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- Jan 14, 2000
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I just bought a new gerber strike force metal match. It seems to work great, have any of you tried it out in the field? If so, what did you think?
Thank you!
Thank you!
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Gerber Strike Force...anyone tried it?
- Thread starter MARQUETTE ROTC
- Start date
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- Dec 29, 1999
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I LOVE MINE!!!!!
It is money well spent!!!!!
------------------
Big-Target>>>>>>SI VIS PACEM PARA BELLUM
It is money well spent!!!!!
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Big-Target>>>>>>SI VIS PACEM PARA BELLUM
Other than it is a little bulky, I think it is one of the best fire starters I've had. I havve used it in rain, wind, and snow with no problem getting the fuel to light. Plus if you do run out of fuel, you still have a heck of a large metal match. I have used one fuel tab to start around 8 to 10 fires if tinder is dry. By themselves they will burn about 10 min. at the most. Wouldn't want to leave with out it.
Larry in KY
Banned
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- Feb 8, 1999
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I've played with mine some and it really does a good job, IMHO!!
- Joined
- Apr 25, 1999
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- 94
I like the "Strike Force", but agree with Ice in that it's a bit bulky. I grew up using the tiny Boy Scout metal match, so I don't know how to function with these big tools. I think Greg has mentioned in earlier threads that he sells a nice metal match at a very resonable price.
- Joined
- Nov 29, 1999
- Messages
- 632
Thanks Barry,
If anyone is interested, go to my web site and into the survival store
------------------
Greg Davenport
http://www.ssurvival.com
Are You Ready For The Challenge?
Are You Ready To Learn The Art Of Wilderness Survival?
If anyone is interested, go to my web site and into the survival store
------------------
Greg Davenport
http://www.ssurvival.com
Are You Ready For The Challenge?
Are You Ready To Learn The Art Of Wilderness Survival?
- Joined
- Jun 30, 1999
- Messages
- 18
How about a dissenting opinion...
IMO - (I've used it)the Strike Force & a similar product from Wilderness Emergency something-or-other are sorely lacking for being overly large, bulky & complex to serve as a primary firelighting tool. Vastly superior (& cheaper, lighter, smaller, more versatile) are the simple rare-earth flint rods ('metal match') w/ a single plastic finger tab/lanyard attachment.
Just in case we hear the tired argument of the techno-geek (don't worry - I've been called that too ;-) "but you can use the Strike Force w/ one hand (in case your wildrness misadventure has left you an amputee)!!" How about simply driving the knife blade/rod scraper into a suitable log, arranging suitable tinder & scraping the metal match? Survival implies improvisation.
Also drop the Strike Force into your cargo pocket, go wandering (in sub-zero is even worse) then fall on rocky terrain, neatly smashing the clever (eg. ugly) plastic housing of the tool.
One of my avocations is teaching (& learning) wilderness survival in the montane & boreal regions of western Canada - I tell my clients that I should waste my time/money/effort so they don't have to waste theirs. In other words - forget the Strike Force.
Regards, DM Driscoll
IMO - (I've used it)the Strike Force & a similar product from Wilderness Emergency something-or-other are sorely lacking for being overly large, bulky & complex to serve as a primary firelighting tool. Vastly superior (& cheaper, lighter, smaller, more versatile) are the simple rare-earth flint rods ('metal match') w/ a single plastic finger tab/lanyard attachment.
Just in case we hear the tired argument of the techno-geek (don't worry - I've been called that too ;-) "but you can use the Strike Force w/ one hand (in case your wildrness misadventure has left you an amputee)!!" How about simply driving the knife blade/rod scraper into a suitable log, arranging suitable tinder & scraping the metal match? Survival implies improvisation.
Also drop the Strike Force into your cargo pocket, go wandering (in sub-zero is even worse) then fall on rocky terrain, neatly smashing the clever (eg. ugly) plastic housing of the tool.
