Swedish Firesteel - Scout Model, Yellow Handle

This effective tool is perfect for fastpacking. It is very effective and easy to use. The hot sparks really fly!

Sparks right up. But I bought it for a camping trip, then forgot it and did not go camping again the rest of the summer. Kids and I will plan a trip next year after the winter.

Very good little fire starter. Seems like it will last a long time. Solid construction, hot sparks.

After I bought this firesteel, I was very anxious to try it out. I tried probably over 100 times, and I could only get a spark every time. The spark was bright, and it was pretty hot, but it wouldnt light anything. I tried paper, a block of wood, and a bundle of dry grass. I don't think I am using this right, you may have to use that special "Mayadust" that is manufactered by the same company. But, I doubt that armies would use this if you had to have Mayadust in order to light a fire.

it's small, compact, and can make fire. granted, you could just as easily pack a disposable lighter with you, and get "instant fire" (but where's the fun in that?)

the first day camping, it was hot and dry. i used a pile of crumbled dry leaves and twigs as kindling. after making some sparks by rubbing the metal thing against the black rod, the fire started up almost immediately. i couldn't believe how quickly it started. it was actually pretty scary to think how easily dry leaves catch on fire when you add some sparks. the metal flat thing actually has "top" written on it. i highly suggest listening to it, because if you hold the metal thing upside down, it doesn't work all that well.

the second day, it rained, and my mighty fire had died. i had to rebuild the firepit using wet wood, and damp leaves. the leaves were simply too wet to get started up with the sparks. I then grabbed a few squares of dry toilet paper to assist. it was dry, but i guess the air was humid, and even when some of the sparks landed directly on the paper, it just didn't seem to want to catch at first. it took a while, but after moving the paper around, and making a little bowl out of it, the sparks eventually lit the paper, and i had fire.

if you're going to rely on this thing, it works great. i highly suggest packing along some cotton balls in a zip lock bag, or maybe some dry toilet paper in case it rains. otherwise find some dry grass/leaves and you're good to go.