Using wax paper as tinder

M

mouse123

Joined
Dec 6, 2005
Messages
32
Hi all, hope everyone is well!
I'm not sure if this has been discussed before so I apoligize if it has.
I was using wax paper this evening, and thought about using it as "tinder" I have read threads on this forum about tinder and find the PJ and cottoon balls are one of the most popular choices for tinder. My rational for wax paper: wax = PJ and paper + cotton. I have tried magnesium firestarters and ferrocium rods (Canadian Tire Scout Model) with dryer lint, PJ cotton balls, newspaper IN CONTROLLED (my garage) situations and have been able to ignite the tinder. I have a chile with special needs and this limits my chances to try my ideas outside my backyard.
The wax paper was shreddered by hand (if you can't tell I'm excited) anf burst into flame with four striked of my ferrocium rod (all standard equipment, no modified striker). I have been able to get cotton dryer lint to light with one strike. Again, I must emphasize that this is in controlled environment in my garage.
I must apologize if this has been mentioned before. I was so excited that I posted before I did a search.
If anyone has used this as tinder, could you please post. Or if anyone does try this, could you please let me know how it works?
I have included some wax paper in my small PSK only because of my results.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Neil
 
Waxed paper is great! I have used it wrapped around charcoal disks like a hershey's kiss, and was able to ignite the waxed paper via ferrocium rod, and get the charcoal disk burning, nice long flame that way. You can get the charcoal disks really cheap in any "head" shops, they are made for burning incense in.
 
Hi mouse,I have used wax paper as well,it works very well for me as tender.Although it dosen't burn as long as pj or alcohol soaked cotton,it's easy to carry and efective.:thumbup:

I went through several ferro rods when I first got into them and with a swedish fire steel or other quality rod I can usualy get a small piece of wax paper,folded double to light with 1 or 2 strikes.I fold the paper so that it catches the spark,as it usally just burns through the first layer.Folded it seems more consistent in lighting first try.With a cheaper flint I scrap of a tiny ammount on the doubled paper then light it with a spark,it makes you feel like your using you ferro rod as a mag-block but it uses less of you flint when trying to light stuborn material.Im not an expert but 2 things that helped me were using only the last half inch of the flint,I don't get a shower of sparks I only get a few right where I want them,and your flint last much longer!And it is always easier for me to light my tender,especialy paper on a solid surface such as a stone,instead of mashing it into the earth,Trying to light in on the ground.

So to sum it all up wax paper works well at turning spark to flame,but you have to prepare your fire more than if you were using treated cotton balls etc.

I'll stop rambling about stuff you didn't ask now,:o
LOTO
 
Hi mouse. I've tried it, but never successfully off a spark system (caveman flint or a ferrorod). How fine did you have to shred it?
 
Just wanted to say thanks for the responses and information. I really value the information all of you share with us. It is REALLY valuable!
Sincerely
Neil
 
Lotoblades and ironraven,
I am by no means the consumate firestarter although I "tamed" fire by the time I was 4 years old, LOL!.
I tore the wax paper into pieces about 1/2" square and had approximately 1" diameter material. It did not all ignite, but the flame lasted more than magnesium did under the same conditions. Again I must say that this was not outdoors and in wind/rain/snow, but in my garage.
Thanks all for your responses. They will be filed away for future reference.
Sincerely,
Neil
 
There are lots of other things wax paper won't substitute for in the woods! ...but then neither will vaseline soaked cotton balls!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top