I was playing around with my Pilot survival knife and some homemade ranger bands this afternoon. After putting a mini-bic on the side of the sharpening stone, I decided to look for a way to put tinder on the knife also. I found an old chapstick tube. I removed the remaining product and kept the threaded plastic cup at the bottom. After washing it, I put some vaseline soaked cotton in the container. It seems to work quite well. If you need tinder, just turn the knob. <br><br>I really need to go back to work. Ive got far too much time on my hands right now.

Nice touch! BTW.. I've been able to get a pretty good fire going on somewhat damp tinder using chapstik itself as a starting fuel. Won't catch a spark, but usually it will ignite from a match or lighter and give you a "fire ribbon" for a while.

Rather than using cotton balls, why not use dryer lint? It is, after all, free. And you get a lot more of it a lot faster then buying a bag of cotton balls.

Dang it! You guys stole my new marketing idea. Actually, I've been carrying chapstick tubes for the same reason for some time now. Some variations I've used are cutting matches in half, so you will have half tender and half match chapstick tube. <br><br>Also, I have a few Carmex containers full of dryer lint and vaseline, and also dryer lint and lighter fluid for the times I now I am going to be starting a fire in the next few days. This combo will definately take a spark.<br><br>