Firesteels...

TheViking

Native
Jun 3, 2004
1,864
4
35
.
Hi...

There is so much talk about firesteels here, so please discuss: Which one is best??? :wink: :biggthump
The swedish versions Woodlore sells or Blastmatch or Strike force or a 4'th
?? :biggthump
 

BAHDog

Member
Jan 7, 2004
40
0
Tucson, Arizona
I have used the Strike Force and have held the Blast Match. The big issue with firesteels is they are heavy and products like Strike force and Blast match make them even heavier. I much prefer the simple Swedish Firesteels. They always work and are just a stripped down version of everything else, a firesteel with a simple light weight plactic handle for good gripping and a super light weight stryker comes with it. It's all you really need.

Sparks2.jpg
 

RovingArcher

Need to contact Admin...
Jun 27, 2004
1,069
1
Monterey Peninsula, Ca., USA
I carry a firesteel scout that is marketed here in America by Kershaw. Also, for knife sheaths w/pouches and mini kits, I carry the Boy Scouts of America Hotspark firestarter. It's small, but does a good job of sparking a fire to life.

firesteel002.jpg
 

Adi007

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Sep 3, 2003
4,080
0
If it's power output you want, I'd go for the BlastMatch every time ... the power of that thing is awesome! The other advantage of it is that you can use it one handed in the event of an emergency.

Also, they carry a lifetime warranty in case of breakage or wearing out!

However, that said, there's nothing wrong with the Swedish firesteel, but I'd always choose the larger Military model over the Scout every time.
 

PRKL

Nomad
Jan 27, 2010
272
1
Finland
I carry a firesteel scout that is marketed here in America by Kershaw. Also, for knife sheaths w/pouches and mini kits, I carry the Boy Scouts of America Hotspark firestarter. It's small, but does a good job of sparking a fire to life.

firesteel002.jpg


ooh its so annoying to find pictures of BSA Hotspark,guys,as ive been in a quest for one or few gor couple years but i just cant find anyone who sells thru paypal overseas,atleast without ripping me off with shipping costs of some over twenty dollars...


Can you give me a hand in this search ?
 

Survivalmike

Forager
Jan 25, 2010
214
0
Austria
I´ve used the firesteels from firesteel.com a lot and returned to my Light my fire Firesteel because it dont get so uneven like the one from US.

The LMF Firesteel holds a good shape and throw sparks like nothing else.
The Sparks from the Firesteel.com ones are also brilliant.
There are a lot of imitated Firesteel on the market, so be sure you got a right one!

I would absolutly recommend the swedish LMF Firesteels - nothing else for me in future!

cheers
Mike
 

Mountain jack

Member
Apr 9, 2010
13
0
England
I've used quite a few different types of firesteels over the years and like the swedish one's (swedish firesteel army) it does the job never had any issues with it any it's a good bit of kit.
 

maddave

Full Member
Jan 2, 2004
4,177
39
Manchester UK
Yup I go for the plain old swedish firesteel every time.. Does exactly what it says on the tin.... (or the blister pack in this case) :D
 

Paul_B

Bushcrafter through and through
Jul 14, 2008
6,413
1,699
Cumbria
I've bought a vango one similar to the LMF ones. I had a better spark and found it slightly easier to light a gas stove than the LMF I had before I lost it. It is probably not the firesteel but the striker but I think it actually works better with a better spread of sparks.

Not sure it matters much if it was easier to start off with than other makes just so long as it works and pretty much ay of them will. Whatever works for you or you prefer. I must admit I like the Vango one (although I suspect it is made in the same factory as the LMF one just cheaper by some margin).
 
G

GearUpEurope.com

Guest
When your hands are freezing cold or soaking wet the LMF firesteels are easier to use because of the handles. Also you can attach the LMF firesteels to other gear with the lanyard cord.

If you don't need the lanyard cord or you really want to impress your mates, the blank rods and the back of a knife always get the most applause :D

In terms of sparks, the longer blank rods seem to throw larger sparks, in my opinion.
 

British Red

M.A.B (Mad About Bushcraft)
Dec 30, 2005
26,891
2,143
Mercia
Can anyone recall the source of the firesteels that come in the case that turns into a handle? Someone reviewed them but can't find them now :(
 

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