Probably a good thing as I only practice with my fire steel every couple of years when I get a whimsy to do it� which means if the rubber ever me the road and I had to use Plan C I'd likely be screwed�
I make it a point, once winter comes on, to walk the ridge trail near my home and at least make a fire weekly for a hot drink...
To do this I carry water, a tin cup, coffee or cocoa, and a fire steel... No tinder, no fire paste, no cotton balls or vaseline...
The cotton balls and tinder always ride along, but I use shavings and dried grass to start my fire. Most fire steels are quite capable of doing the job if you prepare properly.
I can generally pick up my tinder while I walk, and have my fire made, water heated, and drink finished in a half hour...
It's become a bit of a ritual, and I sorta enjoy the time I spend on it...
