I hate for this to be my first post here. I've lurked for a few years, and have picked up many many tips and pointers.

I had posted this over in the BladeForums Gadgets & Gear forum, and was advised to also post here, hopefully to determine if this is an isolated or common occurance.

I was packing a kit, and just happened to open my Sparklite OD case. There was a whitish-gray powder inside.

I removed the Sparklite sparker, and saw this:



The powder reminds me of an oxidized firestarter rod.

Has anyone else experienced this?

I checked a couple others I had, and they are fine.

Just trying to get an idea of frequency, hoping this is an isolated happening.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

I copied your post to Oak Norton of Four Seasons survival, who makes the Spark Lite. He should be getting back to me soon, and I'll forward his reply to you
Stu

How old is that model? I have not seen one in green. I've had the orange for a few years and only seen that.

Spark lites come in both OD Green and orange.

The green ones are military issue.

Thank you.

Much appreciated.

I've had this one maybe a year, was one of my spares for future kits.

I had that happen with a couple of old ones.

4 Seasons replaced them.

4 Seasons had a short run of defective sparkers. I'm suprised you missed the older posts discussing this, and that you didn't contact Oak first.

I stop by, but infrequently.

Sorry I missed the earlier ones, or knew whom I should contact.

Found this thread/post.

I'll contact them.

http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showthreaded&Number=68567

Dear thatmguy
From Oak

"we are replacing those SL's with two new ones that we guarantee for life. If anyone finds a defective SL all they have to do is contact me by phone at 814 234 -0698 or E mail me at o.norton@juno.com." Get ahold of him and he will fix you up
Stu

posted after talking with Oak
"Hello Chris... and thanks for your defense.... I know a few people got
hold of one of those SL's from that particular lot of defective Spark
Lites ... So far I have been most fortunate to only have eight or nine
people that I know of who have complained. We are replacing those SL's
with two new ones that we guarantee for life. If anyone finds a defective
SL all they have to do is contact me by phone at 814 234 -0698 or E mail
me at
o.norton@juno.com

Chris, I know those defective SL's have been around for at least three
years and are not new. Again, appreciate very much your assistance
regarding this problem. Also, can you possibly assist me in being able to
get on to the forum so I can answer complaints etc... When I tried to
open using my old pass word I was informed that my time had expired on
the forum..

Will send a copy of this E mail to Doug Ritter...and also to Stu
Carpenter......

Thanks, Oak"