I've recently discovered the fascinating world of fire pistons, and can't imagine how they've escaped my attention thus far in life (having been obsessed with just about every other old-world survival skill since a kid). Based an all the great information in this thread I don't really have and "how to" question as of yet.

Schwert: I do have two questions from the photo you posted at the beginning of the thread. First of all, the bead which acts as a lanyard - is the whole unit just held together by friction/suction and is there any other function to the bead besides a decorative way to carry the fire piston? Second question is related to the knife in the photo - That's a gorgeous sheepfoot blade and I'm curious as to who makes it.

Cheers
Barak