One of my avocations is teaching (& learning) wilderness survival in the montane & boreal regions of western Canada - I tell my clients that I should waste my time/money/effort so they don't have to waste theirs. In other words - forget the Strike Force.
Regards, DM Driscoll
- Joined
- Jun 30, 1999
- Messages
- 18
Almost forgot some useful info:
For those of you who buy into Gerber's lame marketing - leaving one w/ the impression that the Strike Force really only works best w/ their amazing fuel tabs (uummm...parafin dripped on cotton balls seems close)- learn the plethora of natural (free) tinders found throughout your outdoor areas.
Effective NATURAL tinders for the metal match include:
- a palmfull of knife scrapings from any dry wood (pencil sharpener size)- If it's raining, split open a limb.
- shredded, buffed fiberous (inner) barks/fibers from poplars, sagebrush, juniper, dry grass blades etc..
- matted fluff of thistle, cattail, goatsbeard, etc..
- shredded, very dry herbivore dung (elk, cow, camel, etc..).
- even very dry, crumbled leaves will ignite.
If you need long, steady flame (to dry kindling, etc.) add conifer sap lumps or red (dead & saturated w/ resin) pine needles or birch bark.
Caveat Emptor folks - wisdom offers its own freedom.
Regards, Dudley Driscoll
For those of you who buy into Gerber's lame marketing - leaving one w/ the impression that the Strike Force really only works best w/ their amazing fuel tabs (uummm...parafin dripped on cotton balls seems close)- learn the plethora of natural (free) tinders found throughout your outdoor areas.
Effective NATURAL tinders for the metal match include:
- a palmfull of knife scrapings from any dry wood (pencil sharpener size)- If it's raining, split open a limb.
- shredded, buffed fiberous (inner) barks/fibers from poplars, sagebrush, juniper, dry grass blades etc..
- matted fluff of thistle, cattail, goatsbeard, etc..
- shredded, very dry herbivore dung (elk, cow, camel, etc..).
- even very dry, crumbled leaves will ignite.
If you need long, steady flame (to dry kindling, etc.) add conifer sap lumps or red (dead & saturated w/ resin) pine needles or birch bark.
Caveat Emptor folks - wisdom offers its own freedom.
Regards, Dudley Driscoll
- Joined
- Oct 19, 1998
- Messages
- 498
I got one a few weeks ago. I agree that it is a bit large and bulky, however there are a few positive things about that. The plastic is a bit easier to hold onto in the cold, you can generate more force with the larger handle to throw more sparks, etc. Also, it seems to me that the tinder cube should be your last resort in a genuine emergency where a natural source of tinder isn't readily available.
- Joined
- Nov 29, 1999
- Messages
- 632
DM,
I define a tinder as anything that will light from a spark. With this in mind... there is no limit to what you can use.
However, in order for most natural tinders to work (I have said this before) they must be dry, have edges, and allow oxygen to circulate within them. Exceptions... those with pitch or high amounts of resin (pitch wood scrappings, birch bark, etc. can be lit when wet... right Stryver....
BTW Stryver... great job!)
One other point I would like to make about the recent tinder input... cattail is only good as an adjunct to another tinder. It is a flash tinder and when used alone burns up to quick to effectively light kindling... I sometimes use it to line the inside of lichen (goats beard and witches hair) when doing my bow and drill (it helps create a larger ember from the coal that is dropped in).
------------------
Greg Davenport
http://www.ssurvival.com
Are You Ready For The Challenge?
Are You Ready To Learn The Art Of Wilderness Survival?
I define a tinder as anything that will light from a spark. With this in mind... there is no limit to what you can use.
However, in order for most natural tinders to work (I have said this before) they must be dry, have edges, and allow oxygen to circulate within them. Exceptions... those with pitch or high amounts of resin (pitch wood scrappings, birch bark, etc. can be lit when wet... right Stryver....
