Fire Starter Info.

[Tony uk]

I use this fire kit, always does me right.
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/6889/firekitrf0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Flint, char cloth, striker, and tow all held in a tin in a raw hide bag.

Do yo use natural flint or synthetic ?

[Rick]

You got get something besides image shack. It takes a long time to load then it takes you to a login screen. I can't view your image.

[Tony uk]

www.photobucket.com (http://www.photobucket.com)

Or

www.imagevenue.net (http://www.imagevenue.net)

are two of the best free ones (Photobucket requires registration which is free)

[Rick]

Tony - Can you view his picture?

That little silver tube on my picture hold char cloth.

[Tony uk]

Tony - Can you view his picture?

Sure Can Rick

[Rick]

Well, it's taking me to a sign up screen. I cleared my cache and dumped my cookies and I still get it. Oh, well. Maybe it's just me.

[Tony uk]

Well, it's taking me to a sign up screen. I cleared my cache and dumped my cookies and I still get it. Oh, well. Maybe it's just me.

Thats because the code used to put it on the site with has it so that if you click it takes you to the main screen,

You need to have the direct url or code equivilent to stop this

:)

Nice to clean your PC junk out tho Rick

[Beowulf65]

Natural Flint, always. Imported from England.

[Tony uk]

Natural Flint, always. Imported from England.

England :eek: Lol ive mostly used synthetic before, i think it is more reliable sparks

I have a small Q on safety. What happens if a spark land on the block part of the mag firestarter, I have a idea but never thought of trying it

[canid]

the heat energy in the steel spall [your spark] would dissipate long before the block ignited. even shavings that are too coarse can be hard to light. the heat energy from the spall combined with that of the ambient oxygen combusting must be enough to bring most of the shaving of magnesium to a kindling temperature, before that heat is dissipated elsewhere.

[canid]

i immagine that where here a sliver of magnesium still attatched at it's base to the block which caught your spark it might ignite, thereby igniting the block. i've never heard of this happening. remember, ignition is more efficient the greater the surface area of your combusting material. the difference between the surface area of .5g of shavings vs .5g in a cube is great.

[canid]

also, many of the synthetics oroduce much more reliable sparks than natural flint as they are impregnated with magnesium

[Tony uk]

Thanks Canid :D

[canid]

now i wouldn't go showering a magnesium block with sparks just to be on the safe side because i said that though:D

[Tony uk]

now i wouldn't go showering a magnesium block with sparks just to be on the safe side because i said that though:D

You really think i would do that.......................;)

:rolleyes:

[Rick]

We had a magnesium plant burn two years ago about thirty miles away. It burned a long time and forced several thousand to evacuate their homes. They couldn't use water and the fire chief said, "God didn't put enough sand in Anderson," to put out the flames so they let it burn.

http://www.theindychannel.com/news/14707473/detail.html

[Assassin Pilot]

wow that sucks. its like an electric fire, u cant stop it w/ water.

[Sam]

Hi all, I just got a fluid lighter that does not leak. It's small but I've had it in my pocket for three weeks and no leaking. It screws shut and seals with an o-ring. I got it from a company called EDC.

[BatCat]

Stick with a BlastMatch or a Strike Force. Theyre easy to use, and the BlastMatch can be used one-handed. I carried one in my ruck for about 8 years and it never wore the flint out (The case finally broke; I still have the flint and use a piece of hacksaw blade to spark it


BatCat

[Sam]

Of no man, I carry between 5 and 7 kinds of fire starting tools. After all curtains don't light themselves. ;)

[chopp29]

I suggest carrying around a small magnifiying glass arean old eye glass lense.

[Jericho117]

But with processed flint, like Magnesium Flint Sticks, don't last very long. A $5.00 Magnesium Flint Stick only lasted me about 50 or 70 fires, and I don't use the Magnesuim shavings for the sparks to ignite it, I just use the sparks to catch tinder. A good fist sized chunk of flint will last probably last 3 times as longer than processed Flint. Natural Flint may take longer to start fires with, but at least it's plentiful and free. But I enjoy making fires with the fire plow and bow and drill methods. The materials needed for that method is always usually available, unlike flint. Hear in Connecticut, there is no flint what so ever, I have searched everywhere.

[canid]

plentiful only in some areas, just as quartzite, jasper, obsidian, etc. if you can't get it where you happen to be at, it isn't of any use.

