Everyone has got their favorite fire starting method. Over the years I have had various fire starter kits. I think I have finally refined it down to something lightweight, simple, weatherproof, and some added functionality thrown in as well. I start with the supplies needed for the build. I decided it wasn't much trouble to go ahead and make a dozen to give as Christmas gifts as well.
Here are the materials required:
geocache container 9/16" diameter X 2.75" long ($1.79)
1/8 " X 2" ferrocerium rod ($1.35)
JB Weld
Cotton Balls
Petrolatum Jelly
Fish hook
30 lb test braided nylon fishing line
hacksaw blade (not shown)
I rough up the spark rod and the container so the JB weld will bond better
Next I mix up the JB weld and take a toothpick and put a thin line of JB weld onto the spark rod. A pair of hemostats help to make the job easier. Needle nose pliers would do as well.
The rod gets placed on the container. Press down gently and make sure the container lies down with the rod facing up to cure for 24 hours. Use the JB Weld sparingly, a little goes a long ways.
Then I take a fish hook and tie on 4-5 feet of line.
I place the hook and line in the bottom of the container then stuff Vaseline soaked cotton balls on top of that. A little fishing line sticks out the top and allows you to pull the cotton out of the container. Plus now you have a survival fishing tool in your kit. Use whatever hook and line best suits your area.
Take a hacksaw blade and put it in a vice then with a pair of vice grips break off about 2 inches of the blade by bending it back and forth. Each end of the blade already has a hole for the ring on the container. I also use the entire blade and break off 2 inch pieces. I punch a hole in the hacksaw blade pieces that don't have a hole so nothing goes to waste. Used and wore out hacksaw blades work fine too. You can sharpen the backside of the blade and now you have an emergency knife that you can use to clean the fish you just caught. I would put some tape over the sharp edge for safety.
I take a small stick and make a split at the top then wedge some cotton in and wrap it around. If windy you can just place a bit of cotton in your tinder bundle. Use the saw edge of the hacksaw blade to scrape sparks off of the ferro rod.
The hack saw blade is also very helpful in making figure four trap triggers when making small dead falls for rabbit size and smaller game. It will cut the notch straight and smooth with little effort. I figure it cost about $4.00 - $5.00 each to make. I like the fact that I have a fish hook and line, mini saw, knife blade, and fire starter with tinder all rolled into one lightweight waterproof package.
Here are links where you can order ferro rods and the small aluminum containers.
http://www.campingsurvival.com/ferod0013ox2.htmlhttp://theepicenter.com/geocaching_supplies_and_containers.html
