Hello, first I'm actually 14, but as this is the first NI website related to bushcraft I joined. I look to share my knowledge and learn some too. So my first question... How do you light fires with just a firesteel and natural tinder? I have tried with birch bark but it didn't work?
Hello and welcome!
Welcome, there are Bushcraft people here somewhere. They are great help and they have days out.
Many regards Dave aka wolf
Welcome! I think lighting fires with just a firesteel can be complicated, especially if it's not totally dry. Carrying something like maya dust would work but it's a bit of a cop out. I'd get out and experiment, very dry dead grass for instance would probably take a spark, search for info on a feather stick, that's a popular method but not one I've tried.
Hello and welcome.
Making a fire with a firesteel and natural tinder takes practice, feathersticks are a great idea, here's a howto vid:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=CcpVhm1bUwU#t=31s
Personally, i like the Ray Mears method, a bit of inner tube from an old bike tire and a lighter, never fails.