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Tinder boxes

I have used the shoe polish containers for a ong time. They do not easily leak even when submerged they take a while for water to find it's way in. I keep my char cloth in a pill bag inside the container.
 
The little tinder oven that comes with EB Primitives' fire piston is a very handy tool. I tried it out the other day and got a solid flame on the first try. Not watertight, but very cool.
 
I use one of those waterproof tube-shaped money holders from a waterpark. They work really well, come with a lanyard, and its bright orange so its easy to find.
 
not sure how much it needs to hold, but I have one these (I keep REI storm matches and a couple of firestraws w/ PJCB's in in them)

also has a nice Sunnto compass, double O rings

https://www.kmmatchcase.com/shop/findex.php?cid=106&p=102

matchsafewfirestraw.jpg
 
valcas1,

I have a few of those plastic match safes from sources other than Countycomm. I found that the mini-firesteels on the bottoms of the ones made in Japan will work for me while those made in China won't.

DancesWithKnives
 
what about a tin with a candle in it you can usualy find them at the dollar store, just put the lid on it and soak it in boiling water to get the candle out then you can put electrical tape around the edge and it should stay dry plus if you need to you can poke a hole in the lid and use it for charcloth in the field
 
mtwarden said:
not sure how much it needs to hold, but I have one these (I keep REI storm matches and a couple of firestraws w/ PJCB's in in them)

also has a nice Sunnto compass, double O rings
Click to expand...

I have a long brass K&M as well. Really like it, but I just keep matches in it (&special striker). Never thought of it as a Tinder Box. How do you make those straws?
 
Fire-kit-alt1-xlg.jpg


Remove the strike stick to make it easier to pack, or keep it in and have a nice way to light the tinder aswel.
 
USMCSNIPER34 said:
what about a tin with a candle in it you can usualy find them at the dollar store, just put the lid on it and soak it in boiling water to get the candle out then you can put electrical tape around the edge and it should stay dry plus if you need to you can poke a hole in the lid and use it for charcloth in the field
Click to expand...

Cool idea for field expedient char cloth. Of course, you'd need to get a fire going first in order to make the char cloth.... :p

I just don't have as much faith in tape as you guys seem to have. Or maybe I just get wetter. :foot:
 
My problem is that outside of SoCal, I wouldn't be likely to carry any cotton out of which to make charcloth....

DancesWithKnives
 
You could also look into things called "space cases" or "stash jars" they're usually used to hold "green vegetative matter" but I would guess they would work very well as tinder boxes. The ones I've seen are aluminum cylinders with an O-ring seal. The ones with a grinder probably wouldn't be all that useful for what you want, but who knows I bet it could shred up some jute pretty well.
 
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I just keep a few firestraws strewn throughtout my equipment. Cheap, 100% reliable, waterproof, lightweight, you can make them any size you want them. No downside. Actually, they have an additional use - in the case of chapped skin, etc., they can be cut open, and the petroleum jelly can be used.

If you click here, and scroll down the page, you can see how I make them.

Others take a small ball of 100% cotton (it is important that it is cotton, not a synthetic) and coat the outside with vaseline. These are then jammed into a straw, the end squeezed together with something like needlenose pliers and the heat from a lighter flame/match/candle, whatever is used to melt the end shut. When you need a fire, you cut open the firestraw, fluff up a bit of the cotton, get out the ferro rod, and voila - fire.

Firestraws are one of the neatest things I learned on this forum.

Brokensj: Remove the strike stick to make it easier to pack, or keep it in and have a nice way to light the tinder aswel.
Click to expand...

They are pretty neat looking, especially with the compass on the inside - just might have to buy one. :rolleyes:

Rotte: I've used ziplock bags, but of course they puncture when banging around in a pack. I'm thinking about the canoe going over in fall/winter and really needing some dry tinder to get a fire going. Worst case scenario kind of thing. Alooksaks are great, but I've managed to puncture a couple of them with long use.


Film canister might work--funny since going digital, I don't see those anymore.
Click to expand...

I go to the Wally World photo department and ask them for them. They recycle them after developing 35mm films.

Doc
 
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Christmas it the time to look for small gift tins, the tins made for gift cards should work for you.
Also try to find some pellet or musket cap tins.
 
Rotte said:
I have a long brass K&M as well. Really like it, but I just keep matches in it (&special striker). Never thought of it as a Tinder Box. How do you make those straws?
Click to expand...

DOC-CANADA said:
I just keep a few firestraws strewn throughtout my equipment. Cheap, 100% reliable, waterproof, lightweight, you can make them any size you want them. No downside. Actually, they have an additional use - in the case of chapped skin, etc., they can be cut open, and the petroleum jelly can be used.

If you click here, and scroll down the page, you can see how I make them.

Others take a small ball of 100% cotton (it is important that it is cotton, not a synthetic) and coat the outside with vaseline. These are then jammed into a straw, the end squeezed together with something like needlenose pliers and the heat from a lighter flame/match/candle, whatever is used to melt the end shut. When you need a fire, you cut open the firestraw, fluff up a bit of the cotton, get out the ferro rod, and voila - fire.

Firestraws are one of the neatest things I learned on this forum.



Doc
Click to expand...

the second method Doc describes is how I make them (I like Doc's way too)

the "fire" straws can be used for a whole host of other things too- from condiments to gun oil- it's a nice, easy way to store things you want sealed from the environment- you can utilize what ever length you need

Mike
 
On firestraws.

I'vre found that the straws stocked and used in Wendy's burger joints are a larger diameter. They really work great.
 
I think I'd like to try the straws also.... seem fool proof enough. :thumbup:

The diabetic test strip canisters I mentioned up-thread -- I filled one with tissue, closed it and submerged it overnight. Tissue was dry this AM. :thumbup: The canister floats too. I stood on the end and then on the side... nothing happened. Tough little things!

Are cigarette lighters toast after they are submerged?

I just stuffed an Altoid tin into an inner tube and glued the ends shut. I'll dunk it tonight to see if the seams hold. :D
 
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