I was in Aviemore last weekend and brought home what I believe to be said fungus, ( hard black tar like outer surface and brown velvet like inside) what I would like to know is what is the best way to prepare it for tinder. I usually use cotton wool and vasaline with my swedish firesteel.................. is horse hoof more trouble than its worth?
horse hoof fungus
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andyn
Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Try search for horse hoof or Fomes Fomentarius (I hope thats spelt right, otherwise you're not going to get many results. LOL )
Patricks article is good, but not the only way: http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8071
Patricks article is good, but not the only way: http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8071
Manmade tinder
Horses hoof amadou is quite labour intensive to prepare, but in my mind it is very worthwhile, it takes a spark very well and is often difficult to extinguish.
ATB
Ogri the trog
If you are going to use it with your swedish firesteel it is enough to dry it out. That said if you are using a ferro rod why bother to use horse hoof fungus anyway. The fungus is known for it`s ability to catch faint sparks (flint and steel) and glow for a long time. You then have to transfer the glowing fungus to a tinderball and blow air in it to make fire.
A ferro rod will ignite grass, paper, birch bark (shavings) and cotton/vasaline directly.
Tor H
A ferro rod will ignite grass, paper, birch bark (shavings) and cotton/vasaline directly.
Tor H
I think it's more the chance to learn a new skill, untill I'm able to get my hands on a proper
"flint & steel" can I get similar results with my firesteel? In theory are there paralells between the two methods.
"flint & steel" can I get similar results with my firesteel? In theory are there paralells between the two methods.
If you are after a flint and steel you wont regret getting a Drgons breath kit from John Fenna (no connection etc just a very happy purchaser)
sorry i dont know how to post link but if you look in the makers market you can find them there under the Welsh Bushcrafter Leather Pouches title. hope this helps
I see you've posted on John's thread, it's a basic kit but well put together and very effective - you won't be disappointed
just orderd one can't wait............. looks like I have some serious horse hoof tinder prep tonight. SWMBO will not be inpressed.
Getting fire from a flint and steel is harder than using a ferro rod. Try making some char cloth as this works well with flint and steel. Maver did a good tutorial about it ... http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10049&highlight=maver+char+cloth
I think you get some with John's kit, but you will soon need more..
True tinder fungus (Birch conk) http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/gallery/DisplayBlock~bid~5349.asp is one of the best (if not the best) fungi to use with flint and steel..
it's might not be as rare as I think, but there doesn't seem to the greatest amount of birch in my area........... mybe i havn't wandered far enough. But while i Aviemore I came across loads so I brought some home to play with. And as I said I really want to expand my knowledge of bushcraft.
Comments like that could cause unrest!
I've never seen it growing despite years of looking around Hampshire/Berkshire nor in South or Mid Wales. Not sure why but I am also missing out on Cramp Balls in this neck of the woods too.
ATB
Ogri the trog
Here in Croatia Fomes fomentarius is very common,but grow on beech,rarely on other broadleaf trees(found yesterday one on ash).Anyway preparing for tinder takes lot of work,and with firesteel there is many tinders that will work just fine with less effort.
Whilst useful fungus are being discussed, what's the secret of getting a Cramp ball to take a spark? I fired enough to burn a house down at one but nothing! I was under the impression that one only has to get a hint of a spark to smoulder.
A couple of questions for you.
Are they black? - Might seem a daft question but they don't tend to take easily if they're not.
Are you sure that they're dry? (I know - another daft question)
Are you striking onto the inner part of the fungus?
Are they black? - Might seem a daft question but they don't tend to take easily if they're not.
Are you sure that they're dry? (I know - another daft question)
Are you striking onto the inner part of the fungus?
