuart Mitchell).....not really toblerone...more Art Deco
http://img463.imageshack.us/img463/8651/snakewood10eq.jpg
What do you think?
Red
The Joker
21-05-2006, 21:14
Here's mine :) Which I did on my lathe.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f11/101Joker/P5210172.jpg
British Red
21-05-2006, 21:17
Thats lovely Pete - great way to even the wear out too!
Beautiful piece Red very nice indeed.Lovely rich colour to the wood.
Dave.
Here's my first pimping effort :)
Think I'll call it the bumblebee.
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/data/500/zebra2.jpg
Buckshot
22-05-2006, 08:44
When I was deciding which shape to make mine I played around with some scrap wood and various shapes. I found that a tapered handle didn't feel 'right'. It felt like it would slip out of your hand, especially with cold/wet hands. Strangely this was the case regardless of which way the taper went (forwards or backwards), it just felt wrong in different directions.
It may well be that is just me and you find that shape perfect !
Cheers
Mark
No I have to admit I hadn't tried it was just a random thought as I was ready the thread and looking at the different pics.
Dave.
Can't wait to try this. My only problem is that I have had so many ideas and only one "blank" firesteel. :confused: :( I think I have decided what I will do so watch this space. :cool: ;) :theyareon
British Red
22-05-2006, 18:23
Here's my first pimping effort :)
Think I'll call it the bumblebee.
]
That is sweet! Did you preapre the layer cake laminate yourrself and then shape it?
Red
Well these were my first efforts, both hand carved :rolleyes:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d72/PHIL562/5fbdc022.jpg
The one on the left is my daughters, she's six, so I attached a piece of hacksaw blade. :)
All I need now is some bare fire steels as I have the handle material courtesy of a fellow member :cool:
British Red
22-05-2006, 21:07
The one on the left is my daughters, she's six, so I attached a piece of hacksaw blade. :)
:
Hey Phil, your daughter carves really well for a six year old - nearly as well as an adult :lmao:
I'd give Andrew at outdoorcode a shout for the firesteels - he cut me a very good deal! Got some oak burl by Bushwacker special delivery tomight...need another design to work on now.....
Red
Got do be the equivalent of putting alloy wheels on a clapped out Nova.
What's wrong with me putting my alloy wheels on my clapped out Nova :p
That is sweet! Did you preapre the layer cake laminate yourrself and then shape it?
Red
Cheers. Yeah I had some offcuts of ebony and boxwood so epoxied them together and went from there.
Got some other pimping ideas. Just need to get a few more firesteels...
Keep 'em coming :)
twelveboar
23-05-2006, 19:31
What's wrong with me putting my alloy wheels on my clapped out Nova :p
Someone will knick them. :D
benjamin.oneill
25-05-2006, 19:49
not at all shinken,
is that a shing in there?
Ben
Jeff Wagner
06-06-2006, 03:16
Tonights fire was courtesy of Alban Depper.
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/data/2/Cnv0096.jpg
Does it give sparks as good as it looks?
Yes mate its a Shing blade in the sheath!
Here's my effort, i made a while ago for a laugh, I have inserted what is actually a landing light for a model plane into the end of the handle and by twisting the top it flashes blue, so before you use the firesteel in the dark you can switch on the light and then you wont put it down and lose it. the light is attached by a small magnet and can be removed and the battery can be replaced.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b119/neill116/DSCN4687.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b119/neill116/DSCN4691.jpg
And here it is in dark mode......although the lights do actually flash (camera cant show it)
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b119/neill116/DSCN4741.jpg
Bit of fun really, it's a bit scruffy and i have yet to finish it properly which will happen eventually :rolleyes:
cheers
Nice one Sean. Multi-tool firesteels. Now there's a thought..
Jeff Wagner
07-06-2006, 11:04
Does it give sparks as good as it looks?
That was a concern of mine and I had made it clear I wanted the steel for use not only for show. No worries. It sparks very well indeed.
benjamin.oneill
07-06-2006, 21:27
here here red...
what is it with orangutan avatars, here and on BB!!!
Ben
Here's my latest effort.
Tortoiseshell with a matching friction-fit holder.
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/data/503/Tortoise3.jpg
Artificial of course :)
British Red
12-06-2006, 07:08
MArts,
I can only say
oooooooooooohhhhh nicccccccccccce
Red :)
Here's my latest effort.
Tortoiseshell with a matching friction-fit holder.
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/data/503/Tortoise3.jpg
Artificial of course :)
Beautiful Marts!
Looks like a fire piston.
Jeff Wagner
18-06-2006, 00:48
May I ask where you obtain your ferro rods? I found a source in China but the minimum order required is much more than I can use.
British Red
18-06-2006, 08:47
Jeff,
Generally, I use Andrew at Outdoorcode (www.outdoorcode.co.uk). Around £5 - £6 amd shipping at cost mate
Red
ok here is my pimp number 1! ;)
completely impractical I know - but you did say 'pimp it' Red! :lmao:
http://www.g4ghb.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/fspimp1.JPG
British Red
23-06-2006, 18:31
Graham,
You have rep! That brightened up my whole day - we have all been taking life far, far too seriously lately - thank you
Red
Glad you liked it Red! :D - swmbo thinks i'm mad (well madder) but I dont care!
-------
Anyway, at last I got round to making the 'pimping prize pouch' I promised last night so heres a piccie of it!
I'll leave Red to formulate how the comp is organised!
http://www.g4ghb.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/pimppouch.JPG
Ok - this isn't exactly firesteel pimping but a pimp none the less! :D
http://www.g4ghb.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/usbkey.JPG
Oh yes! - it IS still fully functioning! ;)
British Red
24-06-2006, 13:48
Graham thats awesome.
Right, lots of us have posted our efforts. Given Grahams very kind offer, lets say we'll give it to the end of July for anyone who wants to enter to get the materials and make their entry. I'll then publish an "entry" thread for those who want to take part in the competition. We'll put the results to a poll if their are no more than 10 entries. If there are more than 10...we'll get a guest celebrity (or failing that Tony :)) to pick a shortlist of 10. We'll put the list of 10 to a poll and the winner gets Grahams pouch! If anyone else want to volunteer a prize, we'll put together a "price pack" and make it fun (hmm I wonder if Andrew at Outdoorcode is watching ;))
Red
here's another one of mine, finished today!
http://www.g4ghb.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/firesteel.JPG
it's a curvy shape and as a tease i'm gonna leave it as that till tommorow............... ;)
right to explain the curvy shape of my last firesteel post here are a few links to explain why!
http://www.g4ghb.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/kandspouch1.JPG
http://www.g4ghb.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/kaspouch2.JPG
http://www.g4ghb.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/kaspouch3.JPG
hope you like it! (and sorry for the poor quality)