How do you store your extra firesteels?

alphamaniv

alphamaniv

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I recently got 5 military models from forum member Bagheera. I want to store the extras properly, but am not sure how to proceed. I was thinking zip-lok bags with some uncooked rice to absorb any moisture. Any thoughts or tips?
 
I didn't know that firesteels need any special treatment. I just toss leave it in the front pouch of my SOE sheath. If it needs to be kept dry, I suppose that a few dessicant pouches (found in a lot of food packages) would work fine.
 
I coat mine with a layer of clear nail polish of Krylon "Matte Finish". It absolutely stops them from corroding and it scrapes off with the first stroke of your striker or knife. That's how the World Survival Institute stores their brand, and I've found it works perfectly.
 
I put a surgical condom on mine (surgical tube, sized to fit). I use mine so often that the paint thing didn't work well for me. Surgical tube can be removed/replaced and will prevent oxidation.

There are two added benefits: allow the surgical tube to extend beyond the firesteel 1 inch and stuff it with a vaseline'd cotton ball, then tie it closed (to prevent seep). This makes instant fire as close as your steel. The final benefit is tiny rubber bands cut from cross-sections of surgical tube. I've successfully made bird traps from these and some line (the Ojibway trap minus the tree).
There are many other uses...
-carl
 
I put the smaller ones on jackets and vests as zipper pulls, that way they are always there. I have them on keys, inside the pouches of sheaths, and in my daypack.
 
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