What Is Your Recommended Compact EDC Fire Starter?

[Xelkos]

Want to get a compact and a regular fire starter tool, and looking for quality product recommendations. Would like a compact version to EDC with, because you just never know!

A larger one maybe to have for a field kit to keep in the car, or for back packing.


Thanks   

[glorn]

Is this for fun.. novelty.. practice of new methods...?

Or are we talking about emergent use and daily convenience?


I ask because I can think of no better EDC fire starter than a Bic lighter, and I know I am not alone in that thought.

If I were going for novelty or skill building, then I'd go for a flint and steel; I would learn to make charcloth as well.

If I wanted to go with some of the more common EDC fire starters, then just about any ferro rod set up will do. I like the LMF model (Firesteel), and I like the Doan magnesium block with ferro rod.

There are other options as well, especially in the one handed arena, but.. I personally prefer the more primitive methods.

Ideally, I'd have a wrap with flint, steel, charcloth, tinder, and then about half a dozen Bics. It's cool to be able to light a fire with flint and steel, but.. I don't really want to if I can flick a Bic.

Currently I have a Bic in my pocket, one in my bag, and a Doan magnesium starter in the bag as well. Oh, and there's a Sparklite and Tinder Quik in there too as another last resort.

Sparklite and TQ is a good option for small, one handed, and light. Works as described. Cheap.

Doan mag block takes more effort initially, but burns hot and strong.

I'd still take a bag of Bics over all the options I've tried. Though bow drill was kinda fun. Not as successful as I'd like, but fun. Frustrating too I suppose.     

[Xelkos]

More for a practical and/or an "Aww Smurf!" situation. I know a lot of people go for the liquid fuel thing, but those have issues in more than ways than one.

Am looking for a non-liquid practical version for EDC, and one for long term use in an emergency pack - so liquid would not be a wise choice as it may not be used for quite some time in the car/pack kit.

When the smurf hits the fan I want to be prepared when ever it happens; whether I be on foot or in a car.

[Turnstone]

Something that works really well for me is a LMF fire steel (there are small, compact ones and larger ones) together with some cotton balls that are treated with petroleum jelly. The cotton balls catch fire instantly, and if you soak them with petroleum jelly they will burn really long, for most purposes I just use a little bit of it. For a kit I would soak them and put them in a film canister or another small box. Everything is waterproof and should last quite a while. A single cotton ball should burn really long, in most cases you can just use parts of it. Just try it at home (not inside, only if you have a fire place)

[Stirling3749]

I've also heard of folks dipping pine cones in wax for a nice long burning tinder (sort of a candle effect.)
The cotton ball thing would probably light easier but for some reason I think using pine cones is cool.

As mentioned already a Bic lighter is a great, reliable and light weight way to make flame and works as a nice emergency method if you enjoy using more primitive (interesting) methods.

For a larger kit I'd also think about a Zippo and a spare can of liquid lighter fluid. in a pinch you could squirt some fluid on the tinder and light er up. 

[Sazabi]

In addition to vaseline-soaked cotton balls, pine needles, and the like, you could also add dryer lint to your tinder kit.  Readily available in the US, not so much in Europe, where dryers are less common, but eh.

[Gareth]

Another vote for a small disposable lighter, not the coolest fire gadget perhaps but it'll get the job done.

Well worth a look is the LMF Swedish FireSteels, come in mini, scout and army models.

http://www.lightmyfire.com/default.asp?ID=209&pID=147

[David]

I like the Exotac it is expensive but small and light. Comes in different colors and a Ti model.

[David]

Here is a pic of it apart.

[sparky415]

I like the Exotac it is expensive but small and light. Comes in different colors and a Ti model.

That's sexy! 

+1 vaseline-soaked cotton balls 

[Xelkos]

Here is a pic of it apart.

nanoSTRIKER


Threw one on my cc, blaze orange. Their supply is low if others are interested. Also replacement parts are available, and the ferrocerium rod is only $4. The nanoStriker only weighs 0.6 ounces in the aluminum version. Surprised Leatherman never thought of this idea.

$26.95, the limited edition titanium is $48.

nanoSTRIKER How to

This fire starter are sexy! Thanks for the share!!

[Xelkos]

I liked this video on the nanoStriker. 

Nanostriker Fire Starter vs. Light My Fire Scout

[Xelkos]

Also found Exotac had a facebook page. Seems not many others knew about them as of last night they had 29 likes. So, umm, http://www.facebook.com/Exotac ~ There, I feel all warm and fuzzy inside now. 

[diabolicturtle]

I use one of these when I'm out and about it's a good compliment to a bic or a firesteel weather your camping, or whatever

http://www.permanentmatch.com/

[Xelkos]

My order from Exotac shipped today. They are an awesome company already.

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Hmm, Def, which one of you mates is going to write a review on MTO?