One other point I would like to make about the recent tinder input... cattail is only good as an adjunct to another tinder. It is a flash tinder and when used alone burns up to quick to effectively light kindling... I sometimes use it to line the inside of lichen (goats beard and witches hair) when doing my bow and drill (it helps create a larger ember from the coal that is dropped in).
------------------
Greg Davenport
http://www.ssurvival.com
Are You Ready For The Challenge?
Are You Ready To Learn The Art Of Wilderness Survival?
I just received a Blastmatch and a Strike Force. I'm afraid that my first thought with the Strike Force was disbelief. It's huge and heavy rather than a bit bulky! The Blast Match seems handier with more rounded outlines.
Both throw a huge spark - for people using them for the first time. Both designs are pretty easy to use.
I guess I'll just have to test durability by letting the kids use them... That usually is the best test. I sure wouldn't foresee them breaking the SF but the Blastmatch doesn't seem too durable (the cosmetic part). We'll see.
About the only constructive notion I can bring up at this time is that both being big and looking sort of neat - I'm wondering how long they would stay attached to a jacket - since they're not exactly pocket sized. I don't see it likely that anyone would "borrow" a small metal match and piece of hacksaw blade, but these..
Jimbo
Both throw a huge spark - for people using them for the first time. Both designs are pretty easy to use.
I guess I'll just have to test durability by letting the kids use them... That usually is the best test. I sure wouldn't foresee them breaking the SF but the Blastmatch doesn't seem too durable (the cosmetic part). We'll see.
About the only constructive notion I can bring up at this time is that both being big and looking sort of neat - I'm wondering how long they would stay attached to a jacket - since they're not exactly pocket sized. I don't see it likely that anyone would "borrow" a small metal match and piece of hacksaw blade, but these..
Jimbo
- Joined
- Jun 30, 1999
- Messages
- 18
To continue the dialogue...
"I define a tinder as anything that will light from a spark."
*Or, I assume, an ember produced via friction, traditional flint & steel w/ char cloth (or other pre-carbonized tinder).
"With this in mind... there is no limit to what you can use." *Absolutely.
"..cattail is only good as an adjunct to another tinder. It is a flash tinder and when used alone burns up to quick to effectively light kindling..."
*MOSTLY true IMHO, depends on the environment/condition (naturally), & the grey line between tinder & kindling (which I define as that smallest fuel which rapidly catches & expands the initial fragile flame of match, ember ignition, etc.} I've had good success w/ various 'fluffs' like cattail if they are first rolled & matted between the hands into a rough cylinder, then a few edges teased out for the sparks. This will ignite my usual kindlings of the twig-bundle sort - the dead, dry, very fine (smaller than a match stick) branches from spruce, fir, etc..
"lichen (goats beard and witches hair) when doing my bow and drill"
*Interestingly enough in my region I discourage people from using the hairy tree lichens (I assume we mean Usnea spp. & Bryoria spp.) for tinder as they are very hydroscopic - may be acceptable if pre-dried, but by then you can find better substitutes. As well, these lichens tend to burn w/ a weak, non-persistent flame much like a flash tinder. Again, one must gain intimate knowledge of a specific environment.
BTW - have you used the 2-hole method of bow drill fire lighting which dispenses w/ the awkward side-notch & ember collection. With this method & a really good drill & hearth, I've frequently lit fires in less than 1 minute from the time I began drilling, transferred ember, etc. to the moment the tinder bundle ignited. For a full description of this (and the most complete survival firelighting chapter I've so far encountered} please refer to (Northern) Bushcraft by Mors Kochanski, Lone Pine pub, written by my main wilderness survival mentor.
Regards, Dudley Driscoll
"I define a tinder as anything that will light from a spark."
*Or, I assume, an ember produced via friction, traditional flint & steel w/ char cloth (or other pre-carbonized tinder).
"With this in mind... there is no limit to what you can use." *Absolutely.
