Ultimate Survival Technologies Sparkie Fire Starter

[birdshooter4570]

this is cool i have the blast match

[SequenceInitiatedh4x]

Why wouldn't you just find a piece of flint, then keep it when you need it, you'll obviously have a knife when you're out there, so there you go, free flint + knife = good fire.

[upupaepops]

@SequenceInitiatedh4x Your basic idea is good. But rather than hunting for a hard to find flint, the vast majority of folks just carry a fire steel that can be struck with a knife. Fire steels are cheap, small, and reliable (assuming you have your knife with you). The only advantage items like the Sparkie, or it's big brother the Blast Match, provide is that they can be struck with one hand, leaving your other hand free for holding or sheltering tinder, etc.

[xMrjamjam]

@upupaepops dont ever use the blade of a knife unless you want to ruin it

[upupaepops]

@xMrjamjam In general practice, I agree. However, this is one of my old "throw-down" knives, a Gerber. Interestingly enough, In all the years I've had it, I've only sharpened it once and it's still in great shape.

[Musterdk]

Why not just use a lighter?

[upupaepops]

@Musterdk A butane lighter is my primary fire starter, one that is the "weatherproof" type, and another "bic" type thrown in for backup. But having a good fire steel for the ultimate backup is a good idea, especially depending on your environment. Fuel lighters are notorious for failing when you need them the most, and I've had them fail in wet conditions, high altitudes, and extreme low temperatures. Thanks for watching!

[Anthony6essful]

What does it cost?

[upupaepops]

@Anthony6essful  About $15- $20 from various online retailers. A few dollars more in various sporting goods stores.

[buttercow12]

@Anthony6essful I spent about 15 bucks at sport chalet.

[steelheadfever]

You can rotate the steel, or flint on the sparkie so it does not just wear on one side. I have one so I know for a fact it will rotate.

[upupaepops]

@steelheadfever I'm wondering if the newer version is different than mine. UST sent me one of the very first ones to test, and I can't rotate the steel. I can pry it up a little from the "tray" that it is in, but that's all, and it won't rotate. Thanks for the feedback.

[Patriot36]

Excellent demo! I've been enjoying my little Sparkie! Thanks for posting this vid. 

[upupaepops]

@Patriot36 Thanks for watching!  It doesn't generate quite the amount of sparks that its bigger brother, the Blastmatch, does. But it's a lot easier to operate when doing the "finger squeeze" method.

[aznxcharmer69]

@upupaepops thank you, I appreciate the answer

[aznxcharmer69]

What kind of knife was that

[upupaepops]

@aznxcharmer69 It's an inexpensive Gerber 625 folding lock blade. Stainless steel blade, rubber sheathed handle. I've been pretty brutal to it over the years and have only sharpened it once. These 420HC stainless steel blades from Gerber are great for the price.

[RumbleGuts2112]

I use an old gas welders sparker. It's a bit bigger and heavier than most but apart from almost been able to set light to a house brick it has the bonus of been one handed and more than big enough to use when hands are too cold and wet to fiddle with little firesteel strikers etc. Due to the nature of the enviroment it was designed for it is almost indestructable as well.

I would never even consider carrying a BIC lighter. Useless when wet and too much hassle even in the slightest of breezes.

[upupaepops]

@RumbleGuts2112 You're absolutely right! I would think that someone could slightly redesign that welding striker to be a little lighter, perhaps slightly smaller, but that would be a great one-handed, all-weather striker!

[RumbleGuts2112]

@upupaepops Cheers mate - I have no idea why nobody has re- engineered it to be small and light enough to use in the field. Maybe made out of titanium etc for toughness and lightness Something along the size of a pair of pliers so all you would have to do is hold it in one hand and squeeze your fist.

I know exactly how I would design it but could never afford to make it, but I bet it would sell and make a fortune for those who could afford to make it.

