Yes, I had to bring it up. If one can say that they know how to survive, they sure as hell better know how to make fire without the use of matches. From personal expirence, I know how to start fire using a fire-plow, a bow and drill, a magnesium stick, steel wool and a battery, using a magnifying glass, and using bullets. I know of (but have not tried, making fire from ice, using a coke can, and using water (pretty much the same principle as using ice). Do you guys have any tips or ideas for any of the ways I mentioned? Do you have and ways I haven't mentioned? I'll post a more comprehensive review with pictures when I have the time.

James
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Fly yes; land, no.

   

The idea of making fire without matches is kind of blown out of proportion in my opinion. If you call yourself an adventurer and can't make a fire at all, you are going to be sorry before you get back from wherever you happen to be heading. Making a fire using a battery or steel wool is a bit absurd if you ask me. The likelihood that you have a battery or steel wool around but have no matches or a lighter is unlikely. The use of a bullet to make fire is possible, but should only be used on an episode of McGyver. Making fire with water, ice or a Coke can is not something I can talk about.
I've made more fires with matches than most people will see in their lifetimes, and I've made a few with processed flint and steel. I have yet to need fire in the woods and not be able to make it. As far as I'm concerned, the problem with making fire is not getting the spark, it is going from spark to flame.
More on this later...
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Going to church dosen't make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car.

In Veniam Aut Facium

   

quote:

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Originally posted by Indiana Jimbo
Do you have and ways I haven't mentioned?

James

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quote:

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Originally posted by 1stimestar

quote:

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Originally posted by Indiana Jimbo
Do you have and ways I haven't mentioned?

James

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Hahaha yep. They are called Bic lighters. Of course, I think I've mentioned before, I have been in situations that it was too cold for the butane to ignite. In that case I just stuck the lighter in my glove or my bra to warm it up a bit.

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I don't know if zippos would work in extreme cold either but I do know that if you put them in your pocket and get wet, they can leak lighter fluid and burn your skin. That is NOT fun. Oh yea, no bra required lol. Just stick it in your shirt, somewhere warm.
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Does this 12 gauge make my butt look big?

   

The cool thing about a Zippo is that I can slide a ziplight (LED flashlight thingy) in it for air travel, then buy a fluid canister when I land. Yeah, you could just buy a Bic anywhere, but that would be too easy.
_________________
Going to church dosen't make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car.

In Veniam Aut Facium

   

Waterproof watches. Very handy, especially to tell the time with. :lol:

But yes, waterproof or other matches are probably superior to other forms just because they are a lot easier to deal with when you already have a firelay built. Magnesium fire starters are nice but the magnesium is overrated. Blastmatch works better, and is simpler to use.
_________________
Going to church dosen't make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car.

In Veniam Aut Facium

   

You need to buy cheaper stuff. Go in a local Dick's Sporting Goods, go to the camping section, and buy the ones they have there. The cheapest ones. Those work very well.
_________________
Going to church dosen't make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car.

In Veniam Aut Facium

   

You forgot two things for starting a fire :flint and steel and practice!