Firesteel contraversy!

[John Fenna]

I have not used a lighter to light a fire in years!
I much prefer a trad flint and steel - it is a lot more fun...and I am out there to have fun
I do carry a "pocket blowtorch" ... but that is for canoe repairs and...desperation!
A sparkstick is in my kit/on my knife sheath for the odd play - and for trangias!

 

[JonathanD]

They are more fun, less to go wrong, and last a Hell of a lot longer. Oh, and did I say more fun.

 

[Nightfly]

And a BIC holder on your sheath, well, it just doesn't look right

 

[Miyagi]

And a BIC holder on your sheath, well, it just doesn't look right

Are you saying a Zippo would have a bit more class?

Are you being "lighter-ist"?

Liam

 

[spandit]

I was intrigued by the storm kettle point above. I always light mine through the air hole (with a lighter or matches) - never thought about trying to direct sparks down the chimney!

As for being "lighter-ist" - who are these millionaires carrying about Bic branded lighters?

Never thought about lighting my (albeit knock-off) Trangia with a firesteel - never had problems with matches. Will have to give that a go someday

 

[mountainm]

I was intrigued by the storm kettle point above. I always light mine through the air hole (with a lighter or matches) - never thought about trying to direct sparks down the chimney!

Works a treat - even in mid february.

 

[Shewie]

Storm kettle and volcano stove ain't the same thing

 

[FGYT]

Has anyone tried lighting a ciggie with a firesteel? Just curious as to how you'd manage that. Perhaps someone could give it a go and post the best technique!!

Poke your self hard in both eyes with the Ferro rod ....and you cant find your Ciggies so problem solved

 

[mountainm]

Storm kettle and volcano stove ain't the same thing

No they aint - but I assumed the reference wast to my volcano stove post?

 

[Shewie]

No they aint - but I assumed the reference wast to my volcano stove post?

I know, it was more for spandit's benefit

 

[spandit]

Ah, didn't pick up on that, thanks. Thought it seemed a bit optimistic!

 

[John Fenna]

Has anyone tried lighting a ciggie with a firesteel? Just curious as to how you'd manage that. Perhaps someone could give it a go and post the best technique!!

Light a scrap of tinder, light ciggie from tinder.....

 

[nitrambur]

Are you saying a Zippo would have a bit more class?

Are you being "lighter-ist"?

Liam

Shouldn't that be e-light-ist?



I'll get me coat.

 

[lannyman8]

try and get some birch bark going with the sparks from a lighter, nay chance.......

ferro rod every time, it does not fail to produce sparks, burns at around 3000 deg C i believe, lights damp tinder with a few scrapes,,,,

jobs a fish, each to there own though.....

 

[spandit]

try and get some birch bark going with the sparks from a lighter, nay chance.......

That's partly my point, though. I'd be using the sparks to light the gas in the lighter and use the subsequent flame to make my bigger fire. What are the chances that your lighter would run out in the bush?

 

[John Fenna]

That's partly my point, though. I'd be using the sparks to light the gas in the lighter and use the subsequent flame to make my bigger fire. What are the chances that your lighter would run out in the bush?

What has happened to me with disposable lighters is that the flint has worn out or the £$£""%^*^%$% top of the lighter has pinged apart and the flint etc all gone flying!
On one occasion the thumb peddal had been depressed in the pack and all the fuel simply went.....
That does not happen with a sparkstick or flint and steel sets....

 

[Miyagi]

What has happened to me with disposable lighters is that the flint has worn out or the £$£""%^*^%$% top of the lighter has pinged apart and the flint etc all gone flying!
On one occasion the thumb peddal had been depressed in the pack and all the fuel simply went.....
That does not happen with a sparkstick or flint and steel sets....

Happened to me on so many occassions. The build quality of clippers has declined I've noticed too.

Liam

 

[Miyagi]

Shouldn't that be e-light-ist?



I'll get me coat.

Hahahahaha, very good.

Liam

 

[spandit]

A good argument for having a firesteel as a backup but still think a lighter is more convenient if time is an issue. I'll keep practising with my firesteel but didn't have a lot of luck on a damp day in the woods a couple of weeks ago

 

[Corso]

and if it does run out (unlikely in a week) then I'm sure it would be possible to light a fire using the spark alone and some suitable tinder.

while I quite like the sparklite's this approach with a disposible lighter is actually quite tricky unless you have cotton PJB's

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