What fire starter

[KenThis]

The WD40 tip is great because as you say it's hard to 'fluff' the pads

I found that cotton balls work much better.
If you dip a cotton ball in candle wax, the wax coats the outside but the inside stays 'cotton wool'.
When you want to use it just break it or cut in half and fluff the wool part.
Takes a spark like plain cotton wool and burns for a few minutes.

I've been experimenting trying to make little 'Live Fire' knockoffs.
I will be using your WD40 tip to try to keep the fibres more easily exposed... Thanks.

 

[WealdenWoodsman]

Birch bark and a match on most occasions, quick and easy.

 

[juliojordio1983]

I use Birch bark too, or some Fatwood.

 

[kard133]

Following on from my previous post, the yellow pad on the right is plain wax, the one on the left is soaked with WD40 and then waxed, both have simply been torn apart by hand.

 

[Tony]

That's a good demonstration of the difference

 

[Sundowner]

I use fatwood all the time as I have a lot of that stuff. It's a bit weird at times using only fatwood. I always have it in my pocket with my Opinel and a ferro rod. Guess i have to force myself to make char cloth and practise with a bow drill

 

[Bazzworx]

I just use a ferro rod and generally make a few feather sticks which with a few fine curls will light from the sparks. I try and avoid taking tinder out with me as I find it part of the fun to forage for materials. I do however keep a finger sized piece of fatwood in my pack that I can shave a bit of if needed. I learned to make and use a fire bow last year and that was a very rewarding experience but I doubt I'd use one out in the field though.

 

[Tonyuk]

Cotton balls in Vaseline, char cloth, hexy, home bargains fire lighters, fire dragon, birch bark... All work well, i carry a few lighters and a firesteel with me.