There are all kinds of ways to make fire, including bow drills and other primitive tools.
Work smarter, not harder.
[Be sure to read Eric Perezs article onCampfire Safetyfor additional insight on this topic.]
Fire can both be a source of danger, as well as a secret to survival. Learn to master it.
Friction Firestarters
Bow drills, handrills, fire saws and fire plows go here.
Thats the good news.
Modern strikers use ferrocerium alloy, which creates better sparks that burn hotter and longer.
A bow drill firestarter can be effective, but time-consumingand labor-intensive.
Magnesium is also a popular striker throw in.
Strikers can be used in wet conditions and still throw sparks, making them a great all-weather tool.
Theyre small, easy to carry, and can even hang off of a zipper or handle.
The Holland’s Lightning Strike Fire Starter is a self-contained firestarter that is simple to store and use. Image: Holland’s
When fire can stash your life, it might be worth the one-time investment.
With a little practice, however, theyre quite effective.
Bic lighters are cheap and reliable; unfortunately, they dont work well when wet or super cold.
The Camp Fire Piston is affordable, reasonably compact and easy to use. Image: Camp Fire Piston
Conclusion
Your best bet is to have three different types of firestarters if youre in the woods.
Keep them in different locations in case one gets wet or lost.
Having the ability to make fire in any condition isnt just about morale it might just stash your life.
An emptied egg carton can double as part of a DIY accelerant system.
Go to forum thread
HollandLightning Strike Fire Starter
Camp Fire Piston