"..cattail is only good as an adjunct to another tinder. It is a flash tinder and when used alone burns up to quick to effectively light kindling..."
*MOSTLY true IMHO, depends on the environment/condition (naturally), & the grey line between tinder & kindling (which I define as that smallest fuel which rapidly catches & expands the initial fragile flame of match, ember ignition, etc.} I've had good success w/ various 'fluffs' like cattail if they are first rolled & matted between the hands into a rough cylinder, then a few edges teased out for the sparks. This will ignite my usual kindlings of the twig-bundle sort - the dead, dry, very fine (smaller than a match stick) branches from spruce, fir, etc..
"lichen (goats beard and witches hair) when doing my bow and drill"
*Interestingly enough in my region I discourage people from using the hairy tree lichens (I assume we mean Usnea spp. & Bryoria spp.) for tinder as they are very hydroscopic - may be acceptable if pre-dried, but by then you can find better substitutes. As well, these lichens tend to burn w/ a weak, non-persistent flame much like a flash tinder. Again, one must gain intimate knowledge of a specific environment.
BTW - have you used the 2-hole method of bow drill fire lighting which dispenses w/ the awkward side-notch & ember collection. With this method & a really good drill & hearth, I've frequently lit fires in less than 1 minute from the time I began drilling, transferred ember, etc. to the moment the tinder bundle ignited. For a full description of this (and the most complete survival firelighting chapter I've so far encountered} please refer to (Northern) Bushcraft by Mors Kochanski, Lone Pine pub, written by my main wilderness survival mentor.
Regards, Dudley Driscoll
Hi Dudley:
A few questions if you don't mind:
- What metal match are you using, and are they sold in Canada?
- I think that you confused the Strike Force with the BlastMatch. Would you please describe the one you used and what part broke. Was the lifetime warranty honored?
- I'm having trouble finding Inonotus obliquus on birch here. Under what conditions are you finding it in Alberta?
Thanks,
Jimbo
A few questions if you don't mind:
- What metal match are you using, and are they sold in Canada?
- I think that you confused the Strike Force with the BlastMatch. Would you please describe the one you used and what part broke. Was the lifetime warranty honored?
- I'm having trouble finding Inonotus obliquus on birch here. Under what conditions are you finding it in Alberta?
Thanks,
Jimbo
- Joined
- Jun 30, 1999
- Messages
- 18
Hi Jimbo,
My last few flint rod/metal matches came from Campers' Village in Calgary (one in Edmonton as well), they cater to the usual high-tech/backpacker crowd w/ a bit of bush living types as well (wood stoves, wall tents, etc.). The website is
http://www.campers-village.com/general.html
However I couldn't find the metal matches on the site so you'll need to Email & ask. The 2 types available recently were both plain zirconium rods w/ a sturdy flat plastic handle on one end w/ a hole. The smaller one is about 5cm of rod w/ a blue tab & a cord-attached scraping blade; the larger one is about 8cm of THICK rod w/ a black tab w/ no scraper - I believe both retailed under $20
I don't believe I'm confused - the
Strike Force is larger, rectangular & black or orange; the Blast Match is more compact, rounded, & spring loaded for one-hand use - correct? I've used the Strike Force & discarded its value for my needs/skills - sorry, I was only (worst-case) projecting the potential durability of the casing.
Had to look this one up
"Inonotus obliquus" or Clinker Polypore, I believe this sometimes referred to as True Tinder Fungus. It's never very common (damn), shows up on mature, living paper birch, rarely on aspen; hard to find around the Calgary-west foothills/mountain areas, but more common in the true boreal areas past Rocky Mtn House, Edmonton, etc.
More common is the (False) Tinder or Hoof Fungus, Fomes fomentarius, which appears on birch, aspen, large willow & hawthorn, etc.. If you have Northern Bushcraft, it covers processing into tinder - if not, ask away...
