Fire Starting Tools

[AZ Prepper]

Thought I'd share a couple insights and experience on fire starting equipment and techniques. Keep in mind, I think we will be wanting things that will last a long time and can be used over and over again...

My personal favorite is a small char tin made from an altoids tin and a fire striker like the one shown below. The char is best made of cotton (I really like using 100% cotton from a mop bought from Costco, and VERY inexpensive and you'll never run out) but can also be replenished with dry, rotten wood that is always available in the wilderness/desert. Therefore, you'll always have the supplies needed to make new char as you use up what you've got. I also have a magnesium striker to to go along with it. Using char will prolong your magnesium stick's life and only require one strike to make the fire.

Here is a video I found on how to make char:

External link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7uLVGrAt1M

Here is a video I found on using a striker and char to make fire:

External link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNn0RRi1Ni8

Here is a picture of a fire striker which will last pretty much forever. All you'll need is a piece of flint or hard rock to strike it against. A small piece of metal will shave off as a spark, which will catch on the char you are also holding: (I purchase mine from: http://www.possibleshop.com/c-g-fire-starter.html )


I also really like the Swedish Army FireSteel because is lasts a VERY long time: (found all over the web, including: http://www.campingsurvival.com/swfiar.html ) You can also get the same size rod without the handle for cheaper at FireSteel (http://www.firesteel.com ).

[AZ Prepper]

Here's an interesting fire starting tool I'd never seen before called a Solar Spark Lighter. Although I don't know if it'd be the best thing for your main fire starting tool, it would be fun to use with the scouts...


And a YouTube video showing how it is used (starts at 40 second mark):

External link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8PxCmBs-qc

[AZ Prepper]

Here's a cool concept that can be used along with Flint & Steel and also a Firesteel. It is simply using a cotton cloth/rope in addition to a hollowed out stick or other hollow container. Well worth the watch.


Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQuTpdQ8yQ4

[Kelly Alwood]

on the far left is a partially finished striker knife...an old design, flint striker and knife in one..quite useful, two tools in one..