Using Punk Wood as Tinder?

[CWL]

I just scooped up a ziplock baggie full of rotted punkwood from a 2-dayer. Haven't played with this stuff yet, but would his make a good material for firestarting?

It is light & dry so I'd imagine it would take a flame easily, could also soak it in wax for pellets I suppose.

Anyone use this stuff?

 

[DOC-CANADA]

I just scooped up a ziplock baggie full of rotted punkwood from a 2-dayer. Haven't played with this stuff yet, but would his make a good material for firestarting?

It is light & dry so I'd imagine it would take a flame easily, could also soak it in wax for pellets I suppose.

Anyone use this stuff?

Yes. Punkwood can be an excellent coal extender/enhancer, better than tinder fungus, in that the glowing member usually spreads more quickly. Also punky wood is a lot easier to find. Do note, though, that not all punky wood works well. Experimentation is necessary.

Also for the most part it will not catch a spark and start glowing (from flint and steel, at least - haven't tried it with a ferro rod) although I had a piece that would.

Doc

 

[Sidehill Gouger]

I've never found punk wood that would catch a spark from natural flint and steel without being chared first. Once chared I think it is better than cotton cloth.

 

[Dannyboy Leather]

I have used punk wood for a number of years, with flint & steel, and have had real good luck with it as long as it was charred. It easily catches a spark and keeps it well for locating under your tinder bundle - bringing it all to life with a few good puffs. There are a couple of ways to char punk wood. I prefer to char mine the same way I make char cloth. Charred punk can be great stuff and it adds another decent option to your fire kit.