fire starter

[Da Backwoodsman]

this is definietely not a period correct item but implores the same rules as a flint and steel, and will work on cold winter mornings when your fingers are numb. it is a self contained unit. that will fit easily in your possibles bag or front pocket!

what you need:

any zippo style lighter
cotton balls
vaseline or
pre-made tinder


Start with any zippo style lighter



next you want to cut out part of the chimney, use the holes in the chimney to do this and you keep enough to allow the flint and wheel to stay rigid





With pre made tinder you can store about 4 pieces in the bottom  of the lighter and 2 in the lid, however if you use cotton balls soaked in vaseline you want to only store them in the bottom of the lighter to protect the wheel and flint from saturation



when ready to make your  fire simply pinch the char between the lid hinge or lay on tinder pile and strike the wheel





images and instructions from vol 29, #1 backwoodsman author Greg Barra

[Oldnamvet]

An interesting use of the zippo.  Being a non-smoker, my 40-yr old zippo is always in need of fluid when I take it out.  Fill it, use it once, and it slowly dries out again until the next time I need it.  This way, there is nothing to evaporate and it is always ready if needed.

[Da Backwoodsman]

 exactly old namvet.....