Peace

[3antaralhatab]

there goes ur edge, unless u dont mind a dull knife that is =P

[upupaepops]

@3antaralhatab Actually, that's my primary blade, a Gerber 625 folding lock blade. Stainless steel blade, rubber sheathed handle. I've been pretty brutal to it over the years and have only sharpened it once. These 420HC stainless steel blades from Gerber are great.

[3antaralhatab]

@upupaepops sorry dude, no offense but gerber out of all manufacturers sucks and only thing thats worst is their steel, 420HC is a very good steel if ur on a boat but other than that its not the best choice, now i don't know if u used Benchmades, SOGs, ESEE, or Busse but once u use these higher end knives u cant go back lol, it all depends on what u use it for though too, i assume outdoors use since ur doing fire starter demo, gerber is not a good choice, especially a folder IMHO, great demo btw

[upupaepops]

@3antaralhatab No doubt about it, Benchmades, and others, are great knives. I have a SOG Flash folder myself. But, for the man on a budget, the $19 Gerber I picked up about 8 years ago is still going strong. It's my go-to "throw down" knife. But you can't beat a good SOG, Benchmade, etc for outstanding quality and other built in features. Thanks for watching!

[spotmon]

$15-$20 ? My BIC cost $1.50

[upupaepops]

@spotmon True. But this wasn't intended to be a cost competition. And while I carry one myself, bic-type lighters have been notorious about failing when wet, in very cold conditions, or at higher altitudes.

[prospectorism]

The rod on the Sparkie can also be rotated for even wear, and it also has a lanyard hole. The only real difference is the Sparkie has a smaller rod, so it produces fewer sparks per stroke, but still very effective.

[upupaepops]

@prospectorism How do you rotate the rod in your Sparkie? On mine the rod is pretty firmly set in the little tray. I guess I could make it pop out, but it would take something to pry it out.

[dx80cruiser]

Why not just carry a BIC lighter?

[CLSharpman5000]

@dx80cruiser Or carry this, a Zippo, and a Bic, just in case one or two of them fails.

And if they all three fail... good luck. (Or carry even more fire starting items.)

[ilvs34]

@dx80cruiser

a few reasons, bc in cold enough conditions, the gas will get too cold and wont allow you to light the lighter. also water temporarily disables lighters (you fall in icey water and need to start fire asap with no dexterity) firesteel works when wet

[natofyelsew]

also i forgot to say that at academy, they are $7.50

[upupaepops]

@natofyelsew Thanks for the update! I saw that my Academy also has the Blast Match for under $20.

[natofyelsew]

@upupaepops yeah!! i got that too. its a great tool

[natofyelsew]

costs?

[upupaepops]

@natofyelsew They run $10 - $15 from various online and in-store retailers.

[natofyelsew]

@upupaepops thanks! i just went to my local academy that just opened today and i got one. wonder if you can refill them? i gonna try when mine runs out.

[SNAFU111999]

What ferrocerium fire starter do you recommend?

(Firesteel, BlastMatch, Sparkie, etc.)

[upupaepops]

@SNAFU111999 I've pretty much settled on the Blast Match, since it offers some flexibility. One, you can strike it with one hand under most conditions, and two, if the conditions don't permit one-handed striking, or the spring were to fail, then you can still strike it like a traditional firesteel with a knife.

[m3phisto666]

I don't get this stuff... If you're going to use these sparking fire starters anyway, why not just take a lighter? I mean, either just light a fire with natural resources or light it with a lighter...

[upupaepops]

@m3phisto666 You make a very good point. I think the best answer is that the vast majority of us on a backpacking trip will have some form of fuel lighter..perhaps anything from a cheap "Bic" style to a windproof, waterproof lighter. Thus, I think the real utility of a "spark" type device is as a backup lighter. It never runs out, generally won't fail, will work when wet, will work at all altitudes, will work in any temperature, etc.

