Cotton tinder?

[Cpl.Parker]

Hi Folks,

I know flint and steel firemaking has been around for centuries. But what did people use for tinder? Did people in the 18th century use cotton char cloth? How would they char it?

TIA
Kevin

 

[TANSTAAFL]

Whatever cloth would char and take a spark. Birch tree fungus (AKA bear $hit fungus) works great to, and it does not have to be charred. I found the moisture content of the fungus to be very important, it can't be too dry, or too damp. First time I gave it a go, I put in the oven, bad mistake, did not work at all.

 

[musketman]

Hi Folks,

I know flint and steel firemaking has been around for centuries. But what did people use for tinder? Did people in the 18th century use cotton char cloth? How would they char it?

TIA
Kevin

I suspect they chared it the same way we do, in a container and placed in a fire or on hot coals...

 

Has anyone attempted to char 100% wool cloth? :hmm:

Just :m2c:

 

[TANSTAAFL]

Not even down wind from me would I try it. ::

That aside, I never have and doubt it would work at all.