Fire lighting kit

[Sparky415]

Thanks Guys! 

I have also ordered some waterproof matches

Still open to suggestions 

[Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!]

Good start Sparky I would use the space taken up by the flashlight and pack in more tinder. Something more substantial that would burn 5-10 minutes would be good to have for when it's wet out.

A square of Hexi or esbit, corrugated cardboard dipped in wax, fatwood etc.

[Sparky415]

Good start Sparky I would use the space taken up by the flashlight and pack in more tinder. Something more substantial that would burn 5-10 minutes would be good to have for when it's wet out.

A square of Hexi or esbit, corrugated cardboard dipped in wax, fatwood etc.

Good thinking 
And I think the pill capsule will go when the waterproof matches get here
I have also ordered some 'gel fuel'
I will see if I can fit that in when it comes

I will have to visit the Army surplus as well when I'm over that direction (for hexi etc)

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Still open to suggestions 

How about making yourself something like this...

http://www.jelldragon.com/images/sg_fire_striker.jpg

Then you just need a bit cotton wool and a bit of flint

[Sparky415]

    That looks like hard work!   








If I'm going to get lost in the outback I'm taking petrol! 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Just use an old file mate

Just use the smooth face of it though

[Sparky415]

You just want to see me cut my fingers of on a bit of flint 

I might give it a try one day 

Just for a laugh I've been trying to 'turn' knobs using a battery drill and a sander this evening 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Maybe you next house should be a bit closer to the hospital mate

[Sparky415]

  what are you trying to say? 









 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

 

[Sparky415]

You asked for it....here's a picture of my new Knob 

[Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!]

Here's a plateful of waxed cardboard firestarters I made this weekend.

[Sparky415]

They look like chocolate 

How did you make them? Do you dip cardboard in wax?
Do you then cut them up and stick them together and light the whole block? 

[Neil]

I like your new knob Tony

[Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!]

I thought they looked like those delicious Marmite bars everyone enjoyed at the meet...

They are just strips of corrugated cardboard dipped in melted wax. You can use as much as needed to start the fire...I used just half a strip folded and stood on edge in the photos.

[nuphoria]

They are neat 


Tony, that is a lovely knob sir, but take care of those fingers!

[Sparky415]

Another great idea Spork 

Thanks for the praise peps its only small but I'm very proud of it 

[John]

The waxed board is a great idea 

Tony perhaps you may want to consider fashioning some flexible finger prosthesis's,may I suggest wax free willow   

[Gareth]

I thought they looked like those delicious Marmite bars everyone enjoyed at the meet...

They are just strips of corrugated cardboard dipped in melted wax. You can use as much as needed to start the fire...I used just half a strip folded and stood on edge in the photos.

And probably taste just as bad.

Great idea though, I'll give it a shot myself sometime.

[Sparky415]

Firstly not all Firesteels are created equal! 
The cheap ones I got from bushcraft are a right bugger to use, I think I would be spending a very cold night in the wilderness if I had to rely these (maybe if I was in the SAS or something)
The 'Swedish firesteel Scout' and the ones from 'firesteel.co.uk'  are great as is the 'Greenheat' gel packets and my new mini mess tin (once you have gone over the edges with a little file) 

I did try one of my waterproof matches and it took quite a few goes to get it to light not sure why maybe I'm doing it wrong? 

[Neil]

Perhaps you didn't get enough of the wax off the head  If they're that type.

[John]

Maybe Tony needs to see my latex match,only a knife cut needed for FIRE!! 

[Sparky415]

 

I'm not sure probably operator error

Whatever that is John I want one! 

[Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!]

There is a technique involved with lighting Lifeboat matches - ETS

[Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!]

Is that the handle you made for the firesteel Sparky? It looks good

[Sparky415]

Thanks for that Spork,  
I will read that tomorrow, too tired, too hayfeavered, too much beer now
Yes that my new knob  
I have another one I have started this eve to play with for tomorrow

 

[nuphoria]

It's good to get a handle on things 


As we're talking steels here, do you lot have any preference on strikers? I had a wimpy bit of old hacksaw blade for mine but it's not exactly great. I have also used the back of blades but I know there must something better out there 

[Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!]

I like a striker that doesn't flex so I don't generally use hacksaw blades. I like using knife spines because being able to grip a striker with my entire hand gives me a lot more leverage and control.

[Sparky415]

I'm new at this but it seems to me a hacksaw blade is used because the steel is quite good,
when its ground on a grinder you leave the 'burr' on the edge of the blade, this scrapes the flint to make a spark
I will try to draw what I mean
I will try to make a good one tomorrow from a reciprocating saw blade and tell you what I find 


I started typing this before Sporks answer so I will add it anyway 

[Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!]

This is my favorite cook kit knife and Trangia lighter...an AG Russell Woodswalker