Another old time fire starting trick.

For all the things we make ourselves for the outdoor world that are not covered in the other specific DIY area.
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Graps
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Another old time fire starting trick.

#1 Post by Graps »

This was a common method used by hunters and travelers.
This works with any cotton lamp wick. Flat or round.
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Graps
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Re: Another old time fire starting trick.

#2 Post by Graps »

The aluminum foil is just a modern replacement for a piece of leather.
Light one end of the wick and let it burn good.
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Graps
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Re: Another old time fire starting trick.

#3 Post by Graps »

Then close it up in the aluminum foil or piece of leather so as to extinguish the burning end out.
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Graps
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Re: Another old time fire starting trick.

#4 Post by Graps »

Now you have a way to catch a spark that will be used to light tinder.
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So to use it, you hold the chared end close the sharp edge of your flint stone.
Then with a downward glancing strike your steel to shoots sparks onto the wick.
"Maybe the truly handicapped people are the ones that don't need God as much." ~ Joni Eareckson Tada

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Graps
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Re: Another old time fire starting trick.

#5 Post by Graps »

It will catch a spark just like char cloth and you can blow on it to ignite some fine tinder.
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Graps
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Re: Another old time fire starting trick.

#6 Post by Graps »

When you get a fire going, it's a good idea to reburn the end because there will be ash on the end that won't catch a spark again as easily.
Then put it back in the foil to extinguish it and your ready to use it again.
The advantage of this method, it's more durable than char cloth. Meaning it won't get all broken up while you carry it.
Disadvantage, it is not as easy to light your tinder bundle. Char cloth produces a hotter and bigger starting heat.
"Maybe the truly handicapped people are the ones that don't need God as much." ~ Joni Eareckson Tada

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Elkman
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Re: Another old time fire starting trick.

#7 Post by Elkman »

Hey, thanks for sharing Dale. That's good to know.
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Dan
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Re: Another old time fire starting trick.

#8 Post by Dan »

Good tip

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Re: Another old time fire starting trick.

#9 Post by Captainkirk »

It's never a bad idea to have alternate means of starting a fire. It could save your life, even.
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White Falcon
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Re: Another old time fire starting trick.

#10 Post by White Falcon »

Great idea.
If you don't have a wick, You can make some Char Cloth, easy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYUbR6zMufY ... Skip add.

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