[Chicago Dan]

I know this is an older thread that has been hashed out but I have two more methods that I did not see posted. Now I wouldn’t say either superior but if your already in possession of the two prerequisite items like me they can be nice backups.

1. Item: BPS self powered magnate/copper coil flashlight.
Method: The larger model has a frenzel like lens that comes out. It really
only works on sunny days but hey...

2. Item: Self powered light/radio/phone charger/etc. w/hand crank.
I will not get into details here because you can get a powerful shock if
you don't have competent working electrical knowledge... well it works for
me.

As for my other methods I have a Swedish Fire Steel, Several Bic's, and a Zippo. I also use cotton balls and never seem to have a shortage of lint in my clothes pockets or other less respectable places:eek:...LOL

[Omid]

I prefer a magnesium fire starter, it always does the job.

[warman87]

this would be good if you were injured i just ordered one ill let yall now how it is when it arives
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYRKzdSXH34

[Rick]

I'll tell you how it is. It's the berries!

Do a search on here. You'll find several posts on them.

[crashdive123]

Love the blast match.

[NS0201]

I have a flint and steel and a shoe lace. The Old bow drill works great for me.

[Omid]

Has anyone on here actually been able to do this? I remember trying this years ago at a class at a summer camp. I have no clue how people get this to work? I must not have the patience.

easiest way to make fire is to get a crackeling ball (firecracker) and but it in a bunch of dry leaves and wood. You can get like 20 of those for a buck.

other way is to put alcohol or oil or something of that matter. (I haven't tried it)

best way is to just get a bunch of dead leaves and a magnesium fire starter.

[crashdive123]

Omid - was that school suspension for playing with fireworks?

[skunkkiller]

flint n steel always does me right beowulf how come you import flint ? there is alot to be had just walking down trails.Ihave a 5 gal. bucket full.it so easy to find

[Dennis K.]

Was up in the Sant Fe wilderness this past week. Tried out the Walmart Magnesium Firestarter in semi-wet conditions.
Used only my multitool for striking & scraping. 1st - this seems like a great way to wreck a blade. 2nd - getting the spark to land on the pile of shavings was difficult. Solution: I used a pile of dried moss to build a little shelter around the magnesium shavings. It caught the spark, & lit quickly.

I won't say it works like a charm, but it does work.

[crashdive123]

Dennis K - two tricks you may want to try. Put a little piece of hacksaw blade on the little key ring that came with the magnesium block, or use the back of your knife instead of the blade - the squared back should work fine for scraping the block. Another tip is - while holding your stricker and flint next to your pile of shavings and tinder, move the flint toward you rather than the stricker toward the pile. This way you won't hit the pile and scatter it around.

[Dennis K.]

Thanks, crash - excellent idea about the hacksaw blade. Those things sure do have a lot of uses.

[skunkkiller]

why can't you carry amag bar in your pocket they aren't that big .I like the real deal better but emg. mag bars work great.use your pocket knife not you fixed blade you always want you fixed blade in good shape.

[yukon55]

what also woks is if you get cotton balls with vasaline. how to do it
1. get the cotton ball (balls)
2. get a little bit of vasaline put it on ball and just start pulling appart the cotton ball until it is mixed fully

[Gray Wolf]

I've posted this before, but what works great is a good flint (not all flints are equal), a striker, and lint from the dryer, especially the lint from the towel load. The Vaseline (on cotton balls or lint) gives you a longer burn time.

[skunkkiller]

not all flint is equal but if you find one good piece there will most of the time be more around . one piece of flint will last a long long time

[smokelessfire]

little amish girls would get a fire going with a long piece of corduroy cloth, that they held at each end after looping it over a branch, then pulling each end alternately, quickly, making massive friction and heat.

[Rick]

I hope that was cotton corduroy. Wool corduroy might take a while but it would make sweet music while you wait. Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom........

[smokelessfire]

heh heh. i forgot to mention the best part, that you don't need charred cloth to go with it, because, well, it BECOMES charred cloth lol.

[ziggie0181]

Why make it so hard? In a survival situation, I'll pass on the whole flint,sticks, and glass for cheap Butane Lighter anyday. Or even a 15 dollar butane torch.

[Rick]

Because we're purist, Ziggie. We make fire the old fashioned way. We earn it. Then when we fail we use a lighter.

[skunkkiller]

since I learned to use flint and steel Ihave not used A LIGHTER TO START A FIRE it more fun with flint n steel and more rewarding .

