Lining up some flint rock and some steel to make strikers as possible giveaways to those who want a set.

Just had to add this quote:
"Chemists don't build bombs, chemists build fireworks. If you want a bomb, talk to a physicist"

(my high school physics teacher)

Touche'
-Blast, who knows when he's beat.

When this thread was first posted, I thought Blast might think it a great idea for entertainment at his girls' birthday parties. Think of the party favors!

Sue

I prefer the Tolulene principle myself,:)

Cottonwood fluff is drifting around now. I will gather and dry some for tinder experiments.

I've tried cottonwood fluff (hard to collect much by chasing it!) and milkweed pod fluff. By itself, it burns in such a flash that it's ineffective as a firestarter. If you mixed a wad of it with petroleum jelly or something, it might work, but overall, it's just too much work -- there are usually easier answers.

Sue

That is my experience also, but the point for this event is to bring people together to have hands-on experiences of their own.

Probably the very best natural tinder I have ever used is the shredded bark of Utah Juniper ([/i]Juniperus osteosperma[i]. It lights easily, but in any quantity will sustain flame and easily ignite larger fuel. While common in central and northern Arizona, it unfortunately doesn't grow in California. But it is something to look for, if you ever hike in God's country.

Thanks for the tip!