Fire lighting with SAK magnifying glass.

angus macguyver · **on:** August 27, 2021, 07:51:37 AM

Gents and Ladies.
Has anyone here lit a fire using the Champ glass, I have found that mine only 'likes' dark materials...my sandals foe example, cannot get it to burn newspaper or pure cotton buds, it struggles with cardboard. The focal point is tiny and a regular magnifying glass is almost instant on any material..including skin. Just wondering.

Echotech · **Reply #1 on:** August 27, 2021, 08:02:26 AM

Hi Angus, seem to remember it wasn't that easy, but do-able in the right conditions, check this link for previous discussion

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,85512.msg2161084.html#msg2161084

trichosirius · **Reply #2 on:** August 27, 2021, 03:11:06 PM

I’ve done it some years ago, and remember it being quite difficult to get started. It did not happen on my first or second attempt.
The lens focuses light enough to smolder and burn dry tinder, but it is concentrated into such a small area that it takes some time to really make anything happen. Friction fire is much easier and more reliable by contrast.

Barry Rowland · **Reply #3 on:** August 27, 2021, 03:50:05 PM

I've managed to get it done with both of the Mag Lense styles, but I'd hate to have to count on it in a survival situation!

Aloha · **Reply #4 on:** August 27, 2021, 03:52:04 PM

Quite difficult. I was not patient when I tried. I live in a very sunny area so I was hoping it wouldn't take long. Like Barry, I would not want to rely on a mag glass to light a fire.

angus macguyver · **Reply #5 on:** August 28, 2021, 08:56:11 AM

Thanks everyone.

Fireman · **Reply #6 on:** August 29, 2021, 01:03:37 AM

When I was a kid in school, they gave us magifying glasses to look at bugs or something. We immediately set fire to our notebook paper. Either I was far more patient as a kid, or the SAK magnifiers suck, because even in intense Florida sun I've never made fire with one.

Jothra · **Reply #7 on:** August 29, 2021, 02:24:56 AM

The larger your lens, the more light is focused into a small point. It is the way.

hsherzfeld · **Reply #8 on:** August 29, 2021, 05:06:57 PM

I think I've managed to ignite char cloth with my Explorer's magnifying glass, but that's sort of cheating. It's not realistic for a "survival situation" unless you always carry char cloth with you, since making char cloth requires a fire in the first place!