[ironranger]

How about a fire from a chocolate bar and a soda can?
I Love HyperLinks (http://wildwoodsurvival.com/survival/fire/cokeandchocolatebar/)

I didn't believe / understand it until I saw it but, once you see the trick you understand.

[Rick]

You might try the Search function. We've discussed it. It's even mentioned in this thread.

[snakeman]

With flint i think the best tinder is cotton balls, lint, or birch bark. Flint is a lot easier than friction fires.

[Rick]

And char cloth.

[erunkiswldrnssurvival]

Flint and steel is good to know and practice often, but I often use the bow drill method it seems to work better for me.. this pic a good example of of thehttp://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=16&pictureid=70 firebow

[Rick]

Let me get this straight. You think working your fingers bloody to get a spark is easier than 1) strike 2) blow 3) fire?

Uh, no. Flints, flints, flints....come on, repeat after me....flints.....

[erunkiswldrnssurvival]

The wood that i use sparks rapidly.and also the drill is comfortable to hold and use,shaped for the hand. i use cotton or jute for tinder. it works ok for me.

[Rick]

Well, as one of our most noble members would say, "If it works for you then it works for me." (thank you, Crash)

[erunkiswldrnssurvival]

Its not like my most favorite way to build fires, though i often use this method. weather conditions wreak havoc the "FIRE" bow. there may be more reliable ways. i normaly always carry a magnesium flint stick and a ZIPPO.

[crashdive123]

Ah yes, back-ups. You can never have too many.

[erunkiswldrnssurvival]

Thats right, I dont like not being able to build a fire. multiple aproaches to getting one lit
is a good notion observe

[klkak]

Yea and when I'm dreaming about building a fire I put some tender in the palm of one hand. Slap my hands together sharply then rub them together vigorously for a couple seconds. then cup my hand and gently blow on the tender and a flame springs to life. However when I'm out in the bush or the back yard and need to start a fire I use a ferro rod and a cotton ball soaked in paraffin or some birch bark or both...,

[erunkiswldrnssurvival]

Didnt stan laurel used to do that too?

[sh4d0wm4573ri7]

I prefer flint n steel or blastmatch ,strike force and cotton however I like a challenge so heres a bad vid of me using a bow n drill and igniting just ceder shavings
http://s230.photobucket.com/albums/ee202/sh4d0wm4573ri7/?action=view&current=Video009.flv

[crashdive123]

Looked like you had it going for a bit....

[sh4d0wm4573ri7]

Yea normally I make a nest of jute and ceder shavings however on this occasion my oldest son was here and we made a bet, I said I could get a flame with just the ceder shavings and he bet me a 20 I couldn't lol thx son

[Rick]

I carry a small aluminum tube (about the size of a drinking straw) in my fire kit. It really helps to direct your breath when blowing on a fire. It makes for a hotter fire than just using your lips. You could use 1/4 inch copper tubing or anything along those lines. The aluminum is rugged enough that it doesn't get damaged in the pack.

[sh4d0wm4573ri7]

good tip thx rick

[tsitenha]

I carry surgical tubing that will act as a flexible straw and like the above aluminum tube will also redirect air to the fire. Plus all kinds of other uses, repair a sling shot, possible tourniquet, lure body etc...

[Rick]

Oh, I forgot to mention...and this is important.....it's blow, don't suck.

[chazlawyer]

I'm a big fan of having back-ups and multiple options...so when the need for fire arises...


For Spark and Ignition:
BlastMatch
Magnesium bar with hacksaw blade
FireSteel
Matches (in waterproof container)
Magnifying glass

For Tinder:
Esbit fuel blocks
Spark-lite wet tinder
dryer lint
cotton balls w/ vaseline (in waterproof container)

This all fits nicely in the MOLLE pouch which is part of my main emergency pack (not what I would go hiking with...i use a much smaller pack for that)

[Dennis K.]

Oh, I forgot to mention...and this is important.....it's blow, don't suck.

Please tell me this was not learned by trial and error :)

[Tony uk]

Please tell me this was not learned by trial and error :)

Its Rick your talking about here Dennis :p

[crashdive123]

Now he tells me.

http://dataisdelicio.us/img/fire_eater.jpg

[erunkiswldrnssurvival]

Ok lets make that plan c on our fire starting attempts list.

