For the first time in my life, I finally (FINALLY!) got a fire going with a firesteel and natural tinder.

I watched a YouTube video a few days ago using birch bark. I tried that night, with no success. Today, despite morning rains, I tried again. Didn't expect much.

Then...bam! A tiny, one inch flame burst forth! Lasted about 3 seconds. I started over, scraping and scraping til I had a nice bundle of shavings. I even peeled the piece after I finished scraping. Scraped like crazy...and bam! again! Hurrying, I placed the partially peeled bark over the flame, and it took off. I carefully added the other few birch bark pieces nearby, and despite being damp, then went up like crazy.

I tell you, I was dancing around the yard, a la Tom Hanks. phenomenal feeling!

Does this make me a real outdoorsman now?

Might actually spend some more money in a few more firsteels now...