Regards, Dudley
My last few flint rod/metal matches came from Campers' Village in Calgary (one in Edmonton as well), they cater to the usual high-tech/backpacker crowd w/ a bit of bush living types as well (wood stoves, wall tents, etc.). The website is
http://www.campers-village.com/general.html
However I couldn't find the metal matches on the site so you'll need to Email & ask. The 2 types available recently were both plain zirconium rods w/ a sturdy flat plastic handle on one end w/ a hole. The smaller one is about 5cm of rod w/ a blue tab & a cord-attached scraping blade; the larger one is about 8cm of THICK rod w/ a black tab w/ no scraper - I believe both retailed under $20
I don't believe I'm confused - the
Strike Force is larger, rectangular & black or orange; the Blast Match is more compact, rounded, & spring loaded for one-hand use - correct? I've used the Strike Force & discarded its value for my needs/skills - sorry, I was only (worst-case) projecting the potential durability of the casing.
Had to look this one up
More common is the (False) Tinder or Hoof Fungus, Fomes fomentarius, which appears on birch, aspen, large willow & hawthorn, etc.. If you have Northern Bushcraft, it covers processing into tinder - if not, ask away...
Regards, Dudley
Hi Dudley:
Firstly thanks for the information on the fungus (sorry about using the latin name..). I'm interested in trying it as tinder. I was looking for it even before reading Mors' book. I guess I've learned just how many birch trees we have around here - but so far no fungus.. Quite strange as with the dampness here on the coast we must have every other kind of fungus. My last chance is getting in to some huge birch trees which are naturally way out in the bush.
I've emailed the site you gave for simple ferrocerium rods, as they only list the Blastmatch and Strike Force. Thanks for the link - if you find any more Canadian sources please post them.
My FS has the Gerber trademark not Survival Inc. I don't see anyone being able to break the model that I got - but that sure may NOT apply to the model that you got! More on this with regard to the BM below.
I guess where I got confused was with your mentioning of one handed use - as with Blastmatch. That's much lighter than the FS (supposedly 2.7oz compared to 3.7oz). I'm just going to have to weigh them since the difference appears MUCH greater with the models I have. The FS has quite a chunk of rod protruding into the handle which brings up the weight considerably. It would appear that I have the old model of BM with the catch that hold the thing closed protruding too far. When it breaks the striker goes with it. Shouldn't take too long, and then I'll be able to test the lifetime warranty.
I still don't know what to make of these firestarters. My SF seems overdesigned - as if someone broke one and they wanted to make sure it never happened again. I can put my whole weight on the rod without breaking it out of the housing. For sure with built in tinder holder, caps attached to landyard it should be the ultimate. The problem comes in carrying it around - attach it to a coat and it just gets in the way, as it's heavy and swings around. The BM is fine in a pocket or attached to coat, and surprisingly it hasn't opened up unexpectedly. It sure isn't overdesigned for strength though. I guess when I carry and use some other larger rod types, I'll have more of an opinion.
Jimbo
Firstly thanks for the information on the fungus (sorry about using the latin name..). I'm interested in trying it as tinder. I was looking for it even before reading Mors' book. I guess I've learned just how many birch trees we have around here - but so far no fungus.. Quite strange as with the dampness here on the coast we must have every other kind of fungus. My last chance is getting in to some huge birch trees which are naturally way out in the bush.
I've emailed the site you gave for simple ferrocerium rods, as they only list the Blastmatch and Strike Force. Thanks for the link - if you find any more Canadian sources please post them.
My FS has the Gerber trademark not Survival Inc. I don't see anyone being able to break the model that I got - but that sure may NOT apply to the model that you got! More on this with regard to the BM below.
I guess where I got confused was with your mentioning of one handed use - as with Blastmatch. That's much lighter than the FS (supposedly 2.7oz compared to 3.7oz). I'm just going to have to weigh them since the difference appears MUCH greater with the models I have. The FS has quite a chunk of rod protruding into the handle which brings up the weight considerably. It would appear that I have the old model of BM with the catch that hold the thing closed protruding too far. When it breaks the striker goes with it. Shouldn't take too long, and then I'll be able to test the lifetime warranty.
