PSK Longevity Problem?

I purchased a Doug Ritter PSK a while back (at least a year ago) at a local EMS store. I bought the PSK with the intent to carry it with me when I go on hikes and backpacking trips. When I first bought it, I took all of the contents out and took a look at everything to become familiar with it. After checking each item in the kit, I was satisfied that everything was in working order, so I put it all back in the package and I've been carrying it ever since. Tonight I decided to take another look at the contents, and make sure everything is still in working order, when I noticed two things that bothered me.

First, I tried sparking the Spark-lite firestarter a couple of times to make sure it still worked. When I did so, it looked like small chunks of the flint wheel were actually falling off. After sparking it several times, my suspicions were confirmed and the flint wheel crumbled and fell off! I did a bit of searching about this, and found that it might have been from the flint oxidating because I sparked it a couple of times when I originally bought the PSK. Is this true? Should I not have tried out the sparklite until I really needed it?

Next, I noticed something with the signalling mirror. I had not removed any of the protective film, nor did I ever even remove it from the plastic package it was in. However, I noticed that there are small black marks all over the surface of the mirror. They look like they are small strands of fabric, but upon closer inspection, they appear to be INSIDE the mirror. I don't remember these from the first time I took a look at it. Is this normal? How could this have happened? I tried to take a picture of the mirror to post it here to show everyone what I mean, but I found taking a picture of a mirror with a digital camera is quite difficult. If anyone would like to see a picture of this though, I will try again and post the best results I can.

I was just wondering if any of this is normal or not. I always carry the PSK with me when I'm out and about, but now after this I'm just a little bit worried that my PSK might not be up to task if I ever do need it.

I think you did the right thing by familiarizing yourself with the kit. The only item that I can comment on personally is the Sparklite. At one point, I bought two of them, not in kits. I did a field test of one and had terrible results. The next day I tried the second one and had excellent results. Because of that, and for general redundancy's sake, I always carry multiple firestarting items.

I also always carry redundant firestarting methods. I carry a Survival Inc. Strikeforce full of Sparklite tinder in the hollow compartment on my person, as well as matches in my backpack. However, if something should happen to those two and all I'm left with is my PSK, I would be in for quite a surprise when my only firestarting device crumbled and fell apart.

Dave, I've never heard of this, but, now am wondering if there were some way to protect it somehow. Maybe putting decissant in the case? Odd...I've never even thought of that happeneing. I too carry mine every time I venture into the outdoors. Mine also contains a lighter, as a backup to my backup. Now though, I may swing by Dicks & pick up a couple more sparklites.

A couple of days ago I pulled out the signal mirror from my Ritter PSK. I needed it as a mirror to help me check myself for head lice (one of the unpublished benefits of having a kid in elementary school). My mirror also has the black marks, and I know they weren't there when I bought the kit a year ago. Haven't tried the spark lite in a while.

I am fairly sure they weren't there on mine either. I wonder what causes these black marks? And I wonder if this affects the effectiveness of the mirror as a signalling device?

I didn't have great results with one of the sparklites that I had either. Maybe it worked just fine, but it just didn't have anywhere near the amount of sparks that I can get from WSI's mini Mg/ferro rod (called a "Sparky" by Doug). Add that to the fact that the sparklite has its spring and wheel mechanical parts (thus more prone to failure in my opinion), and it ended up getting replaced in my personally assembled kit. I hope I don't run into any 'weakening from oxidation' trouble with that ferro rod. Is that common with those?

And hearing about the RescueFlash mirror is quite disconcerting - I have mine protected in a duct tape envelope of sorts outside my kit (for quick accessibility and to increase storage) and it's honestly not that easy to get it back in the envelope if I were to check it. I always thought that something as simple and sturdy as a polycarbonate mirror would always be there to depend on. Those mirrors would be decently expensive ($8) to have to continually replace.

I've had issues with condensation in my PSK. The needles and safety pins in one vial have all rusted. The spark-lite's flint disintegrated. I inspect it occasionally and try to dry it out, but it seems anytime I'm outside there's visible condensation.

Not sure what to do about that. I'm frequently in wet and cold environments, so I'm guessing the temperature changes back and forth can draw out the moisture.

J

ER, I'm starting to get a little concerned....
As its gonna be -20 with windchill tomorrow, I may repack the contents, and check the thing out again.

Mirrors can definitely do this. I've had to reliably replace the helmet mirror I use when road biking once per year. Somehow the silvering isn't sealed.

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.

I kinda wondered where the hollow compartment on your person was, but on second ponder.....I don't really want to know.

