Nanostriker 1.5

[Mistwalker]

Since work had me 7.5 miles off of pavement today anyway, once I got things wrapped up I experimented a little. Some of you know about the Exotac Nanostriker I carry pretty much everywhere I go. I know that some of you also have nanos. A while back Rob came up with a prototype for a tinder tube extension for these.

The extension basically turns the original handle into a small tinder storage area that will hold one section of fire-straw.

The experiment was to use only the nano to start a fire, using no cutting tools...just in case I found myself in the woods without a knife.

I used the sharp corner of the striker to cut the fire-straw open. You can see how the plastic, petroleum jelly, and cotton cleaned the corner of the striker. Opening up the fire-straw was really easy.

Two sparks later and I had flames, which easily ignited the small twigs I used for kindling.

.

 

[Mistwalker]

So yes, the little tinder tube definitely add a new dimension to this great little piece of kit.

The only down side is that it may be a little big for a key chain now. I'm looking forward to seeing the pocket clip he is making for these.

The rest of the evening I sat in peace staring at the sky and this pond. Waiting on the sunset, and whittling with a knife I borrowed from John to check out before he takes it to the next show.., this definitely wasn't the day I was going to find myself without a knife.

.

 

[Mistwalker]

Man I love the G-10 handle he put on this knife.

and what an edge! I actually hate having to give it back.

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[ROCK6]

Good review as usual Brian. I actually like the original for its size...fits in my multitool side pouch for EDC, but it's nice to have options. Boy, that is a nice looking handle on the blade:thumbup:

ROCK6

 

[WILLIAM.M]

Good review as usual Brian. I actually like the original for its size...fits in my multitool side pouch for EDC, but it's nice to have options. Boy, that is a nice looking handle on the blade:thumbup:

ROCK6

Cound not agree with ROCK6 more on both counts:thumbup::thumbup:

 

[Doc13]

Great post Mist:thumbup:

Also, excuse my ignorance, but who makes that knife?

 

[Shotgun]

That is a nice handle on that blade. Nice and clean.

 

[tknife]

Always love your pics and reviews. That knife is a real looker too :thumbup:

 

[HornyToad]

The Nanostriker site indicates the fero rod is replaceable but did not find what it costs or how it is done. Do they sell rod and you glue it in (not good) or do you get the metal part and the rod?

 

[Remo1]

Great review and pics!

Is the tinder tube extension available yet?

 

[Remo1]

The Nanostriker site indicates the fero rod is replaceable but did not find what it costs or how it is done. Do they sell rod and you glue it in (not good) or do you get the metal part and the rod?

From what I see on the Exotac site, the replacement rod screws in and costs $3.99 + shipping.

 

[TheGame]

A pocket clip would make it a 'pen fire starter' type deal, then? That would be pretty cool. I love penlights, and to have a fire-starting pen type gizmo would be pretty cool.

:thumbup:

 

[stingray4540]

Very nice on the nano striker. I like it!

I think they could make the extension tube version the same length as the original, by removing the hourglass section completely, and moving the striker to the other end(where the split ring is).
They could also make a short-fat version, by eliminating the extension tube, move the striker to the other side, and make the "cap" a larger diameter so you could cram in a loose PJCB around the fero rod.

Maybe I should send them an email, or if someone here has a contact with them, they could forward my suggestion?

If they did that, I would definitely buy one.

 

[Mistwalker]

Good review as usual Brian. I actually like the original for its size...fits in my multitool side pouch for EDC, but it's nice to have options. Boy, that is a nice looking handle on the blade:thumbup:

ROCK6

Thanks Rock. Yeah I keep the Ti on my key-chain as it is and it's perfect. But I like the option offered by the extension. I am thinking I will put it in the wife's kit for now and take it with me on any wet outings I have the kids with me.

More on the knife and handle at the end of this post.

Cound not agree with ROCK6 more on both counts:thumbup::thumbup:

Thanks Bill

Great post Mist:thumbup:

Also, excuse my ignorance, but who makes that knife?

Thanks Doc. It's made by John Hutcheson IV of Sursum Knife Works. John is a great guy and has been making knives about 30 years now. He is a friend and mentor.

That is a nice handle on that blade. Nice and clean.

