Percussion (striking) fire-starting was widespread in Europe during ancient times, the Middle Ages and the Viking Age. From the Iron Age forward, until the invention of the friction match in the early 1800s, the use of flint and steel was a common method of fire lighting.

The high-carbon steel is struck along the sharp edge of the piece of flint (which is a hard rock). As the hardness of the flint is harder than the hardness of the steel, it removes small pieces from the steel. These tiny pieces - due to the striking - become hot and glow for a short moment of time. These hot sparks can ignite highly flammable material (tinder).

When flint and steel were used, the fire steel was often kept in a metal tinderbox together with flint and tinder. In Tibet and Mongolia, they were instead carried in a leather pouch (called a chuckmuck).

This is a complete kit and a fun way to start a fire. Also a great way to demonstrate your survival skills to your friends and colleagues.