Char Cloth

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Char cloth is cloth (linen or cotton) that has been combusted in the absence of oxygen. It is easily ignited by even the weakest of sparks.

It has been used as tinder, often in conjunction with flint and steel, for firelighting for thousands of years.

Creating Char Cloth

Any method of burning the cloth whilst excluding oxygen will suffice. The most common container (at least in the UK) is a metal coffee tin with a tight fitting lid. A hole is punched in the lid to allow smoke to escape.

Pack the cloth tightly in the container.
Seal the lid well whilst ensuring that the hole is clear.
Place the container in the embers of a fire.
Ensure that the escaping gases do not catch fire.
Remove when the black smoke ceases.
Plug the hole (with a twig for example) and cool.

A more conventional method is used in which a piece of cotton cloth is sandwiched and sealed between two layers of aluminum foil and heated at high temperatures for several hours in an electric conventional oven. When using this method, it is important to keep the area well ventilated, as some amounts of smoke can be produced.

External Links

Rogue Turtle: [Making Char Cloth] Illustrated article on making char cloth.
[Using Charcloth] Website showing how to use charcloth safely.

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