Swedish Firesteel Magic

The Swedish Firesteel has become ubiquitous. Yet, many people are not very good at using them. Yes, they can produce some sparks but are they really effective? Are you using your Firesteel efficiently and using the correct type of spark to light the varying types of tinders - natural and man-made - to which this versatile fire-lighting gadget can be applied?

In the video below you can learn how to create a really concentrated, hot spark and drop it exactly where you want it. It's always good to be accurate with your sparks but this is particularly useful when the tinder may be naturally hard to light or everything is just a little damp.

Give your firelighting some "ooomph" with this great technique.

Oh, and don't forget to share it with your friends...

Fire - the most important skill in Bushcraft?

Fire is of critical importance in a wilderness survival situation and therefore a critical skill of Wilderness Bushcraft.  

Fire warms you, it dries your clothes, it allows you to make flame or smoke to signal, it boils your water to make it safe, it cooks your food, it keeps biting insects and wild animals away. FIRE BOOSTS YOUR MORALE.

As a bushcraft instructor I recommend that when you are in the wilderness, you should ideally always have several means of lighting fire on your person. Number one should be a Swedish Firesteel. It gives the hottest, brightest, biggest sparks. There are no moving parts to go wrong. It works after you’ve fallen into a river.

My recommendation is to re-thread the firesteel and striker on a longer cord and attach it to your trouser belt so you always have it in your pocket. An alternative is to wear it around your neck on a piece of paracord, along with a whistle and a Photon Microlight.

But what if you lost your fireflash or your matches get wet?  Then, if you know how to light fire by friction, you can still make a fire.

Why not learn more about fire lighting and other bushcraft and survival skills along with wilderness equipment at Paul Kirtley's Bushcraft Blog?