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How to Make Fire With Flint

Linda Fehrman
· · Updated Feb 11, 2026 · 2 min read
Survivalists teach the art of existing in the wilderness utilizing just a few supplies. One key element to this craft is the ability to start a fire with flint and a bit of steel. Creating fire with flint is not an easy project.

It takes patience, but if you are facing a cold night in the woods, it is an option. By gathering firewood from the wilderness, campers can build a fire for cooking and warmth that will take them through the night.

 

Things You'll Need

  • Dry kindling
  • Wood shavings
  • Twigs
  • Dead grass
  • Flint
  • Pocket knife
 

Ways To Make Fire With Flint

Make Fire With Flint

 

Set up the fire area with dry kindling, wood shavings and twigs. If the ground is wet, build the fire on top of branches pulled from trees. Pile wood shavings and dead grass for tinder on top of the kindling. The National Geographic website suggests collecting three times more kindling than you think you will need.

Hold a piece of steel in one hand over the loose tinder. For your steel, use a striker or the back side of a pocket knife blade.

Strike the flint downward against the steel. Continue repeating this motion until sparks light the tinder.

 

Tips & Warnings

If you want to cheat ,cotton balls dipped in petroleum ointment make excellent tinder.

 

How to Make Fire With Flint

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Written by

Linda Fehrman

Linda began writing professionally in 2014. The majority of her work has been published on fitness, health-eating and relationships. Linda is well-versed and passionate about relationships, fitness and health issues.

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