Anyone had prob with a LMF firesteel with carry-on an airplane?

A

abchopper

Joined
Jan 15, 2008
Messages
152
Has anyone had any problems with Light My Fire fire steels or similar like a tiny Master Strike K1 mini firesteel/magnesium fire starter while going through airport security for either domestic or international flights?

I know that a lot of you may have it in a carry on bag and they simiply don't see it on the x-ray machine because it a small object but what I want to know if anyone had problems if they actually find it, maybe in your bag or on your keyring, and questioned you about it?

Do you lie or tell them the truth that it is a firesteel?

If you did tell them that it was a fire lighting tool did they let you keep it as carry-on?

I have a small firesteel/mag block similar to the Master Strike K1 and I covered it with black heat shrink. I have had a few time where I have been questioned about it on international and I simply replied that it's a magnetic key because it looks like one. And I even had the metal striker (short flat plain striker I made myself) questioned. I said it was a keychain tag. Well it really was since it was on the same split ring with the keys. So far so good.

I haven't lost them yet but I think it may be getting harder to carry this everyday stuff with you while you travel.

Does anyone actually know if firesteels are legal to have on carry-on?
 
I really don't know if there are any explicit rules. So if something is not prohibited, I would have to assume it's allowed, but discretion of the TSA official you're dealing with will be the ultimate factor. I just flew into Detroit from Paris a few days ago and we faced pretty intense security screening. They even took apart my Zebra f701 pen at the secondary screening at the gate. I had a bic lighter in my pocket and they didn't care at all about that.

If they start hearing "magnesium" and "firestarter" they might be a bit uneasy. I would either keep it with you and lie about what it is like you did. (maybe even engrave your initials into the striker, so it actually looks like a key tag) Otherwise just check it and carry a bic. Not as foolproof, but it won't raise any suspicion.
 
I flew back to Texas for deer season and had mine in my carry on bag without any problems. but i had to check my 2" SAK because we all know how intimidating the swiss and things they make are.
 
It's been over a year since I've flown, but a miniature firesteel, sliver grippers, and p38 were no problem at all to carry on. But yes, crotch burner might have changed the current equation.

I hope it burned hot enough that he can't breed.... Serves the MF right.
 
I flew with one, a few years ago. The TSA worker got very excited and concerned, and shuffled me aside, to a special station, to be dealt with by his supervisor. The supervisor just said it wasn't on the banned list, and sent me on my way with a wave.

Things might be different, now – or even different, then, with a different set of TSA workers.
 
I flew with one, a few years ago. The TSA worker got very excited and concerned, and shuffled me aside, to a special station, to be dealt with by his supervisor. The supervisor just said it wasn't on the banned list, and sent me on my way with a wave.

Things might be different, now – or even different, then, with a different set of TSA workers.
Click to expand...


Hi Evolute, thanks for sharing your experience.

Was it a firesteel or a firesteel/magnesium block?

Did the TSA worker know it was a firesteel or did he just panic because he didn't know what it was?

If the event played out as you say it did then it is good to know that firesteels are off the banned listed. But I guess, as Cmdionne pointed out, there may still be TSA discretion to deal with.
 
It might be a difference if you have it in your pockets (being unloaded in the plastic tub) or with your keys and other type of stuff in your bag (proably sent right hrough the x-ray).

In principle a firesteel is "safer" than a lighter since the "flame" doesnt last that long.
 
Call it by the correct name - ferrocerium rod. Leave the word "fire" out of it.
 
abchopper said:
Was it a firesteel or a firesteel/magnesium block?

Did the TSA worker know it was a firesteel or did he just panic because he didn't know what it was?
Click to expand...

It was a Light My Fire firesteel. Yes, the TSA worker knew what it was.
 
Thanks Evolute. Thats what I wanted to know. Best of luck to you in the New Year!

Call it by the correct name - ferrocerium rod. Leave the word "fire" out of it.
Click to expand...

Good idea and if they ask whats it for then tell them that it's a starter... For what?... A starter for my heat source or stove which is at home.
 
ive flown several times with a firesteel and striker on my keyring, no prolems, but, like everyone else has said, crotchburner might change that.
 
Anyone with recent experience on having firesteels in your carry-on luggage?

I'm debating adding it to kit I'm taking with me on a flight this week. Seems like it should be allowed considering common lighters and non-strike-anywhere matches are allowed. I know I should just leave it out if there's a doubt...but it's annoying to have to limit yourself to a lighter and matches....
 
Went through a domestic flight with a hotspark and P-38 on my key chain a couple months ago. Didn't get a second glance.
I'm still chuckling about the Utilikey being a concealed weapon. Wow.
 
Good to know, I've got a hotspark and striker on my keychain. Maybe I'll leave those on and just leave the LMF at home.

Utilikey = concealed weapon, eh? Wow indeed.
 
rksoon said:
Good to know, I've got a hotspark and striker on my keychain. Maybe I'll leave those on and just leave the LMF at home.

Utilikey = concealed weapon, eh? Wow indeed.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I figured if they got snatched, I was out like three bucks.
 
I have had my LMF Scout in my Carry on bag on domestic and international flights with out any problems. I was never asked anything about it, if I was I would have told them the truth. There is no need to lie.
 
Sounds promising Tony :thumbup:. And yeah, if questioned about it, I don't see the need to lie about it either.

I guess, like cmdionne said above, it would probably come down to the discretion of the particular TSA agent since there's nothing specific written. I emailed TSA to see if I can get an official response.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top