Fire pistons!

[GrimmFire]

I'm currently doing some research on a project I'm considering. I was thinking of making fire pistons/fire kits for a hobby/side gig. If I were to make basic fire pistons for around 15 to 20 bucks with some basic items on the side. Is that something every body thinks is acceptable. I was also considering doing some in titanium as well for about 40 bucks each nothing special just the strait out fire piston tried and true.

[crashdive123]

You may want to go here http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...-Introductions and introduce yourself. You may also want to go into more detail about what your project.

I made a fire piston. Worked well. Cost less than $3 to make. It was a novelty sort of thing for me. Also for me - there are so many better ways to start a fire that it would be rare that I ever carry one. Good to understand and know how to use, but that's about it for me.

[hunter63]

Made one, didn't work....so went back to a Bic or ferro rod...
Not some thing I would carry.

[GrimmFire]

Thank you for the heads up. I know they can be pretty easy to make, but I'm aiming for those lazy people who would rather buy one. The thing I notice about them is that they aren't always cheap to buy. My goal is to offer a cheaper solution. The first option is aluminum length will be around 4 inches the titanium option would be the same length. I was also planing to offer redundancy into the kit by including other means to start a fire with directions for each method... firesteel bowdrill things of that nature. I would include multiple tinder options. But my main goal is the pistons. The accessories are included. If enough people are interested I can custom make pistons as well. My pistons would come with a limited lifetime warranty.

[hunter63]

Well, I don't want my life limited....so maybe I should skip the warranty?...
And if I die, who would collect, or are you just going to offer free replacement?

[GrimmFire]

Free replacements on defects due to build flaw. Shipping would be covered on new and replaced items. But this is all in the beginning stages if I don't get enough interest none of it matters. Just wanted to know if people would buy. I plan on doing a few runs to see if I get any sales if it's not worth the time. I'll just gift out my stock.

[hunter63]

Build me one, I'll buy it and give it a try........
PM me with details.

[Rick]

Don't you think it's a bit tacky to post a poll then select all the Yes items and leave the one No item blank? Sounds like market research to me. I don't use them.

[crashdive123]

Just a wee bit spammy IMO.

I will say - if your only goal in joining the forum is to sell your wares, you will be disappointed.

[finallyME]

To me, fire pistons are parlor tricks. They look cool to people who have no idea how to start a fire....but I would never carry one in an emergency kit. I would rather carry the weight in ferro rods. Right now, I carry a ferro rod, an extra ferro rod, some more small ferro rods stashed in different places, a mag block, a bic lighter, generally another bic somewhere else in my gear, a bunch of storm matches, and a magnifying glass I took off a set of binos. I pair that with some PJ and cotton balls.

Anyways, for your main question.... make a website, make some pistons, see if anyone buys them. There is always ebay. Make 20 and see how long they take to sell. I won't buy one though.

[GrimmFire]

My reason for joining isn't to make money. If I happen to its a bonus. I just thought using a resource such as this forum to get people's input was a good idea especially since the item I'm thinking about making is targeted to people who may be members. This is a hobby project not my career. In any case thank you for stopping by. I'll post pictures of the ones I make in my first batch. If I get enough interest I'll consider anodizing/dieing them in future lots. Everything will be made by my own hands no out sourcing just getting supplies and I do the rest. I'll remove my poll since it seems to offend...

[GrimmFire]

Well I can't figure out how to remove the poll. I guess people will have to ignore it.

[canid]

Last year I tooled up to make a decent sized batch of them for sale. It did not go as easily as expected even using reamed bores, and machine tools and while I still have materials on hand to finish a bunch eventually I have to call the project a loss. Your mileage may vary but I found it be to more involved than expected.

[hunter63]

I would just like to see one work.......LOL
I'm still in.......

Currently way down on my list of stuff to carry.....but,.... What the heck?
I spent $20 buck on dumber stuff.......