the fallacy of firesteels

Under dry conditions it's hard to imagine needing anything more than this to get a fire started...unless injured or in a real hurry for some reason

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My wet weather kit does contain a good supply of storm proof matches though,

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My back up system contains matches, tinder quick, and now straws packed with PJCBs and stays in my cargo pocket to be paired with any knife I am carrying, which is sometimes a larger one in the cold months.

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But my last ditch emergency backup plans all include ferro rods and PJCBs because of the fact that they work under pretty much any conditions I'll be trying to start a fire and long term storage poses no problems I am aware of as of yet.

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OwenM said:
Now THAT is cool!
Darth Vader wants his lighter back, though...:D

I love how it looks like a Surefire E1e with the clip, o-ring, and anti-roll bezel!
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That was a joke. :D I just grabbed one off the net that looked "cool" enough. I didn't pay attention to the specs or anything. Now that I've taken another look - there seem to be a BUNCH of 'em out there. This one's the "Firestorm" by Brunton.

http://www.amazon.com/Brunton-New-F.../ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top/175-1099919-0133602
 
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Codger_64 said:
Hmmm... $75 vs. a $1 Bic in a 5 cent baloon. Decisions, decisions! :p
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Condom. At least you'll get another use out of it. :rolleyes:

Where the heck did you find that price? Not that it matters 'cause I wouldn't buy one, but I found one for $40.

http://www.cutleryshoppe.com/browseproducts/Brunton-FireStorm-Stormproof-Lighter.HTML

From my quick "glance" at the stormproof lighter "market" - there seem to be a lot of more reasonably priced options: Delta or Trekker brands.

I know... now I'm gonna set up my own survival lighter forum. Yeah!
 
Codger_64 said:
Hmmm... $75 vs. a $1 Bic in a 5 cent baloon. Decisions, decisions! :p
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mewolf1 said:
...Ya, but the cool factor aint there with a Bic and a Ballon.:rolleyes:
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Sufler said:
Condom. At least you'll get another use out of it. :rolleyes:

Where the heck did you find that price? Not that it matters 'cause I wouldn't buy one, but I found one for $40.

http://www.cutleryshoppe.com/browseproducts/Brunton-FireStorm-Stormproof-Lighter.HTML

From my quick "glance" at the stormproof lighter "market" - there seem to be a lot of more reasonably priced options: Delta or Trekker brands.

I know... now I'm gonna set up my own survival lighter forum. Yeah!
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You may be right with the "cool condom" idea. I always had a fantasy of coming across a wild woods nymphette but it never happened. But the condom would likely double the cost of the Bic-balloon fire kit. I could only afford several dozen for the price of the cool lighter. Admitedly, I've not worried so much about being cool since 1976 or so. :p
 
The reason I pay more for "jet lighters" is because they're highly pressurised, put out a longer and stronger flame, work equally well at various angles, and the flame is directional.
I have an older Colibri that sold for around a hundred when it was new. I have another brand that runs about $40.

The hotter directional flame is more wind-resistant & can be angled into spots where the BIC can't reach. The jet flame is infinitely more controllable, and can be more effective on harder-to-ignite materials.
Denis
 
Carried in a pocket as I would a BIC, where it's relatively warm, they work fine.
Leave it sitting around on the ground below freezing & you can expect lesser performance with any gas lighter.
Pretty much like gas canister stoves. :)
Denis
 
Smithhammer said:
How do they work in sub-freezing temps?
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they don't work well, if at all. i have the windmill trekker stormproof lighter (it was around $50) and it was useless even though it was inside my front right pants pocket while hiking in sub-freezing temp...on the other pocket was a bic lighter which didn't work too but because of the thin fuel casing i was able to warm it up with my hand after about a minute or so and it worked again.

that was an expensive lesson learned - i stick with bic lighters/firesteels/matches now...for me those stormproof lighters are only useful for sealing the ends of cut paracord (they work way faster than normal lighters) :o
 
If you're getting down that low in temps, carry the lighter in an INSIDE pocket.
Shirt or vest pocket inside a coat does great.
You have to put some thought into it. :)
And, it can vary depending on the lighter construction & brand.
Denis
 
DPris said:
If you're getting down that low in temps, carry the lighter in an INSIDE pocket.
Shirt or vest pocket inside a coat does great.
You have to put some thought into it. :)
And, it can vary depending on the lighter construction & brand.
Denis
Click to expand...

hindsight is 20/20 as they say.
 
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