[billychipchase123]

i like your videos and reviews on these fire lighting tools i would rather have the blast match,,what about you

[upupaepops]

@billychipchase123 I agree. While the Sparkie is neat, I'd just feel a lot better with the ruggedness of the Blast Match.

[globe255]

Wouldnt it be better to bring a lighter filled with gas, and when its empty for gas, you can use the sparks coming, when trying to light it.-:)

[upupaepops]

@globe255 From the standpoint of my primary fire starter, you're absolutely right. I actually carry two butane lighters, one of the "torch" types that is windproof and has a waterproof cover, and another cheap "bic" type lighter. The fire steel lighters are in my emergency pocket. I've tried to start tinder with the sparks from the little bic lighters, but it is difficult, as they only put out a very small amount of sparks as compared to a fire steel.

[globe255]

@upupaepops Yes i can imagine the difference concerning the sparks, though its possible in an emergency situation. You could also carry a magnifying glass- thats at least useful when the sun is there. Anyway the fire steel lighters will work in nearly all situations no matter how bad the weater is, and it will work even if it is getting wet. Are you in situations where you could need your tools, im thinking, are you sometimes big distance from home? Remember your compass-:)

[etekballer14]

keep making videos

[gundudeman]

Which would you say has a longer life with fewer problems? Like say in a survival situation, weight is not an issue.

[upupaepops]

@gundudeman As interesting as the Sparkie is, I'd still go with the Blast Match. It's just more rugged all around, has a much larger fire steel, and just seems to be easier to operate.

[gundudeman]

@upupaepops Thanks for the insight : )

[Mrwildstreet]

The good things about the sparkie is its size and weight that probably the only advantage. Both are good.

[jeffyoung60]

I watched several YouTube videos demonstrating the BlastMatch. Intrigued, I purchased one off the Internet. I tested my new BlastMatch using dryer lint, easy to come by, highly effective tinder, and best of all, free! I can report to you all that the BlastMatch works as fast and as easily as shown on the videos. I like the simplicity of my plain ferrocerium rods, but the BlastMatch removes the guesswork out of striking the ferro rod at the proper angle and force. The BlastMatch is for real!

[addjon]

thanks for reply dude,i was looking something like split pea stuff...any way nice video(which i didn't mentioned earlier...; )

[upupaepops]

@addjon Thanks! I used to have a Peanut Lighter (the Split Pea's big brother). For those who aren't familiar with Pea series, think Bic type lighter in a stainless steel housing. They're refillable, and they have a screw on lid with an O-ring to keep out moisture when not in use. Neat little product, but they suffer the same issue as a Bic type, being easy to blow out in a wind. That's why I like the lighters that have the "torch" type flame, where the fuel is mixed with air.

[addjon]

have you got any video on small lighters so in survival mode we can use them as well

[upupaepops]

@addjon Not sure exactly what you're looking for. Are you looking for a good "fuel type lighter", ie.. cigarette type lighter that is appropriate for survival use? If so, then I'd recommend pretty much any of the windproof / waterproof lighters on the market. I carry a cheap $10 lighter (you can see it in my Survival Backpack video) and you can spend as much as $40-$50 on a Brunton Firestorm. But keep in mind that the all begin to have issues in below freezing temps or above 8,000ft.

[lallenisse]

Looks cool, is there a website for this?

[upupaepops]

@lallenisse Google  Ultimate Survival Technologies which will lead you to their website. Thanks!

[SuperShootdown]

9 times with the sparkie lol fail

[upupaepops]

@SuperShootdown I have to admit, while the concept of the Sparkie intrigued me, I think what I didn't like was the short stroke of the fire steel, which limits the amount of spark it throws off, unlike its big brother, the Blast Match, which throws off much more spark.

[Diewleilomo]

Great video, thanks for posting!! I'm going to get one of each.

[Iamninjaronin]

great video, but i hope you dont mind damaging your knife

[upupaepops]

I've struck a lot of different types of flint steels with that knife in the video (Gerber), and haven't even hardly taken the edge off the blade. You don't need a lot of force to create the spark. I think in the 7 years I've owned that knife I've sharpened it only once.

