Fire starter idea

[B34NS]

+1 for saving the monarchs. Love seeing them on their migration especially at natural bridges in santa cruz, ca.

From last fall

As taldesta mentioned, milkweed is one of my favorite natural tinders.

 

[taldesta]

Whew ... if the pic below is a monarch caterpillar on a milkweed leaf, thank persistence and photobucket at long last ...

Yikes ... postponing for now ... at some point forbearance ceases to be a virtue (author to follow when more calm)

S

 

[upnorth]

Second ... naturally available materials when inclined. upnorth, you sound like you are in a comfortable place. I wouldn't want to imagine a day where there is not something useful to learn.

To be honest, this forum and its members have taught me a lot in the last few years. But I had to apply the insight/knowledge passed on to me. I found that by actually experimenting with skills that there were no guarantees of success. I also realized that my success rate of successful application increased with practice. I no longer look at an outdoor skill and think that it is a simple no brainer to perform. There are so many variables that we do not always consider or expect. And eventually I sought variables to enhance my feeling of capability. There will always be more to learn and maybe once humbled one is more receptive to the process. I speak only of my own personal experience.

 

[baldtaco-II]

all true. More than one way to skin a cat, as it were.
another good film can alternative is the 1 and 2 oz nalgene pill bottles. if you can find them in-store, they are usually around the .50 mark. they seal up well, and last a very long time. Sure you have a shoulder which a 35mm can does not have, (the straight wall 2oz jars are a bit more pricey, but not much)

Duct tape ravioli round your accelerant.

Obviously you can make them any size you like but I like a bit about the size of a pea sandwiched between two postage stamps.

1] Completely waterproof
2] Weighs virtually nothing.
3] Nearly flat so you can stick 'em anywhere. Tape in lids or whatever. Ninja could stick one behind a wrist watch.
4] Multiples allows you to only expose what you need.
5] Complete combustion: Obviously first choice is a lighter, so just set it on fire. Cut if open and tease it out for a spark.
6] Sticky if need be: If you rip it open there will always be a gummy bit of residue from the tape to tape interface. That will anchor it if that helps.

I've already posted pictures of how mine work here years ago. If I had them handy I'd do it again. I've yet to discover a method to depose this.

 

[baldtaco-II]

Second ... naturally available materials when inclined. upnorth, you sound like you are in a comfortable place. I wouldn't want to imagine a day where there is not something useful to learn.

To be honest, this forum and its members have taught me a lot in the last few years. But I had to apply the insight/knowledge passed on to me. I found that by actually experimenting with skills that there were no guarantees of success. I also realized that my success rate of successful application increased with practice. I no longer look at an outdoor skill and think that it is a simple no brainer to perform. There are so many variables that we do not always consider or expect. And eventually I sought variables to enhance my feeling of capability. There will always be more to learn and maybe once humbled one is more receptive to the process. I speak only of my own personal experience.

Yep, always back to the lab for a rethink after engagement. Paraphrased form someone whose name I shamefully forget:

“The authentic professional wants to win every time. He is a compulsive winner. He permits no rest 'till every loss has been thoroughly analysed so that no mistake will ever be repeated”.

Bumped and back in, bumped and back in. 'Tis the way of things.

 

[upnorth]

+1 for saving the monarchs. Love seeing them on their migration especially at natural bridges in santa cruz, ca.

From last fall

As taldesta mentioned, milkweed is one of my favorite natural tinders.

My wife and I went to an Imax last year and watched this. I normally don't care much for 3D, but this was exceptional.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03soGDi4gSg
I grew up in southern Ontario with humming birds, Monarchs, milkweed etc. I realized when I moved out west that southern Ontario had a unique ecosystem, compared to most of the Canadian land mass.

 

[upnorth]

Yep, always back to the lab for a rethink after engagement. Paraphrased form someone whose name I shamefully forget:

“The authentic professional wants to win every time. He is a compulsive winner. He permits no rest 'till every loss has been thoroughly analysed so that no mistake will ever be repeated”.

Bumped and back in, bumped and back in. 'Tis the way of things.

“I am not young enough to know everything.”

― Oscar Wilde

 

[neeman]

I used to buy the waterproof plastic screw top match cases that have a rubber washer to seal them
But now I get little air tight containers with my sugar testing strips (sigh)

I stuff it full of small torn sized cotton wool
I then pour on Paraffin oil (pharmaceutical grade as it is more viscous) to soak the cotton

A small amount when fluffed up lights immediately with a spark from a bic lighter
and burns for a good couple of minutes

These small containers hold enough for about 15 starts, and the match cases at least 20 to 25 starts

Very simple to make
Works every time, which is my pass criteria

 

[Thomas Linton]

Duct tape ravioli round your accelerant.

What a GREAT idea. Even easier than tinder straws.

 

[taldesta]

I learn and I learn ..... and I appreciate

 

[Triq]

I made this video several years ago, its just me lighting a fire straw w a ferro rod. I'm sold on the fire straws, they pack great and last forever. [video]https://youtu.be/h2Er3JvGGls[/video]

 

[Thomas Linton]

Other ideas and experiences are good.