The design for these fire steels was derived from examples found in various Viking burials. They are made from 1095 High Carbon steel and throw lots of hot lingering sparks. each steel comes with a piece of chert for a striking stone. Both the steel and the stone are tested before being shipped and are GUARANTEED to throw good sparks. A true Viking wouldn't be without it. Hand forged with hammer and anvil (no jigs) as they would have been in the Viking Age.