I still don't know what to make of these firestarters. My SF seems overdesigned - as if someone broke one and they wanted to make sure it never happened again. I can put my whole weight on the rod without breaking it out of the housing. For sure with built in tinder holder, caps attached to landyard it should be the ultimate. The problem comes in carrying it around - attach it to a coat and it just gets in the way, as it's heavy and swings around. The BM is fine in a pocket or attached to coat, and surprisingly it hasn't opened up unexpectedly. It sure isn't overdesigned for strength though. I guess when I carry and use some other larger rod types, I'll have more of an opinion.
Jimbo
Hi:
I got email back from campers-village -- Dudley's link above.
So for people in Canada:
"Hey Jim,
The lightest and best flint that we have on hand is our "Fire Steel" flint.
It measures 3" long and sparks up like nothing else we have in the store. I
should know, I nearly lost my all my facial hair the first time I tried this
guy out... Anyway, it retails at $11.98, so if you are interested your best
bet will be to give us a shout via our toll free number 1-800-661-3847. You
can place your order over the phone in just a couple minutes. The sku
number for the Fire Steel is 49906. You can give that number to whomever
you speak to.
Hope to hear from you soon...
Trevor
Campers Village, Edmonton"
I ordered a couple so I'll post what they're like when they arrive..
Jimbo
I got email back from campers-village -- Dudley's link above.
So for people in Canada:
"Hey Jim,
The lightest and best flint that we have on hand is our "Fire Steel" flint.
It measures 3" long and sparks up like nothing else we have in the store. I
should know, I nearly lost my all my facial hair the first time I tried this
guy out... Anyway, it retails at $11.98, so if you are interested your best
bet will be to give us a shout via our toll free number 1-800-661-3847. You
can place your order over the phone in just a couple minutes. The sku
number for the Fire Steel is 49906. You can give that number to whomever
you speak to.
Hope to hear from you soon...
Trevor
Campers Village, Edmonton"
I ordered a couple so I'll post what they're like when they arrive..
Jimbo
I've got some of the students in my class doing a study on firestarters. I'll be able to post a link to their findings and pictures of the various firestarters in use in about a week.
So far using shredded cedar bark as tinder, they have found that the easiest FS to use is the Blastmatch, followed by the SF, followed by the blue handled FS from "Campers Village" followed by the magnesium block type. This is for first time use by people who have never tried firestarting by this method.
All that this really tells is that the thickness of the rod affects the size of the spark. Lots of other considerations (like portability and durability) for sure. The students will be looking into those factors too.
Jimbo
So far using shredded cedar bark as tinder, they have found that the easiest FS to use is the Blastmatch, followed by the SF, followed by the blue handled FS from "Campers Village" followed by the magnesium block type. This is for first time use by people who have never tried firestarting by this method.
All that this really tells is that the thickness of the rod affects the size of the spark. Lots of other considerations (like portability and durability) for sure. The students will be looking into those factors too.
Jimbo
DMD,
The SF has been a real saver for me. My hans aren't what they used to be...Too many Beaver pulls, etc. The large size of the SF makes this useable for people like me, that have a little trouble holding on to small stuff, especia;;y in the cold.
'course I have to admit that most of the fires that I start on the line are done the "old woodsmans" way......pour some of my chainsaw gas on the makings and toss in a match.
The SF has been a real saver for me. My hans aren't what they used to be...Too many Beaver pulls, etc. The large size of the SF makes this useable for people like me, that have a little trouble holding on to small stuff, especia;;y in the cold.
'course I have to admit that most of the fires that I start on the line are done the "old woodsmans" way......pour some of my chainsaw gas on the makings and toss in a match.