"These are the same dedicated, highly-trained, security "professionals" who routinely miss ... things on the no-fly list."

I haven't flown since 9-11, and I have often wondered if the above-mentioned security people are the same minimum-wage security people that let 9-11 happen to begin with (generally speaking -- don't get your knickers in a knot), or did they unload all of them and get new dweebs at a dollar an hour more pay (+all the stuff they can confiscate)?

Bics are fine for what they are. That 75-year-old lady that survived the light plane crash with you would know how to use it to start a fire to keep you from freezing while you're unconscious.

Sue

But, you'll note that Cody clearly prefers an unnamed lighter brand other than Bic. I've found several lighters that look similar to the one he describes, but never knew what, if any, the brand is.

Since I don't smoke or light that many fires I've always figured I'd have at least three ways to start fire (lighter, sparker, magnifying glass). I don't even bother with matches these days. I tend to feel most comfortable with the sparker.

I have to admit I worry about the "complexity" of the sparklite relative to the simple rods. I worry that the wheel might not work, or the flint might not work. It seems that the rods are simpler and most likely to work - though usually requiring two hands and slightly more difficult to target the tinder.

I haven't tried to light a fire with a magnifying lens since I was a kid. Back then all we did was try to fry ants and smolder holes in dry leaves using the lens that came in Cracker Jacks. I should try it for real with the one in the PSP and see if I can get it to work.

Do any of you have experience with the old Scripto Vu Lighters? The lighter had two parts: 1. a reservoir that held liquid lighter fluid, and 2. a second reservoir (probably filled with cotton) which fed the wick. When the flame burnt low, one would press a button on the side and lighter fluid from the first reservoir would saturate the second. I think that I remember that they may not have been as windproof as Zippo lighters; but, one did not have the evaporation problem of long term storage and could see how much fuel remained. Vu Lighters can still be found on eBay.

norad45 ,
Nah, I don't want the money. I just liked the challenge. Plus since I now usually only carry a BSA hotspark on my keyring I better learn all the ways to use it. <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Demand your winnings go the ETS Foundation!!!

There ya go! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

What do you want for less than a buck ?!!!!!!!

O.K.
The Bic will not light when wet. Agree
The Bic is not a cool as a Zippo. Agree
If you tear apart a $1 Bic it will not work as well as an $8 Strike-Lite. (Duh)

I can buy a three pack of mini Bics for about $2 at the local grocery store. What else do you have in your kit that is that functional for less than a dollar?

A few days ago I got back from a tip to the Rockies and Yellowstone Park. I did some light day hiking. I had to fly out so I went to the TSA webpage and made sure I was following regs. TSA, to protect me, prohibits me from having a lighter in my checked or carry-on bags.

I put my Spark-Lite along with knife and other non-PC stuff in with my hiking boots in checked bagage. Could not take my match safe with strike-anywhere matches on the plane. Did include a book of matches in the carry-on as per TSA guidelines. Anyhow, after the flight and before the hikes I stopped at Wally World and bought a Bic and real matches along with other supplies.

As I was hiking the Bic was in my pocket and the matches and a Strike-Lite with tender were in my day pack. These were short, easy day hikes and I had no intention of building a fire. On this particular trip, rain gear, water bottle, insect repellent and chap stick turned out to be the most important gear I carried, but you never know.

The good thing about a Bic is that it is cheap, light weight and it will work 95+% of the time. If it does not work, plan B is the matches. Plan B fails, Plan C is the Strike-Lite.

The Bic is so cheap that tossing it before I got back on the plane was not a big concern. I flew back two days after the London Bombings, and I cannot report in truth that throwing my lighter away before the flight made me feel any safer.

Major points I am trying to make:

The Bic is cheap and light. For that reason you can aford to buy a half dozen and throw one each of your kits.

The Bic is not perfect (nothing is). If used, it should be one of multiple methods of fire starting. Of course, I would say the same about any other fire starter.

What do you want for less than a dollar?

Now that's dexterity!!! I've got to start practicing.

Troy

Did he say how?

I have $100.00 going out to Doun when they pick up the mail tommorow. Money well spent to provoke discussion.