Every one: E.D.C.or regular carry survival kits should ALWAYS be transfered to a metal container. Seal it with duct tape or high quality electricians tape. Anything that is carried in an "envelope", like the RSK will develope problems with its seal. That's inherent and unavoidable.

If true and if this condition is a contributor to early component demise, then one would have hoped that AMK would have done a better job of evaluating the long term effects of using this type of packaging on the contents inside under real world conditions.

At this point, however, I am not convinced that the packaging is a problem, either with or without added desiccant, without learning more about the inherent quality, reliability, and life expectancy of the Spark-Lite.

I wonder if the same issue might affect my Light My Fire Swedish firesteel? Should it be "protected" somehow when not in use?

Though it seems this thread has ended up as a discussion of corrosion on ferrocium firestarters, and even though I am anticipating those replies, I would, however, like to remention the mirror issue before it gets "lost." It sounds like problems with the sparklite are more prevalent than the black streaks on the RescueFlash (from the PSP) mirror. Is there truth to that, or have more than the 2 people had black streaks? I place a high level of personal importance on the mirror issue because I carry the RescueFlash mirror as part of my "duty" gear afloat, and I just want to be sure that the gear will work when I need it to. The sea air has high humidity and I hope that it will not damage the tools I may need to survive, the mirror and ferro rod included.

Norad,
Be carefull cutting or drilling into the sparklite.
Look at the bottom and you will see a round plug that extends inside the handle. This holds the flint in. Cutting or drilling may cause this to fail.

I will email Oak @ 4Seasons Regarding the SPARKLITE issue. Oak always takes care of any problems so please be patient. Metal matches will corrode once the protective outer finish is abraded. A thin coat of laquer paint, ie fingernail polish will seal your matches. It will have to be scraped off in use.

the light my fire rods, have the same problem. It just takes a lot longer before i becomes usless. You can protect it with a coat of nail polish, vanish, wipe of oil, etc.

Most importent, keep it dry.

To get it to fit inside the handle I had to cut past the plug. I replaced it with a short #4 screw. it's pretty solid so I'm not too concerned with that. Since I live in a desert I'm really not too worried about moisture degrading the flint either. It just sounds like a good idea to check every once in a while.

I just pulled my Sparklite out of my Becker handle and it works fine. I wonder if the problem may be that some Sparklites are not mil-spec? I got mine from Countycomm. Is there more than one manufacturer?

Just as an aside when taking off the handle for my Crewman I discovered that when I replaced the three allan head screws with slot heads, I stupidly and inexplicably left one allan head in place! That means that in an emergency I would not have been able to access the stuff in my handle as I no longer carry an allan wrench. Kinda embarrassing. <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Needless to say, it pays to periodically check your gear!

A question for those of you with black streaks in your mirrors. Do you carry your kits in the plastic envelope it came in? Have you carried the kit in a pocket, or where ever, that might cause the "plastic" mirror to flex a little bit? Seem like flexing might cause the black streaks. Just a guess...

The two I have are from CountyComm. One was good, one was bad.

To Dave 568. Our apology regarding the Spark-lite. We do our best to bench test each SL three to five times before packaging. Once in awhile, one slips through for some reason. Please E mail me at the following: o.norton@juno.com or odn4706@fourseasonssurvival.com
We will replace the SL plus send you a second with extra tinder. Will need your address. Oak

Now, THATS customer service!

I think it is great that you are addressing these questions directly. If you don't mind, here is one more. Since you bench test each Sparklite, can we assume that the ferrocium in it does not come "sealed" and it will do no harm to spark them before packing them away? There has been some talk that doing so will remove some sort of protective coating and expose the striking surfaces to moisture. Thanks in advance for your reply.

That is pretty sobering. Were they the same age and stored the same? I had thought that the Countycomm ones were mil-spec. If they corrode in storage then I don't know what to think... <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

They were both new. My original thread on them is here

norad45 were you able to get my response to your message?? [email]o..norton@juno.com[/email]

I did not get the reply. Did you send a pm via ETS mail?

On Friday evening I emailed Oak with a problem I was having with a spark-lite. We exchanged several very pleasant and informative emails, Oak offered to send me replacement Spark-lites as stated above. I got a email saying my package was shipped Saturday. Well, in my mail today was a package from Oak.. How can anyone ask for any better service from a company than I got from Four Seasons Survival. Oak is a man of his word, and has a new very pleased customer. Tomorrow my order goes in. I do business with companies that provide great service, and I got fantastic service from Oak and Four Seasons Survival. <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Stu, many thanks for your write-up. Again, any problems, just give a call... Oak