Simplified Swedish Fire Torch

[Mesquite]

In my meanderings through the vaults of YT I came across this rather neat and simple way to do a Swedish fire torch. George, I think you might like it as well @Seoras

I've set the link to play at the start of construction but if you want to watch 5+ minutes of a guy wandering through a forest feel free.

 

[R_Fonseca]

That looks interesting. I still want to try a standard one too. Just not had (made) the opportunity.

 

[Stew]

I tried this back when George was posting different styles of Swedish torch. It just seemed logical to try. We didn’t bother shaving the centre down - circles don’t tessalate to left a gap and we just didn’t push them tight up at one joint either.

I need to have another watch but I think that chap needs a more toothy saw! That looked like hard work….

 

[stonepark]

Definitely needed a decent 300mm curved pruning saw or 500mm Katanaboy.

 

[Kadushu]

Is the Swedish fire torch a traditional technique from Sweden or just named such to give it some Scandi charm?

 

[Jared]

Believe it originates from Finland.
But think the Swedish military used it, so got associated with them.

 

[Tony]

Good vid Steve, thanks for posting, I've put them together like that before but not really created the space in the middle, it worked fine but I think that's better, that nice snugness is good.
Thanks Dude

 

[bearbait]

You can do something similar to that by splitting the log into 4 and then forming the "chimney" from the curved bark-covered sides. The outside of the stove will then be square-ish, formed from the insides of the split log.

 

[TLM]

Believe it originates from Finland.
But think the Swedish military used it, so got associated with them.

The Finnish version is called "loggers candle", I have no idea who came up with it first. One of the reasons it is made like that is that your pot can be right on top of the logs not hanging from anything, the tripod is really unnecessary. How many of you are carrying chains while walking just to hang something from a tripod ...

 

[Toddy]

If you google the forum for "Wayland Chain", you'll find that very thing

I like the idea, but I like the inside out log @bearbait mentions too

 

[Hammock_man]

Is the idea of said candle to be able to use damp wood. i.e. something "found" in a wood where the outside is damp but the inner core would be dry. Hence the inner will burn quite nicely. If the whole log is dry....why not just chop it up and ... I don't know... maybe make a fire.

 

[Toddy]

It's very 'contained'. It's concentrated, it's heat and light and a stable stand to put a kettle or pot upon.

 

[Hammock_man]

No way would I dispute any of the above. However something designed for function A, can happily be used for function B,C and D. This solution does not address the Function A however.
Same as the Horse shoe thing with spikes in, that can be hammered into 3 logs to hold them together and provide a place for your pot. If you are going to carry one into the field, why not just take a fire pot?

 

[TLM]

Is the idea of said candle to be able to use damp wood. i.e. something "found" in a wood where the outside is damp but the inner core would be dry.

I think that is part of it as here it is mostly done by splitting the log into four (or lately by using a chainsaw to make a cross on top of a log). As the heart is often also more pitchy it lights up easier.

 

[Kadushu]

You get more of a draw because it acts as a chimney or rocket stove. I agred some of the iterations take so much fannying about that it doesn't seem worth it. If you're a forester with a chainsaw then it makes great sense.

 

[Tor helge]

The Finnish version is called "loggers candle", I have no idea who came up with it first. One of the reasons it is made like that is that your pot can be right on top of the logs not hanging from anything, the tripod is really unnecessary. How many of you are carrying chains while walking just to hang something from a tripod ...

We (at least northern norwegians) call it "Finnprimus".

 

[Pattree]

I like the concept of the single log but with a cross. It saves so much wood, it’sa great friendship fire and a great hob.
I don’t like the small branch versions held together with cordage. Too unpredictable.
But
I thought it was general knowledge to hold your scraper where you want the fire and PULL the ferrocerium. That way your scraper doesn’t bash out your fire (twice - see above video)

 

[SoldierPalmer]

You can now buy them in B&Q for a small fortune.