Success!! - I Made Fire!

[ReFlexx]

This may seem like an unusually excited post for making fire, especially given that I used firesteel over a bow or hand drill etc, but since this would be the first time I have been out into the woods and got a good hot fire going in many years I felt it worth the tribute!

Managed to get 2 fires going actually, one using natural tinder (some wood shavings and dead fern leaves in a bundle), the second using a small cotton bud. The cotton bud (no vaseline) worked very well, catching the kindling alight within a few seconds and on to a roaring fire.

That is all!

Take care

Matt

 

[cowboy]

Well done mate, This is were it all begins!! You'll be using a bow drill with one hand in no time!

 

[lannyman8]

well done dude, its all a learning process, none of us where born doin the bow drill....

keep up the good work and before you know it you will be trying the hand drill...

regards.

chris.

 

[Kepis]

every single one of us has been there and can remember the feeling of elation getting those first important steps in the art of fire lighting made, chuffed for you

 

[addo]

Well done chap, keep it up and try other methods of firelighting in various conditions. Also fire lays and different woods, and you can keep that elation a while longer

 

[ReFlexx]

That was annoying, I replied but it disappeared!

Anyway I was just saying thanks, and I wanted to learn more about identifying trees/wood - I was going to get one of those collins gem books and just start having a go, any suggestions? Am I on the right track? It's been years since I identified trees from leaves etc (back when "I" was a scout, not a leader!)

Doris (aka Matt)

 

[spandit]

Have a go with a cramp ball - they're very satisfying to use.

I've got the Collins guide to British trees - if I were you, I'd get the full size version. It's getting easier now because there are leaves beginning to appear on the trees which help in identification.

 

[Firelite]

well done...enjoy the buzz.

 

[2trapper]

I was so excited when I started my first fire. I remember very well a surge of self confidence never felt before. A boost for a beginner:You_Rock_

 

[TomBartlett]

Well done. Took me ages to get mine started, even with a firesteel. I admit I went in a little cocksure after seeing countless examples of Mearsy getting a roaring blaze with just one strike!

 

[Tony]

just seen this, good stuff Matt

 

[udamiano]

Well done , keep going. great when it all works

 

[salan]

Well done! As others have said, its a great feeling when you do.
I must admit that I have got lazy (like a lot of us) and havn't NOT used a lighter for some time. Must get back to using other means.
Alan

 

[stoviecraig]

Well done from me as well! I managed to get my first fire lit with a firepiston at the weekend and the joy was tremendous! Nothing wrong with a flint and steel, it works great when everything is generally soaking up here in Scotland. Apologies to those experiencing the water shortage in the south...............

 

[mace242]

Well done. It's something some people struggle to do with matches! So you're doing well. Keep it up.