Fire pistons

A

AustinTXShooter

Joined
Mar 21, 2007
Messages
373
Hello everyone, I would like to know a little about fire pistons. I know the basic physics of how they work and I found a place online that I have read good reviews of that sells basic Cocobolo models for $30.

How hard is it to start fires with the pistons? Do you have to use some sort of special tinder in them, or can you use any kind of tinder? The pistons come with tinder fungus, which I have never heard of. Could you just use cedar bark or something similar? I don't think I want one if you have to special order tinder for them. How many people on here have experience using fire pistons and what do you think of them?

Also, my survival kits all contain PJ cotton balls, mag bars and ferro rods (as well as REI stormproof matches and Bic lighters), so I am not looking for a fire piston as a primary way of making fire in a survival situation. I am basically just looking for one to play around with.

If this has been covered before I apologize, but the search function isn't currently working for me.

Thanks.
 
I have no personal experience, however, from what I have read they work very well with char cloth which is very easy to make yourself.

I have found false tinder fungus but never the real McCoy and am not sure it exists here. I think it only grows on birch trees which we do have here but so far no true tinder fungus. Chris
 
I bought one last year and got a fire started on my second try. Really neat tools and fun to play with. I used the Char cloth it came with plus some other tinders. Got it off of the auction site, worth the few $ it cost me. A little practice and I be you will be fine.
 
I usually need several strikes (3-5) to get an ember. If you can find tinder fungus, go for it. I definitely need more practice.
 
Hey Guys..

Austin...

Firepistons, short of friction based fire making is one of the Coolest ways to make fire..

You Absolutely should get one and learn how to use it..It's Great fun to use, fairly easy to do and impressive..

As with friction based fire making the coal from these methods is a Gift.. You owe it to yourself and the people who developed the fire piston to get one and use it...

As for tinder..
Yes Tinder fungas is traditional,, however char cloth is an excellent alternative, works Very well and you can make a life long supply out of 1 pair of Levis...

Did I say you should get one ??

ttyle

Eric
O/ST
 
If you have a problem searching, see this Sticky: Search Engine FAQs & Tips By Quiet Storm.

Basically, you will do best on Advanced Search by limiting your search to a particular forum and by keeping your terms less common -- it's impossible to search for "long knife" because both those words will overload the answer. In this case, "piston" did fine. I went to the W&SS page, Search on this Forum for "piston" and got

Fire pistons
Fire starters super duper test - suggestions?
Let's Make Some Fire
bought a Fire Piston today
fire piston fun!!
fire piston
How to make tinder?

With a few more besides, at http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/search.php?searchid=2663741
 
It must be easy because even on of those "survival" guys on TV could do it !!!
 
there fun go to the e-fay and look up fire piston there is a guy who sells a great set up for 24$ he sends everything you need to start many many fires. his name is emil banks from prattsville ny. with his set up fire 1st pop
 
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