Of all the fire starting videos I have seen and of all the fire starting articles I have read there is one fire starting tool I have never seen mentioned. It is a tool I have used for years starting fires. Almost everybody that sees a picture is going to recognize the instantly. It can be purchased for a few dollars online or in any automotive or welding supply store. It can be used one handed with gloves. I am very surprised that every camping store isn’t selling these ride along with their other fire starting tools. Has anybody else ever used or thought about using one of these to start a campfire with? This tool is so simple why is it not talked about more?
I cannot envision a scenario in which I would voluntarily chose something like this over a $1 bic lighter. Matches and lighters are cheap and readily available, why not just use the best tool for the job?
@Wei
I actually prefer these for lightning my coleman stove. The effect is the same, but for whatever reason, I find it more amusing.
@Wei
I totally agree and a lighter is my number one go to. I think you misunderstood my question. My question is with all the alternative fire starting movies you see in videos and articles such as Ferrocerium rods, flint and steel, bow drills, steel wool and 9 volt battery and hundreds other ways of starting a fire this simple tool is never mentioned.
@Nile
This is just a quick convenient flint and steel though.
Harlem said:
@Nile
This is just a quick convenient flint and steel though.
And you can just swipe it from science class.
Harlem said:
@Nile
This is just a quick convenient flint and steel though.
It is like an empty Zippo, just larger and less convenient because you have to carry fuel separate.
Harlem said:
@Nile
This is just a quick convenient flint and steel though.
It is like an empty Zippo, just larger and less convenient because you have to carry fuel separate.
It will make a lot more sparks than a zippo though
Harlem said:
@Nile
This is just a quick convenient flint and steel though.
EXACTLY
And it’s one-handed and clips right on to your belt with a carabiner. So with all the hundreds of other fire starting message you see him videos and articles why is this never mentioned. It works just as good as a Ferrocerium rod. The Flint used in this are Ferrocerium.
@Nile
Because with the flint people can feel like they’re being rugged and earthy. Even moreso with the other things you mentioned. With this thing though most people would be like “oh ok I’ll just get a lighter then”
@Nile
Flint and steel is smaller, lighter, and can also be put on a carabiner like 90% of the time
But also why do you want your fire starter on your belt where it could get wet or damaged? Just put it in your pocket or bag. Which is super easy cause, again, a flint and steel is smaller
@Ren
How are all the babes on the trail going to know how rugged you are if your fire starter isn’t hanging from your belt, preferably next to your Rambo knife?
Taron said:
@Ren
How are all the babes on the trail going to know how rugged you are if your fire starter isn’t hanging from your belt, preferably next to your Rambo knife?
Bingo!
@Ren
This doesn’t care if it gets wet and the Flint still requires two hands this aren’t requires one. That can be a plus if you’re injured.
Nile said:
@Ren
This doesn’t care if it gets wet and the Flint still requires two hands this aren’t requires one. That can be a plus if you’re injured.
If you pack for everything that could go wrong, you wouldn’t be able to move.
You can also use a lighter one handed.
@Ren
You are not talking about a ferrocerium rod are you?
Flink and steel is not the same as a ferrocerium rod
@Nile
Because all that other stuff has some kinda rustic feel like you’re a caveman discovering fire. A torch flint is just an industrial sparker it doesn’t really have that old school feel while also not being packable like a bic or some of the more fancy ones
@Nile
This is like 20 times larger than a flint rod on your keychain. Hopefully you’d already be packing a pocket knife to strike your flint with.
@Nile
It’s because all those videos and articles and movies are made for entertainment. I think this sparker just isn’t very interesting or cool to get the attention.
Having done some long, 100 mile treks and spent days in a tent on the glaciers of high mountains, the only fire starter that I carry is a Bic mini and then another Bic mini in my backup/first aid kit. Butane doesn’t work well in the cold, so you slide it under your glove into the palm of your hand for a bit and it’ll be warm in a 5-10 minutes.
@Nile
It’s a fabrication tool. Lives on my acetylene tank. But essentially just flint and steel. So it was kind of mentioned. They also have arc lighters now.