Firesteels

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hung-solo

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Who makes the better firesteel for the $$? Light my fire, RAT, goinggear? any opinions and or tips?? thanks guys... also is purchasing a striker for them worth the extra 2 bucks instead of using the back of your blade?
 
I have only ever used a Light My Fire. Reasonably priced and works well. It comes with a striker. Seems to me that the LMF striker could be improved. In my opinion a striker makes good sense. Maybe it's not as cool as using a knife but probably safer. Blade edge pointing up, folder lock failing come to mind. You can also make a striker from a hack saw blade. -DT
 
dttomcat said:
I have only ever used a Light My Fire. Reasonably priced and works well. It comes with a striker. Seems to me that the LMF striker could be improved. In my opinion a striker makes good sense. Maybe it's not as cool as using a knife but probably safer. Blade edge pointing up, folder lock failing come to mind. You can also make a striker from a hack saw blade. -DT
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would misch metal be better like what comes on some of the going gear products? thats a question for anyone really.
 
Not sure I understand the question. I think that mischmetal is a component of ferrocerium which is what all firesteels are made from. I am sure that some are probably better than others. Going Gear makes a little striker (Super Striker) that sells for ~$2 which looks better than the LMF striker. Someone please correct me if I am wrong here. I am by no means a firesteel expert. -DT
 
I think that mischmetal is a component of ferrocerium which is what all firesteels are made from.

I would agree with dttomcat.
Here are a couple links that you can explore around on and learn more than you ever wanted to know :)
I suspect this jxmetals company is the "source" for many firesteels, so I wonder if there is really much difference. ?
I got mine from firesteel.com and Ron was very good to deal with

http://www.jxmetals.com/sdp/316680/4/pl-1271720/0-637725/Ferrocerium_Mischmetal.html

http://www.jxmetals.diytrade.com/sdp/113634/4/cp-1000626/0/R_D_on_Mischmetal.html
 
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Out of all the firesteels I have used, the Going Gear performs the best for me. It takes a little different technique than some others, but throws big molten blobs of sparks that last quite awhile.

I have the Going Gear Super Striker (sent to me by Mistwalker), and it is, bar none, the best striking tool I have ever tried. I have used almost everything as a striker at one time or another — including rocks — but the GG striker puts them all to shame. Yes, it is worth the $2.
 
dawsonbob said:
Out of all the firesteels I have used, the Going Gear performs the best for me. It takes a little different technique than some others, but throws big molten blobs of sparks that last quite awhile.

I have the Going Gear Super Striker (sent to me by Mistwalker), and it is, bar none, the best striking tool I have ever tried. I have used almost everything as a striker at one time or another — including rocks — but the GG striker puts them all to shame. Yes, it is worth the $2.
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which going gear ones? they sell 3 or so different kinds and thanks for the info/tip its appreciated
 
Get one of each and figure out which works best for you.

P.S. The 3/8 inch goinggear rods are the way to go.
 
hung-solo said:
which going gear ones? they sell 3 or so different kinds and thanks for the info/tip its appreciated
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I use the Going Gear Badger firesteel, which is the 3/8 x 4 inch model, which seems to be their most popular. It works like a champ, and it's reasonably priced, too.
 
The RAT Firesteels are top of the line, as well as the Going Gears. The other firesteels are easier to use, but don't thrown molted globs of metal.
 
Being kinda of a old guy, I figure if it aint broke, leave it alone. I have quite a few fire steels but the LMF with the striker that comes with it works like magic for me. I have used it a lot and have 100 percent confidence in it.

That said, in a real emergency, I wouldn't use the fire steel unless it was the last option. Bic's, Zippo's and matches would be much preferred. They are fun to play with though. I always carry a separate strike, the knife blade would only be a back-up
 
the strikers from going gear are the best there is.
firesteelstriker.jpg
 
LMF steels all the way.....

Ive used all of them. RAT, Goingear, LMF, Blast Match, ETC...ETC.

I know that the others use a sharper edge to strike, diff technique, and about the molten balls...Ive used all kinds of steels, in all kinds of conditions, and have never said " I wish my steel threw molten balls", "That would make it easier!!" Just sayin...
 
I just ordered one of those strikers from Going Gear along with some other goodies. Nothing big just some handy additions.
 
I'm now thinking of replacing the LMF strikers on the two that I have with GG Super Strikers. For $2 each that's like 1/2 a pack of cigarettes (I know, I know...I should quit smoking). I may also buy one of their 3/8' x 4" wood handled steels. I will try not to start a forest fire with the molten globs of metal. :p -DT
 
the striker from going gear looks identical to fire steel. com
I doubt there is much difference.
 
udtjim said:
I just ordered one of those strikers from Going Gear along with some other goodies. Nothing big just some handy additions.
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I think you'll really like it, Jim. I hope you got the striker with it, too.

Like you, my favorite "firesteel" is a Bic lighter, but the Going Gear is a lot of fun to play with, and a good back up.
 
I am back to report already on the GG striker, I also got the 6 inch 3/8 fire steel from them. All I can say is WOW one strike onto a sheet of paper and it was on fire. Great stuff, Now I have another favorite, I can recommend the heck out of this set-up.:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup.
 
udtjim said:
I just ordered one of those strikers from Going Gear along with some other goodies. Nothing big just some handy additions.
Click to expand...

udtjim said:
I am back to report already on the GG striker, I also got the 6 inch 3/8 fire steel from them. All I can say is WOW one strike onto a sheet of paper and it was on fire. Great stuff, Now I have another favorite, I can recommend the heck out of this set-up.:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup.
Click to expand...

Now that's some quick fast service there :D
 
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