Fuzz sticks.....please explain

[abiggs]

I don't understand the purpose of fuzz sticks. Do you use them when small kindling is not available? Wouldn't it be better to make small kindling out of the stick instead of making a fuzz stick? Please forgive my ignorance, I have never tried one so I don't get it.

 

[SkunkWerX]

A fuzz stick is a way to get the wood to catch flame easier.
It's like kindling on the hoof.

no need to wittle small bits, then have to pick them up.
Also good for wet wood, slice off the outer damp part, and then fuzz it up so it can catch better.

Might also come in handy in a damp area, where the available tinder is soaked.

 

[Longstrider]

As SkunkWerX says, they are particularly useful when there is little in the way of dry fine kindling to be had. Cutting a fuzzy, or "feather" stick allows you to use the dry inner wood from a log that might be soaked on the outside whilst still not having to pick up handfuls of little bits from the ground etc.
I like to cut 3 or 4 feather sticks and set all but one into the base of a pre-prepared fire-lay. I light the remaining one with a ferro rod and stick it under the fire-lay once it's blazing well. This method will rarely fail to get a good fire going even in very poor, wet conditions as long as your fire-lay is sound.

Another good reason is that they are a really good excuse to play with that super sharp knife you've carried for all those miles

 

[Fonly]

Another good reason is that they are a really good excuse to play with that super sharp knife you've carried for all those miles

Thats the only reason I do it

 

[DaleW]

Or teaching scouts how to whittle without cutting off fingers-- both hands are out of harm's way. You need a little control to make the fine cuts without cutting them completely free of the stick. 'Tis the manly woodsman thing to do!

 

[Rescue Mike]

Science Behind the Fuzz Stick..

By cutting down the little curls, (still attached to the stick) it increases the surface area of the stick, and exposes more of the stick to the heat.

These small curls also dryout quicker if they are wet.

This allows the stick to catch fire quicker.. Which is always a good thing!!