Can Esbit started with spark? II

Esoterichris piqued my interest when he asked "does Esbit start with flint/steel spark or do you need a match/lighter etc?" which resulted in the video "Can Esbit started with spark? "

I didn't have any luck starting the Esbit with sparks. Later while I was sitting watching pot boil tests ( you know how your mind wanders when you do that LOL) I thought about trying again using dryer lint , or belly button lint had been suggested, to catch the spark to start the Esbit.

The first try with the lint on the top of the cube didn't work. The lint caught a spark, and burned out without starting the Esbit.

The second try, with the lint under the cube, caught a spark and started the Esbit before the lint burned out. Man I love it when a plan works. :-)

Category:

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• trioxane
• triox
• hexamine
• stove
• burner
• cube
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• hiking
• backpacking
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• camping
• bushcraft
• survival
• emergency
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• ultralite
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[papgabetv]

I found that the fire steel rods form a skin and work better after you gently clean therod till it's shiny. I manage to get a fire started with a 1/8 X 2" fire stell and a bit of toilet paper on a windless day

[hiramcook]

I will be sure to mention this when I do a video on my firemaking kit. Thanks.

[WorldStove]

O the sweet smell of success. Well done Hiram! On a slightly disgusting, note I often find a small ball of lint in my belly button. Mmmm, emergency fire starter?

[hiramcook]

I think that is a very resourceful idea using your own belly button lint but I think it would be a little disgusting if you offered it to someone else to use. LOL

[NCHiker1970]

Where there is a will there is a way! Improvision has always been a key in a survival situation. Nicely done Hiram.

[hiramcook]

That is so like a Marine "Improvise-Adapt-Overcome" OORAH!

[LooseLatitude]

You don't need lint. Scrape the esbit and throw sparks on the powdery part that comes off. Set the esbit next to it and it should ignite.

[hiramcook]

Thanks for the reminder. You know I knew that but it's been so long since I practiced using a firesteel that I forgot . Looks like I need some more practice.

[malayrojak]

Excellent job Hiram. Been watching a few survival videos ever since I saw Tinny's alcohol stove videos. Anyhow, I came across this chap who was starting a fire with a firesteel as you were showing.

A handy method he used to avoid having to worry about knocking off what you are trying to set alight is to hold the knife still, and pull the firestone back towards you.

Hope that helps!