Firesteel choices?

[Buck268]

I've been wanting to get a firesteel for some time, but have had better ways to spend my time and funds. In any case, I was hoping you guys could point me in the right direction.

My criteria are simple. Must have long useage lifespan (eg: BSA hotspark worn out in 1 summer in my earlier years), and be compact yet easy to grip. I don't need a storage space or a striker to come with it, although if it still fits within my constraints those would not be draw backs. Basically something I could throw in my pocket and not even notice it there until I need it, but with suficient grip room and lifespan.

 

[jarlaxle]

I also was interested in a good firesteel. i'm interested to see the responses.

 

[IH8U]

I have the scout model and you are supposed to get about 3,000 uses($12 @ rei). I also have been taking the ferrocium sticks off of the magneisium combos ($5 @ wally world) and adding my own handles. They are thinner than the scout model and wont get as many uses, but you can customize them somewhat and they are cheap.

 

[Fonly]

phhhfffttt, light my fire work awsome. cheap, reliable and best of all........ I dont know their cheap and reliable good enough.

 

[peripatew]

Thanks to Mike Spinak: http://www.mikespinak.com/articles/Essays/e996thepsk.html#firestarters

I like the looks of the first one a lot. I just got a Light my Fire Scout a week or two ago, and it already shows heavy signs of use, but then again, I've been using it to learn and play.

 

[okbohn]

+1 for Light my Fire steels.

Their Army steel is rated for 12,000 strikes. They also make a very nice looking oak handled steel.

Bark River Knife and Tool makes custom firesteels out of the same rods as the Army Steels--all very good options.

 

[Normark]

Hey Guys...

Light My Fire Army model..

Strikes per rod is relative...

I'm going to get far less strikes from my rods because of the striker I use..

As far as I'm concerned, the striker that comes with them are Crap and needs to be replaced....

ttyle

Eric
O/ST

 

[lotoblades]

LMF's scout as others have said is a good choice,sure you can wear one out,but once you get the hang of using one it only takes 1 or 2 strikes to get a fire,so it should last you quite a while.The army model is a better buy,but is a good bit heavier if thats a concern.

 

[ashtxsniper]

Light my fire Army model.

 

[cz75b]

Eric,

Why are the strikers that come with the firesteels crap?
They do work wonderfull for me. I have the new models with the rimmed/stamped edges.

I also use an old sawblade but it doesn't do any better, and it gets dull fast. The toothed side eats the firesteel like hell, but throws thick sparks like crazy!

For easy around the camp lighting, I use the backside of the saw, and when the conditions are though I use the saw side. The back of the saw from a saw from my Vics are great strikers too!!

Or.......is there some magic secret striker that's home made, and we don't know of?

CZ

PS
I get my ferrocerium rods/firesteels/artificial flints from the bay.......quality is generally good to excellent. (some are harder, some are softer)

Hey Guys...

Light My Fire Army model..

Strikes per rod is relative...

I'm going to get far less strikes from my rods because of the striker I use..

As far as I'm concerned, the striker that comes with them are Crap and needs to be replaced....

ttyle

Eric
O/ST

 

[Myakka]

Light-My-Fire "Army" model is my favorite FireSteel.

 

[Dr. Mudd]

At only $2.50 a pop, what's wrong with getting a new Boy Scout model once a year? I keep one on my keyring.

 

[cz75b]

At only $2.50 a pop, what's wrong with getting a new Boy Scout model once a year? I keep one on my keyring.

Were can I get these ones for this price? Do they ship internationally?

Thanks,
CZ

 

[ashtxsniper]

I bought 10 ferro rods on the bay for around $1.50 a piece including shipping.

 

[CWL]

They are starting to sell for really cheap on eBay. You can buy the ferro rods by themselves for less than $5+shipping, or you can get firestarter kits (ferro rod, magnesium rod, hacksaw blade) for $6.95 delivered.

I like to buy the Strike Force starters and pull the ferro rods out for inclusion into kits, these are thicker than the Army models. Because these aren't as 'popular' or well known as Blast Matches or Light My Fire brands, you can get the 1/2" thick rods for ~$14-15 delivered (sometimes cheaper).

 

[Tim the Slugman]

Check out www.Ferrocerium.com they have all sizes !

 

[desmobob]

Eric,

Why are the strikers that come with the firesteels crap?
They do work wonderfull for me. I have the new models with the rimmed/stamped edges.

I know one thing... they don't work worth a darn if you use them wrong-side-up. I was struggling with mine when I first tried it, then noticed the word "UP" was stamped on the striker. It was stamped on the side I had down.... duh.

I flipped it over and it SHOWERED sparks onto my pile of birchbark shavings. Instant ignition!

Stay sharp,
desmobob

 

[Rich_S]

I was actually thinking of importing some from the manufacturer in China. They sell them in different lengths and thicknesses by the kilogram. The 4"X0.25" (same as LMF Army) goes for around $35/kilogram which is quite a few. There's a 3kg minimum order and shipping is FOB. I'm not sure if it would be worth it. I might sell some and then stash a few dozen somewhere for when the SHTF.

 

[VANCE]

Thanks to Mike Spinak: http://www.mikespinak.com/articles/Essays/e996thepsk.html#firestarters

I like the looks of the first one a lot. I just got a Light my Fire Scout a week or two ago, and it already shows heavy signs of use, but then again, I've been using it to learn and play.

that's a cool site

thanks

**bookmarked**

 

[mmc]

I get mine from Bens Backwoods.He has different sizes and they are just as good as the Light My Fire ones IMO.http://stores.ebay.com/BENS-BACKWOODS