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The Titan Prometheus gave fire to mankind after stealing it from Mount Olympus. When Zeus found out, the thief was chained (and still is) where an eagle can feast on his liver every day for all eternity.
It's not that treacherous today, Thankfully!
The three things you need to make a fire are heat, a combustible material, and oxygen. These fire starter kits take care of all those needs. You can use them anywhere--even in an emergency situation where there is no nearby source or means by which to get your hands on some kindling wood; they'll still work just fine as long as their base components aren't too far away from each other.
Have you ever thought about how many uses a fire has? A starter can purify water, cook food and keep us warm. It also scares away predators! If we're spending time in the wild it might be good to bring one along for safety's sake - plus they are easy enough tinder that even if your matches run out or something happens on route there will still always have been some kindling waiting just below where flames escape from between cracks in order satisfy those inevitable needs when nothing else works as intended (I'm looking at YOU wind).
The 5 Types of Fire Starters
Flint and Steel
When people think about fire starters, they usually imagine something that is two parts: flint and steel (a form of quartz). These types can be operated by striking together or separately. They create sparks but aren't very powerful so it's important to have tinder beneath for your flames to grow stronger!
Ferro Rods
Ferrocerium (ferro) is a type of metal that can be used to create sparks. It's most often created with iron, but it also contains magnesium and has some other properties, like how easily scratched ferros are against an edge or something else hard, for example. This means you need two hands when using them to get the best results.
However, there’s one benefit: these fire starters make some really hot bright lights by hitting this material quickly against another object (like wood), which makes lighting fires easier than ever before.
Magnesium Block
The magnesium starter is different than the others because it has a lot more surface area, which means you can create a lot of sparks. The downside to these magnesium bars? They're heavier and less portable so they won't work well for camping or traveling with your truck tool kit.
Matches
You'll find that the most common type of match, is made out of wood and tipped with a material to be easily struck off - usually on sandpaper-like surfaces but some varieties can work well whether they're moist or dry.
These might not last as long when used exclusively for starting fires though because after one use you've gone through your whole pack which isn't very practical at all in the planning like this so instead we recommend using a weatherproof kind if possible due to just how quickly moisture will ruin them otherwise.
Lighters
Lighters are one of the most basic and reliable fire-starting tools out there. They're easy to use with just one hand, and will usually be very dependable as long as they have some form or fuel inside them - which can either come from an ignition fluid like butane (in cheaper models) or even electricity! Lacking these two elements means that you might not get a spark when trying; however, this also depends on weather conditions such as wind/rain, etc.
Best Overall Fire Starter Kit
überleben Zünden Fire Starter - Traditional Ferro Rod
The hardwood handle of our fire starter is handcrafted from 100% natural materials to provide an organic, textured grip while you rain down molten spark showers at up 5500F/3000C and turn that rich finish into a seasoned one. Alongside this high heat, a specialist tool comes with included paracord lanyard. This 6-function striker will serve up spark showers at 5000F/3000C, a ruler, wrench, map scale, scraper, and the all-important bottle opener!
bayite 4 Inch Survival Ferrocerium Drilled Flint Fire Starter
The bright spark can be used as an emergency signal or to deter attackers.
A must-have for your survival kit, effective and durable: perfect fire starter in any weather (even wet), at high altitude rain shine snow windfall out of clouds, etc... Great item if you're going on a backpacking trip where there is no electricity available but needs lighting when making dinner.
Best Design Fire Starter Kit
EXOTAC - nanoSTRIKER XL
The Exotac nanoSTRIKER XL features a unique compact, collapsible strike tool design and waterproof Ferro rod that supplies the most prodigious spark for its size. This high-performance material is great as an easy starting fire and perfect when you need to quickly get warm or light your surroundings with minimal effort.
Best Long Burn Fire Starter Kit
Zippo Emergency Fire Kit
With the Emergency Fire Kit, you'll never be caught without fire again. The compact and high-caliber construction of this kit packs enough punch to overpower bleak conditions in a matter of minutes while keeping your campsite lit at any time with just one spark.
This product also floats so it's always ready when storms roll through or water levels rise during the wet season--not forgetting its durable design that makes sure long-lasting use is guaranteed every year no matter what Mother Nature throws our way.
Best Flint Fire Starter Kit
UST StrikeForce Fire Starter with Tinder
Ultimate Survival Technologies StrikeForce Fire Starter with Tinder is small and compact enough to stash in your backpack whenever you hit the trail. The flint-based fire starter can generate sparks even when wet, making it perfect for those rainy days at camp or on an outdoor adventure.
Best One-Hand Fire Starter Kit
UST BlastMatch Fire Starter
The patented UST BlastMatch Fire Starter is perfect for those with an injured or immobilized arm. With its one-handed design, the fire starter generates intensely hot sparks that can be directed towards your tinder and will last up to 4 thousand strikes.
