Hello :)

[BushcraftLad]

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?

[Spud]

Hello and welcome!

[Wolf_Larson]

Welcome, there are Bushcraft people here somewhere. They are great help and they have days out.

Many regards Dave aka wolf

[RedLeader]

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.

[specimanYak]

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.