ESEE Firestarter vs. Strikeforce

rega25

rega25

Joined
Jul 9, 2010
Messages
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I was just wondering if anyone has used the ESEE firestarter and if anyone has opinions on whether it is better than the Strikeforce. I have a strikeforce, but was thinking about an ESEE to have an extra one around. Thanks for any input.

http://www.rei.com/product/775077
Here's a reference for strikeforce
 
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Don't have the strikeforce. I do know that current ESEE kits don't use misch metal, it is just a ferro rod. If you can find someone selling an early model you will get misch, or you can dissolve the epoxy and put in your own.

Another advantage to ESEE's kit is the built in button compass and air/watertight compartment for storing tinder or other small survival items.

It appears from a bang for buck viewpoint, you should get the ESEE one because it has more features and function for a few dollars more.
 
cool, thanks, didn't even notice the compass, thats a big plus, the metal case is nice too. I appreciate it.
 
i've got both the current and the older esee firekits, they both work really well. the old misch metal throws huge fireballs, the new one throws a ton of sparks. i carry tinder in the hollow handle, and the compass on the new ones is a nice addition.


cricket
 
The ESEE firestarter compass is the best I've seen for that size...who makes it?
 
I really enjoy the ESEE Firekit over any other maker , b/c of the handle.... watertight ,compass and can hold tinder or whatever you stash in it....and it fits the hand really well and it just the perfect size ,not to large or to small.
 
DH1 said:
The ESEE firestarter compass is the best I've seen for that size...who makes it?
Click to expand...
Yep you got it! That is a Very nice compass. I've used a bunch of high $$ ones working out west, but for a small pocket one that is sealed away to boot! its another great option for the ESEE firekit. I'm still playing with all the different ideas for tinder to carry inside the watertight case (also Very well made!!) and so far with, dry grass, vasoline cotton balls, lint, cut frayed denim from the bottom of my jeans, I have it down to getting fire on an avarage of just 2 strikes on the rod. Thats not bad. I have not tryed the other, but don't think I need to as, why fix what ain't broke, kit. I really like it. enjoy edgy :thumbup:
Oh I don't know the maker? But its as good as a $$ brunton.
 
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The Strikeforce is pretty nice, I've used them but I prefer a standard rod as I like to keep it small and with my knife. One less thing to forget.
 
ESEE one is more compact. There was a bigger difference when ESEE used misch metal
 
I'm a fan of the older misch rods, but the new ferro start fires too with a decent stash of tinder. Also as mentioned, 5 minutes with a heatgun, some GLOVES (ouch) and a new rod, and you've got a ESEE kit with fireballs again. I'm probably going to convert all my ferro kits like this. Four inch is a little long, might try three on the next one.

4865916113_0a89d707fb_z.jpg
 
Honestly Dizwolf, I'm thinking of getting an ESEE firestarter and when it wears out just putting in a new blank rod because of you and that monster rod
 
I have the Strike Force, along with a load of Light-My-Fire rods. The Strike Force has a space in it for storing stuff. Primarily supposed to be the firestarter blocks of the same brand. It is a pretty small space, only good for one little block. I don't know how that would compare with the ESEE rod's storage space. All that being said, the only firesteel I've ever used is the one in the magnesium block that you used to be able to get from surplus stores. NOT the Coughlan's brand. I've heard stories of the Coughlan's striker falling out of the mag block. Anyway, I've not had occasion to use any of the LMF steels, and don't own an ESEE. I was thinking about getting one until I now find out they are just the same as the LMF's. So I might find and try a real misch from somewhere.

The Strike Force seems like it is very bulky and heavy for what you get. At least mine is.
 
Dizwolf said:
I'm a fan of the older misch rods, but the new ferro start fires too with a decent stash of tinder. Also as mentioned, 5 minutes with a heatgun, some GLOVES (ouch) and a new rod, and you've got a ESEE kit with fireballs again. I'm probably going to convert all my ferro kits like this. Four inch is a little long, might try three on the next one.

4865916113_0a89d707fb_z.jpg
Click to expand...

Do the new ESEE capsules still have a hole drilled in the bottom where a screw can go, or did they leave that out altogether when they went to epoxy?
 
I love my esee fire starter. Works great, has water tight storage for fire starting tender, extra compass and it looks bad a$$.
 
The Strkieforce firestarter works pretty good, I have one in my home emergency prepardness stockpile.
 
Nothing like good old dryer lint stashed in the ESEE capsule for tinder. The compass was a nice extra as well. ESEE products continue to capture my attention and most of my discretionary dollars.
 
i have a Strikeforce hiding in the garage somewhere. ur's bulky. might be good in cold weather with gloves. the orange is nice, but the thing is big... only has space for one tinder cube and i've heard multiple complaints about the Wetfire tinder that it comes with.

i don't have an ESEE kit yet. it seems like a more compact tool and the space for tinder seems like it's larger than the space in the Strikeforce.

you can pack PJCBs in either one, but the threaded storage on the ESEE seems like a better design.

ANY firesteel, and tinder is better than NO firesteel. but a LMF or a Misch and a 35mm film can of tinder works well too.
 
DH1 said:
Do the new ESEE capsules still have a hole drilled in the bottom where a screw can go, or did they leave that out altogether when they went to epoxy?
Click to expand...

Hole is still there. It's the same milled alum piece, just new laser etching. When I took out the ferro rod in one of my newest kits, I replaced it with an old misch rod, and I screwed it right in. That's the kit on the top. I've got a 3 inch and a six inch rod coming from going gear, not sure where that's going to wind up yet. I know I said I'd never go longer than four inches...but the longer ferro rods seem to get balls of fire easier. I need to grab a couple new kits and try some different lengths.
 
I have both and like both. Both throw great sparks, and both can hold tinder. The ESEE comes with a compass but the UST (Ultimate Survival Technologies "Strikeforce") comes with it's own striker.

I keep the UST in my pack and the ESEE in my PSK.

I would love to replace the ferro rod with a monster one like Tony did, some day! ;)
 
So I want to put a misch rod in an ESEE Fire Kit. The new ones are epoxied in... is there a product that will dissolve the epoxy without harming the coating on the capsule? And what is the guage of the firesteel in there?
 
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