I have a cut-down Sparklite in the handle of my BK10. I also sparked mine a few times before putting it in there. Guess I'll be checking mine in the next few days. If it's bad I'll replace it with some ferro rod. Thanks for the heads-up.

Try the ACR mirror and whistle for $10. ACR makes great products, I live in Fla. and these are great on the boat and moisture. I haven't had any trouble with mine so far (Knock on hard wood). Plus I always keep multiple fire starters as well.

ACR

I'm thinking that a periodic review of PSK and FSK's should be part of a regular maintenence routine.
I have found iodine pads bleeding through the packets. Medications that should be replaced from time to time. I'll be going through my kits tonight. Thanks for the tip on the sparklite.

Jon

You had me worried. I just checked mine and so far so good. I looked at the mirror-no black streaks and the Spark-lite worked the same as always. I have had mine well over a year. I had opened and used both before and was worried that they might have started to corrode. I carry the PSP to work daily in my backpack and always when hiking.

Thanks for the heads up. Check and Recheck your stuff.

Considering the intended use for which this kit is marketed, a potential quality or reliability issue of this severity with the Spark-Lite warrants in my opinion further explanation and action from the supplier.

Unless you are operating in an extremely corrosive environment, I would request a replacement directly from AMK, otherwise they would remain unaware of the actual failure modes and failure rates observed in the field.

Sounds like there are several questions on the table with respect to the Spark-Lite:

1. What is the expected failure rate and life expectancy (including under long term storage conditions)? (No mechanical device sold to the masses will ever be completely fail-proof.)

2. What are the known contributing factors for this type of deterioration? (e.g. time, temperature, shock, vibration, humidity, etc.)

3. Will AMK stand behind the product (even though I assume they do not manufacture the Spark-Lite) and offer free replacements?

4. Is there a recommended time interval for checking and or replacing the Spark-Lite? Should this be added to the product instructions?

5. Does simply using the Spark-Lite in checking mode significantly hasten its end of life?

6. Considering the space it needs to fit in, is there a more robust fire-starting component available?

Maybe you (and possibly DR as well) should consider a small packet of dessicant (like the kind found in shoes) to chemically dry the materials inside.

I included large military dessicant packets with my gift kits that I made but will pass along word to check the items every few months for signs of condensation in the ziplocks themselves.

Just emailed DR with this:

http://www.equipped.org/scripts/showthre...amp;amp;fpart=1

Per this thread it appears at least 2 users have had issues regarding corrosion resulting from humidity issues with their PSK's. My suggestion was that for the future that they use small dessicant packets like the kinds found in shoes. Part of the reason I'm pointing this to you is so you can take that under consideration for kits being produced from this point forward to enhance longevity and customer satisfaction.

So please don't inundate him with similiar emails <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

well the sparklite is just a small ferrosium ( or however you spell it) rod, mounted on a spring, against a abbrasive wheel in a plastic package.

just like any ferrosium rods, they are sensitive to moist. The sparklite has the advantage of heaving plastic around the rod, but because the rod is also a lot thinner than, normal rods. It will corode the intire rod a lot quicker.

Scraping a new ferrosium rod, will remove the black protective outside. Which will make it easier to corrode. But this doesn't mean i can't corride, when its new and unused.

DR's response: Thanks for your email, I have already advised AMK of the issue.