Why are the ends of the steaks charred before being pounded into the ground? Old method log cabin construction.
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There may be a reason in addition to this, but logs and branches may benefit from “fire-hardening” especially if they’re fresh/green. Charring the cut ends helps to dehydrate and seal the fibers, leaving it a lot more resistant to fraying.
Once the timber is thoroughly charred, it is a wrapped in a layer of carbon that is formed within the burning process. This layer helps the timber become highly resistant to water compared to the raw timber and essentially renders the charred timber as waterproof.
It stops it from rotting (as quickly as raw timber).
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Charring makes the point harder, although more brittle, due to the new carbon structure it introduces. That helps it maintain the point as it’s pounded in instead of blunting badly the first time it hits a tough root or has to reflect a rock or something.