Railroad spike?

N

newadventure

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Jul 24, 2006
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I was walking along the railroad tracks in our little suburb with my son the other day. Among the red rocks lining the roadbed, we found a couple of railroad spikes. Just for the heck of it, I picked one up along with one of the red rocks that seemed to have somewhat of a sharp edge. By striking, I was able to get an isolated spark here and there, but nothing consistent.

I have never used flint and steel before, so I’m sure my technique is nowhere near proper. I would guess that the “red” rocks are not the best, and the rust coating on the spike probably didn’t help. The shape is obviously not like a traditional striker, but the spike is long enough where it can be held in the hand with plenty of steel extending. I am wondering if, at least in theory, one should be able to make decent sparks from a railroad spike. If so, might be worth filing away in the “memory banks” just-in-case.

What do you all think? Thanks for any comments and observations.

Fred
 
There are different types of spikes and they vary with carbon content-higher carbon , better sparks. Red rocks ?? The red rocks here are shale, not much good for anything but paving roads.
 
Not to reduce this to the point of absurdity, but it you're getting a spark at all, your technique is probably good enough.

Like mete said, there's probably not enough consistency in the spike's carbon content.
 
RR spikes are usu. 1030 steel -- obviously they require toughness not "edge holding." Not the best steel for striking but, as said above, if you're getting a spark at all, you're doing pretty well!

Incidentally, many bladesmiths forge knives out of RR spikes. More decorative than user, but they are kinda cool nonetheless. They are often twisted in the middle with the tip forged into a blade, but leaving the head intact. You can find many by Googling "railroad spike knife."
 
When I was a kid we had a RR right of way that ran through our forest paradise. It was SOP for every kid out there to carry a spike in his back pocket or stuck under the belt. Nobody would ever dream of messing with you if you had a spike. The other thing was to take those giant nuts that bolt the tracks together and screw a pair of them onto a green stick to make a very formidable mace. Lots of guys used those nuts wrapped in tape to club animals in traps. I've never made fire with one though. I can smell the rust and railroad ties as I type. Mac
 
Thanks for the info, y'all - much appreciated. We took a few of the spikes home. Not sure what we'll use them for, but they are kind of neat. Ciao!

Fred
 
pict said:
When I was a kid we had a RR right of way that ran through our forest paradise. It was SOP for every kid out there to carry a spike in his back pocket or stuck under the belt. Nobody would ever dream of messing with you if you had a spike. The other thing was to take those giant nuts that bolt the tracks together and screw a pair of them onto a green stick to make a very formidable mace. Lots of guys used those nuts wrapped in tape to club animals in traps. I've never made fire with one though. I can smell the rust and railroad ties as I type. Mac
Click to expand...

We called those sticks with the nuts on them tap sticks, a trapper was the first to show me one. I have seen some interesting knifes and tomahawks made out of railroad spikes. Chris
 
Here in Australia I've seen some handmade knives made from railroad spikes .
At a guess , they may use different steel for spikes in the USA , so your milage may vary .
 
Hey Guys..

newadventure

Yes it is Very possible to get a fire going with what you had..you'd probablt have to find a different rock..

I've made a fire using char cloth a field rock and a large rusty bolt I found...

Same goes with a file and a rock....

ttyle

Eric
O/ST
 
Uhmmm... As a kid friends and I would walk the tracks at night and in those red rocks I'd see sparks.
 
pict said:
When I was a kid we had a RR right of way that ran through our forest paradise. It was SOP for every kid out there to carry a spike in his back pocket or stuck under the belt. Nobody would ever dream of messing with you if you had a spike. The other thing was to take those giant nuts that bolt the tracks together and screw a pair of them onto a green stick to make a very formidable mace. Lots of guys used those nuts wrapped in tape to club animals in traps. I've never made fire with one though. I can smell the rust and railroad ties as I type. Mac
Click to expand...

Same here. We used the spikes for many things, including flint and steel fire-making. Brings back memories. Thanks for bringing it up.
 
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