KenK,

My understanding of what should be called fatwood or pitch wood is from pine tree stumps. When a pine tree is cut down or struck by lightning the roots are still intact. The tree pulls moisture from the ground and pumps it into the trunk. After some time the sap collects in the trunk.

The next time you are in a pine forest look for stumps. Scrape the wood. If it has a Pinesol smell then you have fatwood. Split off some and give it a try. If you scrape the side with the blade at 90 degrees you will get a pile of tinder that will light with a spark and burn for about half a minute. If you split off some for kindling it will start burning with a match. A few fatwood sticks in your fire lay will assure an easy fire. I have found fatwood at our Albertsons in a box called StarterStikk for about $3. Also our WalMart grocery store sells fatwood in a plastic bag for about a dollar.