Fire pistons?

E

ElSitherino

Joined
Jul 27, 2010
Messages
130
I'm not known around these parts, but I figured you folks were the people to ask about this. First off, does anyone here use fire pistons? If so, what are your favorites, what kind would you recommend, and what things should I avoid in a purchase? I haven't used a fire piston since I was in boy scouts, so it's been a while and even then all we had were those rinky-dink plastic ones that never really worked as well as my Scoutmaster's handmade wooden one.
I really like the idea of having one as backup for when I go backwoods camping, I'm growing weary of lugging around matches and lighters and really want to get into something with a more classic approach.

Money isn't really a concern, but I really don't want to drop more than $70 on a fire piston, I'm looking for something that's reasonably priced without compromising build quality.
 
not sure on recommendations but I can assure you that they are reliable and a good way to start a fire. I have used a few in my time however I still prefer firesteel. Just seems like I have better luck with it.
 
I got mine from Emil Banks, off EBay. He provides a VERY complete kit at a fair price. I'll try to locate his EBay seller name.

DancesWithKnives
 
I have a dead maglite I'm thinking of converting. However, getting the EBPrimitives unit in the meantime was money well spent. And thanks for reminding me of the name, TF.

DancesWithknives
 
ElSitherino said:
I'm not known around these parts, but I figured you folks were the people to ask about this. First off, does anyone here use fire pistons? If so, what are your favorites, what kind would you recommend, and what things should I avoid in a purchase? I haven't used a fire piston since I was in boy scouts, so it's been a while and even then all we had were those rinky-dink plastic ones that never really worked as well as my Scoutmaster's handmade wooden one.
I really like the idea of having one as backup for when I go backwoods camping, I'm growing weary of lugging around matches and lighters and really want to get into something with a more classic approach.

Money isn't really a concern, but I really don't want to drop more than $70 on a fire piston, I'm looking for something that's reasonably priced without compromising build quality.
Click to expand...

I have had ebprimitives firepistons and some made by Michael Mcgovern. He is on blade forums and he has them for sale on the gadgets area. He makes them out of aluminum and they are fantaastic.

Lester
 
Thank you all for your responses. I love the look of that cocobolo piston at Wilderness Solutions, but in the mean time I went ahead and made my own today. I don't think it turned out too bad, actually, but that could just be my opinion.

firepiston1.jpg


firepiston2.jpg


I like the copper tube in the center of the large oak capsule. I think I may accent it further with some embedded copper wire wrapped around, which I'll likely do after I return from my camping trip this weekend.

Thank you all again for your help, it's been great exploring these forums and finding some like minded folks(and helpful ones at that!).
 
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