I don't get it...

[Hoodoo]

I don't understand why having a firesteel loop on your sheath is so popular. It's seems like the best way to lose it, especially as it gets worn down and becomes less snug. Then you have a rope loop in it--just right for snagging it on some brush and yanking it out of it's holder. Then you have all kinds of complicated ways of hooking the loop to the sheath. More rope to get burs on and snagging. I dunno. Just doesn't appeal to me. It's not like you use it all the time like you might use a knife. In the course of a normal day in the woods, how many times will you actually need it? How long does it take to pull it from your pocket or pouch around your neck or pouch on your belt or pouch in your pack? I can think of quite a few ways to secure it that I feel more comfortable with than sticking it in a sheath. Its also exposed to rain and moisture which will cause it to oxidize.

It has a "cool factor" if you are a bushcraft instructor but overall it seems to be more of a gimmick than have any utility. I don't get it... :rolmao:

I don't wanna be just like Ray.

 

[Adi007]

I think it's "done" just to give the impression of a knife and a firesteel being all that's needed to survive.

I thought that as the firesteel was used it would become looser in the loop but as most people only use one fact that doesn't seem to be a problem, also people don't use the whole length of the steel.

But, yes, I agree with you, seems an odd place to me too ...

 

[Gary]

I agree Hoodoo - often strikes me as putting all your eggs in one basket.

I usually carry my fire steel in my tinder pouch with my tinder and a small match safe in my trouser pocket too - idea being if I lose one I can still make fire by another means.

Having said that if my sheath had a loop I would still carry a spare firesteel just for ease of use, but as it doesnt I dont have to worry at present!

 

[tomtom]

iv never had one.. and have never felt the need i keep it in my tinder pouch.. i dont use my fire steel as much as i use my knife.. only when i want to light a fire so i have my pouch out then anyway! it just makes the sheath bigger and more combersome imho

 

[PC2K]

our excuses for carring a knife is more creditable with the firesteel holdster... Looks Cool too, but i usually carry my firesteel seperate from my knife, just because it doesn't feel to secure.

 

[leon-1]

Yep it's because I am lazy and can easily find the firesteel in its loop as opposed to rummaging around in my pockets and Gary you know how much kit I carry in my pockets.

I do however carry another firesteel also, it is normally on a lanyard either attached to my trousers or jacket and because I smoke I also have a lighter or matches so no the eggs aren't all in one basket.

 

[Andy]

I'm really glad I'm not the only one that feels this way about firesteel loops. I have a small belt pouch (whitby) that holds my SAK climber for day to day then will take a fire steel (with a sak classic) in for bushcraft. The SAK gets replaced by the swiss tool and all is well

 

[JakeR]

I like it being there. You know where it is, it is very accessable, it's secure (in my experience anyway). It doesn't really get in the way and yes, it does look cool

 

[TheViking]

You know where it is, it is very accessable

It would be the same as with any other place. Well except at the bottom of the rucksack. :roll:

I haven't bought a swedish army firesteel yet, but will do that after x-mas when it's affordable. But i'll be placing it either in a secure pocket or possibles pouch.

 

[Squidders]

When I ordered my Ingram I asked for a loop... I will then have a lighter in my pouch with tinder and the steel with my knife... the theory being that I can afford to lose the tinder or the pouch (I can always collect more stuff) but losing the knife would be annoying in the extreme.

I don't think it looks any cooler or really adds any bulk to the sheath... I was considering asking for a tiny pouch for a sharpening stone but decided against it.