Oct 12
16
Fire starting techniques
We posted on our Facebook page:
What do you think of this method for fire starting?
Some comments we received:
Comment #1: I’ve started fires simply by crinkling a piece of paper (newspaper works best) and directing my shower of sparks into the nooks and crannies of the ball of crinkled paper. Although you can’t blow “through,” as with a tinder bundle, the balling-up of the paper still creates channels for air to move as you blow into it. This method has worked quite well for me — just a BlastMatch striker and a piece of newspaper. I’ve also done it with a ball of plain (no Vaseline or wax) dryer lint.
Comment #2: If you use the old type wood pencil sharpener, save the shavings in a baggie, along with the lint from the dryer. Every little bit helps.
Comment #3: This one works well in a tight spot. All you need is your knife. Ya don’t need to be concerned about getting it wet, running out of fluid, and it is quick (once ya get the hang of it) i always have a couple with me, and some in my emergency kit at home. i also make sure i have a little supply of starting tinder in my pouch along with this starter. Beside teaching primitive skills, i also show my students this one and they get hooked on them fast…
Comment #4: Depending on the mood and conditions, I use various things from a fire piston, flint and steel, mag sticks, etc to my Zippo, propane torch, and matches and charcoal starter. When I’m out, I have several ways on me to start a flame. The mag stick is a tried and true method and works wet in a pinch. You can’t go wrong with it and they’re cheap if you look in the right places.
