You guys know that the LMF type steels can be used with sandpaper? I have a "micro kit" that is TSA compliant that I never have to give up. It's transparent so I don't even have to open it to use my button compass
There are some #16 fish hooks in there now. One can always seem to be able to count on catching dumb minnows.
The green match case is UCO stormproof matches, if you turn half of them upside down you can fit 36 matches and a couple of extra strikers instead of the regular 24.
The paracord lanyard has a scraper, firesteel rod, soft magnesium and jute twine tied into a fob. You can get the scraper, firesteel and magnesium from firesteel.com. I originally got the set from the Paracordist but I don't think he sells them anymore.
The longer the trip and nastier the weather I carry more Fatwood, which I get from these guys.
Dan- One of the fellows at he ECR had the new Gransfors. It certainly is tempting, the only thing I'm a tick Leary of is is resemblance to a Hudson Bay axe, which are prone to head problems. I'm hoping the steel collar combined with the simple fact that it is a GRANSFORS will lay my worries to rest. I've a Mini and have no bones with it, but I do like the extra snap that the outdoors axe affords. It's a slick little number and I'll be listening along in earnest as you keep putting the miles on yours.
I haven't seen anyone even mention it - it's what the old timers ( trappers with sparkers) used to start fires.
You can make it by taking a tee shirt cutting it into 2" by 2" pieces (or whatever fits into your container well), putting a huge bunch of it into a small air tight paint container, poking a single hole in the top with a nail, and then putting it on a camp stove on high and watch smoke roll out the hole, when it slows down stop and let it cool. What you get is cloth that looks like charcoal but feels like material of a propane lantern - and it catches sparks and glows as the embers start to catch.
Go to this site and you can see somebody is making some
If you mix Char cloth with anything that is harder to start but burns long you have a good setup.
Char cloth is relatively unheard of today, but it's a heck of a neat thing to do on a weekend with a kid, and flint and steel.
it's wild how char cloth picks up sparks, essentially char cloth is charcoal in a thin fabric form that catches sparks and keeps them alive and burning.
I've made a few firestraws with just soda straws but started thinking. Why not some sealed cotton balls in something more compact. Thought about the Foodsaver vacuum sealer. So I made some firestarting packets of vaseline soaked cotton balls sealed in Foodsaver vacuum plastic. They aren't vacuumed, just sealed.
I made several, they are sealed and waterproof and will pack down into an altoids tin or some similar container.
You can light the whole packet with a lighter which I tried out or cut and partially pull out the cotton ball and it will fire right off with a firesteel which is what I did in this photo. They seem to burn about 4 minutes.
Just trying some different alternatives. I think this is neat as everything stays weather sealed and dry and packs flat. A couple could be carried in a fire kit or just thrown in a pocket.
Gloria In Excelsis Deo!
Originally Posted by Calvin
As far as gear goes.. The poorer (or cheaper) you are, the tougher you need to be.
Anybody tried to wet a vaseline soaked cottonball? I'm wondering if they'll light, really they can't absorb water much can they?
I just tried it the melting vaseline will cause the match to flare up but the cotton will not light. This was a soaked cotton ball I don't know about a damp one.
Anybody tried to wet a vaseline soaked cottonball? I'm wondering if they'll light, really they can't absorb water much can they?
I just tried it the melting vaseline will cause the match to flare up but the cotton will not light. This was a soaked cotton ball I don't know about a damp one.
A sustained flame from a lighter will get a soaked pj cottonball to light, but you need to wring the water out first.
Here's an article on how to make fire straws from petroleum jelly soaked cottonball and giant pixy sticks.
Anybody tried to wet a vaseline soaked cottonball? I'm wondering if they'll light, really they can't absorb water much can they?
I just tried it the melting vaseline will cause the match to flare up but the cotton will not light. This was a soaked cotton ball I don't know about a damp one.
A sustained flame from a lighter will get a soaked pj cottonball to light, but you need to wring the water out first.
Here's an article on how to make fire straws from petroleum jelly soaked cottonball and giant pixy sticks.
I think another factor is how much vaseline is used and how well it is worked into the ball.
I use the cotton cosmetic squares. I've found that they stick to each other well and can be sort of gummy. I've made some with vaseline and a little mineral oil. The oil seems to soak the cotton better and still burns well especially with vaseline in the mix. Haven't tried them wet, but think the oil is a benefit.
If you take the time it takes, it takes less time. --Pat Parelli
American by birth; Alaskan by choice. --ironbender
Went looking for some fatwood today. There is an old burn with lots of downed pines. This is a place not far from here. The view is high, looking off of the Blue Ridge Escarpment and across the Piedmont.
Found some good wood at the base of a broken pine. Not sure if it is honest to goodness "fatwood" but it is very resin-rich and can be lit with nothing but a match.
It was a cold day with spitting snow flurries and high wind. I got a pretty good handful. Put with what I have already collected and I have plenty for my kit. Probably more than I'll use. I just don't make that many fires when out and about. Enjoyable day anyway and as good excuse as any to get out.
Gloria In Excelsis Deo!
Originally Posted by Calvin
As far as gear goes.. The poorer (or cheaper) you are, the tougher you need to be.