Tinder fungus question

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Bushman5

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Oct 31, 2007
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could one take a dried tinder fungus, break it up into chunks, and prepare it the same way one prepares Char cloth?

just curious....
 
I am not entirely sure but I don't think this process would be necessary. The point of making char cloth is that it takes a spark really easily, but tinder fungus already takes a spark pretty well. I don't see why it wouldn't work, I just don't see it as being necessary.

I guess part of the fun with survival stuff is trying it out, so go find some tinder fungus and let us know your results. Good luck!
 
Bushman5 said:
could one take a dried tinder fungus, break it up into chunks, and prepare it the same way one prepares Char cloth?

just curious....
Click to expand...

I don't think there is a need to do so. Probably what would be more effective would be to powder the fungus on the top surface so the spark has more surface area to ignite. But on the other hand, I never thought to try either so why not give it a shot and let us know your results?

Stitchawl
 
True tinder fungus doesn't need any prep. to be very effective. At least that has been my experience.
 
I think with fungus tinder you get better results leaving it in marble size (3/8") chunks powder catches well but burns out too and smothers the underlying powder. Big chunks don't catch as easily, plus if you get it down to science being frugal will save your stash of tinder.
 
I will often char punk wood (in a tin or directly on the fire), 100% cotton or linen, cattail fluff, etc., and most usually find amadou fine to use as it is (should be dry). I have seen tinder fungus boiled or soaked in urine, and even a little blackpowder added for insurance, etc. Several options to choose from with false or true tinder fungus and experimenting is half the fun of using these tinders. :)
 
MIKE MACINTOSH said:
texasred66
below is a good link showing true tinder fungus
http://wildwoodsurvival.com/survival/fire/tinder/tinderfungus/true.html
Click to expand...

Hey texasred66, there is also some False Tinder fungus at the bottom of the page Mike has linked to. It's also called Horse's Hoof fungus because it resembles a horse's hoof. I usually find it on dead Birch (Betula sp.) but it grows on some other species, as well, apparently.

Here's a good link to F. fomentarius. F. fomentarius usually has to be treated to work , I. obliquus on the other hand, doesn't, at least IME. I'm referring to catching and holding sparks. As a coal extender, it doesn't require any treatment. BTW, they also work as insect smudges.

Here's a page full of links to F. fomentarius.

I think it is Jeff Wagner who prefers using True Tinder fungus in the fire pistons he makes.

Doc
 
Hey Doc, by insect smudges, are you saying that the charred tinder fungus can be used as an insect repellent? If so, that is pretty wonderful.
 
Doc-Thanks for the links. I found one that looks like the 5th picture on the Google link. It was growing on the side of an oak tree. I let it dry and it was hard to get it to catch a spark. I put a chunk in my char can and now it takes a spark easily and I have to use a wet finger to put the spark out.
Mike M
Thanks for the link.
What a great group.
 
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