It works when wet so you don't have to worry about being caught out in rain again - just make sure not to let it get too damp as this may cause premature wear on some components such as flints due to water absorption. The sleek black finish makes holding onto these small but powerful tools easy even while wearing gloves.
Best Budget Firestarter Kit
The Friendly Swede Magnesium Fire Starter
Never worry about your fire again with the Magnesium Alloy Fire Starters! These Mighty magnesium-alloy flames will never go out even when it rains or if you get caught in a sudden snowstorm.
The best part? You can take one that has been submerged and have hot sparks flying within seconds of taking off from dry land - no more struggling through cold rain just trying to light up some tinder before setting the food trap properly so we don't starve during our hunt.
SE 2-in-1 All-Weather Magnesium Firestarter Kit
Why waste time and energy looking for kindling with regular fire starters that may or may not even catch a spark?! Regular twigs and branches in their natural environments will not light unless they are extremely dry.
Our SE FS374 2-IN1 All Weather Magnesium Fire Starter Kit comes complete with an easily pocket-sized tool—a solid compact magnesium bar perfect to use hundreds of times until the magnesium runs out! Simply shave some shavings onto one end so it's ready when you need them most; then simply spark away at any larger pieces of wood as needed (even in wet/humid surroundings).
UCO Stormproof Match Kit
UCO's line of Storm Proof Matches is designed to keep you safe from the elements. These matches are completely waterproof and wind-resistant matches burn up 15 seconds+ and will relight after being submerged in water, or when faced with extreme conditions like rainstorms where there're chances for flooding.
The durable ABS waterproof case holds 40 standard size match tips plus 3 strikers which are perfect during longer trips while camping because they provide added security that your fire could be built quickly in emergency situations.
FAQs
What is the number one fire starter?
The number one fire starter is a magnesium rod.
Magnesium rods are easy to use and perfect for starting fires in any weather. Simply scrape off some of the magnesium material with a knife, spark the material with a Ferro rod or steel striker, and watch the sparks fly! You'll be able to start a great fire in no time.
What makes a good fire starter?
A good fire starter should have a few key characteristics. It should be small and compact so that it's easy to carry with you, it should be lightweight so that you don't get tired of carrying it, and most importantly, it should be able to produce a large amount of flame quickly and easily.
There are a lot of different materials that can be used as fire starters, but some of the most popular include lighters, matches, magnesium balls, and even condoms (yes, really!). Ultimately, it doesn't matter what material you use as long as it has the aforementioned characteristics.
If you're looking for something cheap and easy to find, matches are probably your best bet.
What are modern fire starters made of?
Modern fire starters can be made of a variety of materials, including magnesium, ferrocerium, and steel.
Magnesium is a lightweight metal that is used to create a spark. Ferrocerium is a man-made mineral that contains iron and cerium. When scraped with a sharp object, it creates sparks. Steel is another option for creating sparks and is the most common material used in modern fire starters.
What is the best fire tinder?
The best fire tinder is typically something that is easy to light and will burn long enough to get a fire started. Some good options include:
- Newspaper
- Plastic bags
- Dryer lint
- Cotton balls or pads soaked in petroleum jelly
- Sticks of softwood, such as cedar, pine, or spruce
What is the best fire starter for camping?
There are a few different ways to start a fire while camping, but the best option depends on the situation.
For example, if you have easy access to dry kindling and tinder bundles, then a lighter or stormproof matches may be a better option.
However, if you're in an area with wet wood or no kindling, then a fire starter such as Sterno may be better.
Ultimately, it's important to be prepared for any situation and to have multiple methods of starting a fire on hand.
What is the longest-lasting fire starter?
There are a few different options when it comes to long-lasting fire starters.
One option is to use an igniter that uses batteries, such as a lighter or a match.
Another option is to use something that doesn't require any external power source, such as ferro rods.
Finally, you can also use tinder that burns for a long time, such as cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly.
The best option for a long-lasting fire starter will depend on your needs. If you need something that will work in all conditions and doesn't require any batteries, then a ferrocerium rod is your best bet.
Is flint or magnesium better?
There isn't a definitive answer to this question since both flint and magnesium have their unique benefits and drawbacks.
Flint is a great option for those who are looking for an easy-to-use, durable fire starter that doesn't require much maintenance. However, it can be a bit difficult to get a good spark going with flint, so it may not be the best choice for those who are new to using fire starters.
Magnesium, on the other hand, is very easy to ignite and produces a hot flame that can easily start a fire. However, magnesium is also very brittle and will easily shatter if dropped or mishandled. So it's important to be careful when using magnesium.
How long do fire starters last?
It depends on the fire starter. Some will last for a few thousand strikes, while others will only last for a hundred or so. It's important to read the instructions that come with your fire starter to determine how long it is expected to last.