[yukon55]

or you could use one of these it emits sparks at 1500-2400 degreeshttp://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://images.buzzillions.com/images_products/04/92/light_my_fire_firesteel_reviews_505040_300.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.buzzillions.com/dz_319056_light_my_fire_firesteel_reviews&h=300&w=300&sz=7&hl=en&start=10&um=1&usg=__X4V0_lZ-ccgXwyP_LdjQjdnH1Z8=&tbnid=2P--EltasFiM7M:&tbnh=116&tbnw=116&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dlight%2Bmy%2Bfire%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den% 26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN

[Runs With Beer]

A flint and steel fire is easyer than you think, You must have the right parts to make it work. Agood steel, A peice of flint or chert, And you have to have char.All this info is on U tube.Ive used this for years, And its the most reliable fire making fire method I know of, in any weather any time. I make fire steels, Ill send one free of charge to the first post that wants one. A whole kit!

[nell67]

Sure,why not,I'll take one.:D

[crashdive123]

RWB - bring one of your kits on the 8th....I'll trade ya a Hawaiian sling for it.:rolleyes:

[Runs With Beer]

Nell Pm me where to send it to, And Ill send.Avd Crash Ill bring you bring.

[crashdive123]

Deal - I'll cut some fresh bamboo this week.

[Rick]

I also use steel and flint. It is easy but the weather can mess you up if your char cloth gets wet. For bad weather I usually resort to Vaseline cotton balls and a lighter. Works first time, every time.

[sh4d0wm4573ri7]

I agree prefer flint n steel to all forms of fire starting

[Runs With Beer]

Amen, Brother of the Bush.

[Fletcher]

gasoline and a bic works for me!

[S.E.R.E Guy]

Metal matches are great,just a stick of magnesium damn near the same as flint n steel but you have to be careful because some batches suck and are hard as hell to light

[crashdive123]

I got one of Runs With Bear's fire kits this past weekend. Very nice. Thank you.

[hoosierarcher]

Well I have been going through all the fire making methods I have ever heard of in the last year. I have been lately been trying the bowdrill method and the tree most abundant around me is maple. Maple has proven hard to find a straight enough limb for a spindle. I finally did but it's rather short, less than 10". Anyway I made the bow from choke cherry and the fireboard from maple too. Maple didn't give me much smoldering punk very fast so on the recommendation of a friend I'm looking for somne season sycamore. Apparently of the trees in my area it will work the best. I may also be able to get some cottonwood if I keep my eyes peeled. I don't think the local hedge or rather osage orange will work. I guess what it boils down to is not all woods are equal when you're looking to make fire with fiction. The bamboo saw method worked pretty well but it took an hour to generate enough smoldering punk.

[skunkkiller]

flint and steel is a good way to start a fire the inside pod of a milk weed plant will caught a sprak and hold it but you need a sprak exstender.i collect them in late fall when the pods are open it is the part the seeds are hooked to brake the tip off put on flint like char cloth and strike not real hard or the sprak will fly passed the pod.

[SARKY]

I've done away with lighters and matches in my kit. I've found that no matter the weather, I can always start a fire with a flint and steel as long as I have the appropiate tinder. For tinder I carry cottonballs (real cotton) soaked in petrolium jelly for lousy weather and OB brand tampons (you just can't compress cotton that small by hand) for good weather. The OBs I will cut into thirds as needed and fluff up then just hit it with a spark and you got fire.

[wild kid]

I would recommend a magnesium stick.they are easy to learn to use and work well.:D

[ricm123]

I've done away with lighters and matches in my kit. I've found that no matter the weather, I can always start a fire with a flint and steel as long as I have the appropiate tinder. For tinder I carry cottonballs (real cotton) soaked in petrolium jelly for lousy weather and OB brand tampons (you just can't compress cotton that small by hand) for good weather. The OBs I will cut into thirds as needed and fluff up then just hit it with a spark and you got fire.

I'd never have the nerve to buy tampons. (It's a guy thing...)
The 4 for $1 butane's work fine for me.

Also, I can't figure out how to char cloth before you start a fire?
Maybe you do it in advance and carry it with you because no cheap butane's are available?

My expensive butane cost $1.19. It has an L.E.D. built in.

[crashdive123]

Ricm123 - here are a couple of threads about making char cloth.

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=4163&highlight=char+cloth

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=5153&highlight=char+cloth

[sniperfx]

Magnesium Bar For Me!