Horse hoof fungus woes!

[The Ratcatcher]

@ ateallthepies

I tear off a piece about the size of a fingernail, and hold the torn edge about 1-2mm from the edge of the flint shard (on top of the flint) and then strike the flint with the steel. I've only tried about half a dozen times, but got an ember within a few strikes every time.

I use the flint shard and striker that came in the tinderbox. All I can say is keep trying, as getting a good spark is a matter of trial and error. Altering the angle of strike or making sure you've got a good sharp edge on the flint can make a significant difference.

Alan

[ateallthepies]

Right I finally got it to take a spark from my traditional steel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I took the advice and soaked a bit and bashed it flat then after drying it out on the radiator it does indeed take a spark!

Here it a before and after, the bashed bit started out like that fat bit...



I have not tried the hard wood ash advice yet but will wait to see what the seller has to say. Also I notice that when I have got it to take and then put it out, it takes again very easy on the burnt area?

Thanks all for the advice, we got there in the end!

Steve.

[tinderbox]

Woot!

[ateallthepies]

Well the update of this saga is that I sent the stuff back and they sent me some more from an older batch. Can't say it's much better although from about 200 strikes of my steel I did get one virgin torn off piece to catch! After it chars from where it catches it then takes a spark quite easy on the burnt patch. They did also send some complementary test packs of other tinders, one of which was char cloth which I ignite first strike almost every time!

I have come to the conclusion that it must be me that is doing it wrong as many sparks land within the fluffy torn off area but go out instantly. You just have to look at the fluffed up area and it is spotted with metal filings. Maybe my steel is no good, I have certainly worn a divot in the centre of it with all the striking. I will have to try an old file and see if the sparks are any hotter?

Can't fault Shark Designs on their customer service, they were most helpful. Looks like I will have to stick to fool proof char cloth in future and maybe my steel will last longer than a year

Steve.

[Toddy]

There's a old Scottiss children's rhyme for the fomes, which seems to concur with your experience of the charred bit catching more easily.

"As cheugh as Auld Nick, who burns forever,
Roast it black, and they'll burn thegither"

The trick is to char it and not burn it to crumbly fragility, I suspect.

You've put some effort into it if you've worn through a steel !
Glad you got there in the end though

cheers,
Toddy