Custom Firesteel....

just finished this firesteel and i thought i would share the idea with you guys...
its a 3/8x4" ferro rod with a cammo container for the handle. the container holds dry tinder like vaseline cotton balls.

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That is very cool Jeff!

Very nice. I was thinking of doing something similar but with wood. I have not figured out how to close up the hole I would be drilling.

great idea.

thanks guys! i will have this ferro rod,(and some others like it) at the basics class this weekend for you to check out, and for me to use!

What a great idea!!! Awesome.

Mathan Maloch wrote:Very nice. I was thinking of doing something similar but with wood. I have not figured out how to close up the hole I would be drilling.

Have you considered carving a wine cork to fit snugly in that hole? It's the way the old school guys did it probably.

I was thinking that. I just need to find a wine cork small enough. I guess I could carve it down.

How did you make that Jeff or is it a trade secret?

Mathan Maloch wrote:

How did you make that Jeff or is it a trade secret?

yes it is a secret...... no, i bought the container, its called a Pill Fob, and its commonly used in Geocaching. it is already hollow with a waterproof lid. i just locate the center of it, and drill a hole 3/8" to accomidate the 3/8" ferro rod. i put about 1/2" of the ferro rod into the container, and fill with 2 part epoxy until the ferro rod is covered. DO NOT GET ANY ON THE THREADS!!! then let dry, and your done!

i gave Jeff a similar one this weekend at the bushcraft basics class.

Yes he did! And I LOVE IT! This thing is so sweet.

Just because you guys share a name doesnt mean you guys get to share all the toys haha.

How much fire starting stuff can you fit in there. It looks like it can fit 1 cotton ball but I could be wrong.

You could get a couple if you smash em real good. Think emergency tinder, not some that you would use throughout a weekend camp.

Mathan Maloch wrote:

How much fire starting stuff can you fit in there. It looks like it can fit 1 cotton ball but I could be wrong.

i have these very small ziploc baggies that i stuff the full of cotton balls. i use the end of a pen, and just jam them in there. i think the cotton balls i use is a little smaller then the ones Jamie had at the Bushcraft Basic class. anyways, i can get 2 or 3 of them in there that way.

the Ferro rod i gave Jeff had a couple ziploc baggies with cotton balls in them.

That is awesome. I was thinking of using those mini infernos to put in mine, only because I dont know what to use to make them haha. If I can avoid it I wont be buying the infernos as I think i can make them but we will see.