A couple of weeks ago I ordered a fire starter (basically a Swedish fire steel). It cost me less than $15, so I was happy to receive it since it may come in handy in an emergency situation. If I don't have matches, lighters, gas or electricity, then at the very least I can use my fire steel to make fire.
It took me about 30 minutes to figure out how to use it properly. At first I was using the striker in the most difficult position. The fire striker is an oddly shaped item, but in fact, if I was using it the right way, the shape helps. I tried starting a fire with several different things: first, some little pieces of "cloth" (they look like dryer sheets but in 1" squares) that we used to clean our guns with. These were pretty much soaked in Hoppe's solvent. Then we used dryer lint. Finally, I tried using toilet paper and regular paper. The dryer lint definitely takes the cake. I did shave parts of the fire steel thinking that the shavings would help start the fire. I think it did. However, it is important to have the cotton ball or the dryer lint "fluffy." Apparently, you have to make sure that the fibers aren't so densely packed together.
Next time, I will try some dryer lint soaked in oil or petroleum jelly. The dryer lint actually burns for quite some time. It doesn't just burn quickly then die out in a couple of seconds. It takes several seconds for the fire to completely go out, and even then, the dryer lint still smolders. The same held true for the solvent-soaked sheets.
I have a little plastic baggie full of dryer lint and solvent-soaked sheets. I think it will get easier for me to use my Hjordis knife to start the fire. I actually started a fire when I tried the dryer lint a second time, and I didn't mean to, using the back of the Hjordis knife. The little striker that comes with this Swedish fire steel works, but it is a bit small and maybe hard to grip for those with larger hands. So, keep a pocket knife handy!
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