I have a few fire steels none of them that ½ by 4 inch one. And they work well. I do notice the bigger they are the more sparks. This means I have talked myself into ordering one of those big ones to play with. Actually a few of them (my 18-year old son will want one) and I like to have spares of most things. Need it? NO! Want it YES!

The signaling aspect of it is interesting, never thought of that.





Originally Posted By: sockpuppet
Well mate, what fits in your hand may not be practical for a pocket. I think these rods may be good for lighting a fireplace at home but are a bit large for field carry. Thats just my opinion, If you think otherwise then thats your right. BTW, I happen to think that the mini-keychain ones are really silly as well.



I carry a Swiss Champ Swiss Army Knife, it’s the biggest one they make. I have had it in my pocket every day for 30-years. I feel naked without it. It’s big, bigger then most people would want. I have left for work a few mornings without it and then turned around to go back and get it.

I think while an item may be big it still can be very useful and like my Swiss knife people will see the worth of having it.


I also agree that the small key chain fire steels are of limited use because of the small spark. I have a few of them but they are now with my camp stoves, they produce enough spark to easily light gasoline, alcohol or propane. I have a pouch that I put my Svea 123 stove in, I hooked a fire steel on the cinch strap of it so it’s always with the stove.






Edited by BobS (08/31/08 02:03 PM)
_________________________



You can run, but you'll only die tired.