Is there a difference between firesteels?

[jeff_c]

For example the Misch Metal firesteel seen here:

And this "Light my fire" firesteel?

A difference other than the little handle and size... I mean a difference in the spark "output".

 

[bladz]

Here are a couple of recent threads that will give you what you need.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=711166

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=713121

 

[cmdionne]

We discuss this a lot. In general the consensus is that the misch metal ones throw off globs of molten metal that burn for quite some time, where as the ones like the LMF just throw sparks. People have their preferences.

Here's a couple of links

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=713121&highlight=firesteel

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=711166&highlight=firesteel

 

[TheGame]

Big difference. I prefer Misch metal, as the little fireballs they throw are much hotter than the ordinary spark that the LMF produces.

 

[Oregon Knife Guy]

Goinggear.com

 

[udtjim]

I Have both kinds. The LMF was my favorite until I got one of the other type from Going Gear a few weeks ago. Now it is about a toss up. HOWEVER I also got the super striker that Going Gear has and believe me, nothing else will ever touch my fire steels again, what a blast of sparks and or flying hot metal. I just got three more of the strikers so that I will never be without one. I got a six inch and four inch Fire steel from them, both are 3/8 diameter.

 

[jeff_c]

Yeah I think, after watching his videos. Im up for trying one of those.

I have a Scout (medium size) LMF and I cant believe how much I have worn it down. Looks like the Going Gear ones last a bit longer too. I see a "badger" in my future. At least then I will have (and can play with) both.

 

[Col. Cornelius]

Howdy,

Last weekend I ordered a couple Badgers, Ferrets and Super Strikers based on the experience of people on this forum. I like to start all my camper fires with natural tinder and a firesteel. Up to the point, I've been using a LMF Scout with pitchwood I find for tinder.

They should be in my mailbox today! I can't wait to try them out!

 

[Neanderthal]

"Looks like the Going Gear ones last a bit longer too" ------ My experience is the exact reverse. For me the misch metal is more effective, but wears down faster.

 

[Boondock Saint]

I have a LMF Army and love it. But it's all I've ever had so I can't really compare it to anything! I've been wanting to try the RAT fire kit though. I'm assuming its a little closer to the Misch?

 

[mrappraisit]

Big difference. I prefer Misch metal, as the little fireballs they throw are much hotter than the ordinary spark that the LMF produces.

Goinggear.com

I have both Misch metal and LMF, and prefer the Misch metal as well. It throws little gobs of fire which seem to work a greater percentage of the time than the LMF. The LMF steels are still pretty good though and they are easier to get a spark from imediately, where the Misch takes some practice to get good sparks.

If you are buying Misch or LMF try goinggear like Oregon Knife Guy said, they have lots of sizes and very good service/prices. Also if you get Misch metal from gg.com also get the recommended scraper, the one with the black plastic handle it produces very good sparks from misch.

 

[jeff_c]

Since I have already tried LMF, I went with a Misch from GG. And I got the scraper... So, I will give it a try.