Edo-era Fire-Starting Tools
Manufactured by Yoshii Honke
Fire Striker Set
Includes:
- Fire Steel (火打金)
- Fire Flint (火打石)
- Fire Striker (火打鎌)
- Bookmark (Instruction Manual) for Fire Flint

This set features the exact style used during the Edo period. With the cooperation of experimental archaeologists, a reconstructed replica has been completed, featuring a板付き型 (board-mounted type) fire striker (metal fitting), along with fire flint, tinder, attaching wood, and two Japanese candles, complete with an instruction manual.

With this set, you can immediately experience Edo-period fire-starting!

Set box size:
- Width: 22 cm
- Height: 16 cm
- Depth: 4 cm

Fire striker size:
- Width: 5.5 cm
- Height: 12 cm
- Thickness: 1.5 cm

Fire flint size:
- Largest dimension: 7 cm

Tinder bag size:
- Width: 6 cm
- Height: 10 cm
- Tinder amount: approximately 5 grams

*Note:* The outer box shown in the image is for illustration purposes only and is not included.
The set contains only the items listed above.

*Note:* The fire steel has undergone rigorous ignition impact tests and may have scratches from the start.
*Warning:* Please wear glasses, gloves, long sleeves, and long pants for protection during use.
*Note:* This product is intended for users aged 18 and over.

Fire-starting tools are frequently used in period dramas and are a part of Japanese culture.

They are part of traditional Japanese rituals for warding off evil and impurities.

As a sacred implement, fire flint was used in Shinto rituals at shrines, where fire was generated using a fireboard (きねうす). This was simplified into a method called "切り火" (kiribi) or "kiri-bi," where fire was produced by striking fire flint against a fire steel, then used to ignite and purify objects or people.

Today, many people carry fire flint and strike it to pray for safety and peace when going out. It is also widely practiced among geisha districts, entertainers, artists, those involved in competitions, people engaged in dangerous work, and shops wishing for prosperity, as a good luck charm.

Usage Instructions:
When using as a sacred tool to sprinkle fire on people or objects, hold the fire flint in your right hand and the fire steel in your left hand.
Gently and vigorously strike the edge of the fire steel against the corner of the fire flint, shaving off a thin layer with the corner of the flint to produce sparks.

*Note:* If the corner of the fire flint becomes rounded, sparks will no longer fly.
In that case, carefully shave the corner to restore a sharp edge.
*Warning:* Be sure to keep fragments away from your eyes during this process.

**Method for "Kiri-bi" (fire ignition using the fire steel and fire striker):**
(Quoted from Yoshii Honke HP: https://yosiihonke-hiuchi.jimdo.com/)

1. Hold the fire striker firmly and nearly horizontally in your left hand.
2. Select the serrated edge of the fire flint and strike it strongly against the edge of the fire striker, sliding it to shave off a thin layer.
3. Sparks will fly toward the object to be purified in front of you.
4. Usually, 2-3 strikes are enough to ward off evil spirits.

While slightly more difficult than traditional fire-starting methods, once accustomed, it becomes quite simple.
*Note:* If you are right-handed, hold the tools in the opposite manner.

**Fire Ignition with Fire Flint:**
Hold the fire flint in your left hand and strike it sharply with the fire striker (metal fitting) in your right hand, making a "kachin" sound.
The key to producing sparks is to slightly and strongly shave the serrated edge of the fire flint against the edge of the fire steel, creating a quick "kachin" strike.

Simply hitting the fire flint against the steel without shaving will only chip the stone and will not produce sparks.
*Note:* If you are left-handed, hold the tools in the opposite manner.

1. Place tinder (誘火綿, yokabi-men) on top of the fire flint to ignite.
2. The sparks will fly onto the tinder and ignite it.
3. The tinder will begin to smolder and spread.

For beginners, it is recommended to place a slightly larger amount of tinder, about 2-3 mm away from the edge of the fire flint, and hold it down lightly with your thumb to prevent it from moving.
Once sparks ignite the tinder, gently blow on it to strengthen the fire.

4. When the tinder begins to burn and spread, press the sulfur part of the attaching wood (付け木) against it and blow to increase the heat and transfer the flame.
5. The attaching wood will finally catch fire—success!

**Caution:**
When sulfur begins to burn, a strong gas is released momentarily. Do not bring your face close to the sulfur during ignition!

This method can be used to light candles, stoves, fire pits, or campfires.