Yeah, I fell in love with it when I saw it, handles great too. Sweet little knife.

Always love your pics and reviews. That knife is a real looker too :thumbup:

Thanks T, glad you enjoyed it, I think so too.

The Nanostriker site indicates the fero rod is replaceable but did not find what it costs or how it is done. Do they sell rod and you glue it in (not good) or do you get the metal part and the rod?

Replacing the rod couldn't be any easier, thread the old one out, thread the new one in. I have had one on my key-chain for over a year now. My favorite edc fire starter.

Great review and pics!

Is the tinder tube extension available yet?

Rob only made a few of them so far. I got three of them and passed two on to other friends. He is considering making a small batch but wasn't sure if he should. I told him I thought a small batch might do alright and was hoping for enough feedback from this thread here and elsewhere to help him out with that decision.

A pocket clip would make it a 'pen fire starter' type deal, then? That would be pretty cool. I love penlights, and to have a fire-starting pen type gizmo would be pretty cool.

:thumbup:

That's exactly how the concept drawings make it look, and my exact thoughts as well. Still great for hikes and outings. One pretty much guaranteed fire is always good to have on hand. It could also be banded to the sheath of a neck knife system like Mac (Pict) uses.

Very nice on the nano striker. I like it!

I think they could make the extension tube version the same length as the original, by removing the hourglass section completely, and moving the striker to the other end(where the split ring is).
They could also make a short-fat version, by eliminating the extension tube, move the striker to the other side, and make the "cap" a larger diameter so you could cram in a loose PJCB around the fero rod.

Maybe I should send them an email, or if someone here has a contact with them, they could forward my suggestion?

If they did that, I would definitely buy one.

Thanks Stingray, I doubt he will make another version of the nano, I'm thinking this will be the one tinder option for it. However other tools are in the works and more Exotac products are due to be released this year. I do know that he is working on a larger version of firestarter with more tinder storage but not sure when that will come out. For me this just adds another dimension to the nanos I already have and I like that.

As for the email, I'll send Rob a link to the thread later and let him see people's thoughts.


Now, as for the Sursum Bushcrafter, this thing is really sweet too, and I just love the handle. I got to see the first stages of it being made but was astounded when I saw it finished, it's just beautiful. I only took a few pics, I really hate to let it go, but he is taking it to a show sometime this next month.

And John put an awesome edge on it.

 

[HornyToad]

Does the rod throw sparks like a Light My Fire type (small scrape smaller controlled sparks) or Goin Gear type (long scrape with globs of fire)?

 

[VictGerbSogCamill]

As always, Great post and pics Mist. Thanks for the info/review.

Edit: And that is a BEAUTIFUL KNIFE !!! Very Sexy !!

 

[Mistwalker]

Does the rod throw sparks like a Light My Fire type (small scrap smaller controlled sparks) or Goin Gear type (long scrap with globs of fire)?

In my experiences they are identical to going gear misch rods.

 

[bladerique]

Great review and that looks to be a well made bit of kit. My only problem would be using such in nasty cold weather. Too many moving parts and screwing when dexterity is low, numbness is present and possibly your whole body is shaking.

 

[Mistwalker]

Great review and that looks to be a well made bit of kit. My only problem would be using such in nasty cold weather. Too many moving parts and screwing when dexterity is low, numbness is present and possibly your whole body is shaking.

Thanks. I know, same thoughts here, and for those days I carry an ESEE fire starter for the large handle and the dry tinder storage...but not in my pocket where sweat can be a factor. I carry the nano as an edc and it has been great. I don't go anywhere without it so I always have it available even if I lose my pack. Using the nano in the cold with numb hands I'd likely use a different striker if I had one available.

 

[bladerique]

Thanks. I know, same thoughts here, and for those days I carry an ESEE fire starter for the large handle and the dry tinder storage...but not in my pocket where sweat can be a factor. I carry the nano as an edc and it has been great. I don't go anywhere without it so I always have it available even if I lose my pack. Using the nano in the cold with numb hands I'd likely use a different striker if I had one available.

That thing is small enough to fit in a wallet for EDC. I may order the orange one.

EDIT: In FL, cold isn't such a large factor.