[TheCrazyFinn]

@Iamninjaronin I'm guessing those things are made mostly of magnesium, which has a hardness of about 2.5 on Mohs scale, whilst knifes are mostly made of steel giving them a hardness of about 4-8.

[jtdrummer2112]

Nine strikes in very favorable conditions. Wonder how it would work in adverse conditions?

[upupaepops]

About the same as any fire striker. Except in this case you can strike with one hand and shelter your tinder with the other.

[sheba106]

I just got the same one. It does work perfect. However, what is with the orange rubber piece that covers the tool?

The orange piece on mine slips all over the place, like it's too large for the tool.

[upupaepops]

I would agree that the rubber cover, which is intended to make it easier to grip, does feel somewhat loose, especially when it gets warm. It hasn't been a problem on mine yet, but I can see how it can slip.

[qiotzo]

wow! nice!

[Gunther81818]

How much did you pay for the Blast Match I want to buy one.

[upupaepops]

Blast Match usually runs about $25, the Sparky runs about $15. Do a google for them. Many reputable retailers carry them (REI, Campmor, etc)

[Airsoft9eleven]

lucky you got the blast match for only $25

in japan its $45

noooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!!

i should have bought the blast match when i lived in america

japan sucks

(no ofense to japanese people even though im japanese........)

[megasimon999]

I have the blastmatch ...works great

[bruisedhalo]

I bought one on saturday, broke it on saturday night. Cheap plastic clip on the underside, not worth the cash at all.

[upupaepops]

Interesting. When you say "cheap plastic clip", not sure exactly what part you're talking about that broke. Are you talking about the lanyard loop hole? Or some other clip. Thanks

[bruisedhalo]

on the bottom of the unit where the sliding mechanism locks into the base..the part that pops open when it is squeezed. It locked in and wouldnt release, when it finally did, pieces went flying. I still have the rod but its so small I have little use for it unless it was an emergency situation..

[upupaepops]

Thanks for the feedback. I think that's an area that UST is already looking at. Appreciate it!

[sleepingninja95]

when i get some money im gonna get the sparkie blastmatch and the firesteel model they make, along with a couple new knives and paracord

[Docism]

In your other video the Blast Match started every fuel in one strike, the Sparky looks a little weak in comparison. Great videos, excellent info.

[upupaepops]

The Blast Match does make more spark, but I think the Sparkie will produce more than enough. I'd had a lot more practice with the Blast Match when I made the video, and had just received the Sparkie when I made that video. Now that I've used it some more, I can make a decent amount of sparks every time.

[Docism]

I watched a couple other Youtube videos and I ordered one, very cool... er... hot stuff.

[ThatOneGuy8904]

i really like these.. but in a survival situation.. the spring could fail, and it could keep the flint inside the plastic.. then you would have to break it open to get it.. so i would prefer the strikeforce.. great video, excellent review!

[upupaepops]

Actually, no. The flint steel is fixed inside that "tray", and the head of the tray is on the outside. If the spring were to fail, you'd just pull the tray (with the flint steel) out, and then use it like a traditional flint steel on a knife. Both the larger Blast Match and the smaller Sparkie are designed like this. But in reality, the stainless steel spring has about as much chance as breaking as you getting struck by lightning . Thanks! :)

[ThatOneGuy8904]

oh, i did not know that :D well thats a good feature incase the spring did break, thanks for the reply

[jakesmi3]

i still think i like the blast one better

[upupaepops]

Generally speaking, the larger Blast Match does seem a little more durable. I do like the fact that you can strike the Sparkie without pushing on a hard surface, if needed. Also, I've been told by UST that they plan to modify Sparkie to allow the flint steel bar to rotate for more even wear. Thanks!

[jimmyfalse]

baby brother doesn't seem to work as well, but it is smaller