is it just me or...?

[wildernesswikiup14]

hey all.

i've been noticing lately that when given the option of my firesteel or a pair of matches/ a lighter to start my fire, i prefer the firesteel. does anyone else feel this way? i just feel more comfortable with a firesteel, a traditional flint and steel, or a bow drill in my hands when in the bush. idk maybe its just because that is what i'm used to using i guess.

[Thunder 9]

It's not just you. A habit is formed in just 21 days. Don't know how many fires one has to start with a firesteel to cause a tool preference but I've got it too. Firesteel is always in my pocket and I have other fire starting tools in the EDC bags as a backup that has yet to be needed. Guess it's just what we're comfortable with.

[Bornacentury2l8]

I call it "practice". Really it's just more fun to do it that way.

[kgd]

Originally Posted by Bornacentury2l8

I call it "practice". Really it's just more fun to do it that way.

Yep, there is an aesthetic to setting up a fire. Traditional methods let you value the preparation as much as the fire itself. If you are in a hurry the direct flame is the faster way to go. I still use my lighter for things like sealing paracord ends shut. When I build a fire for enjoyment then I try to get as much enjoyment as I can. That means starting at prepping tinder and kindling and getting everything organized and challenging myself to use as much on hand, natural materials as I can to get the fire going.

[RangerJoe]

Originally Posted by kgd

Yep, there is an aesthetic to setting up a fire. Traditional methods let you value the preparation as much as the fire itself. If you are in a hurry the direct flame is the faster way to go. I still use my lighter for things like sealing paracord ends shut. When I build a fire for enjoyment then I try to get as much enjoyment as I can. That means starting at prepping tinder and kindling and getting everything organized and challenging myself to use as much on hand, natural materials as I can to get the fire going.

What he said

[reverendCPA]

I do both, depending on my mood, guess I figure why bring it if Im not gonna use it. I do enjoy using my firesteel but its all bout the same to me at this stage of the game.

[snakedoctor]

yep! I like to do it that way! I like to practice! Im trying to get it on the first strike now with out vaseline!

[Flintlock]

I think that like weapon craving, there is vistigal, instictive need in many of us to be independent of modern firemaking eethods. The fero rod is actually a modern invention by the way. The further back in time the method, the more satisfying the result. When you master fire by friction its not uncommon to want to shown anybody who will watch.

I...I have made...fire.

[sticks65]

No its not just you.

I haven't used matches to light a fire in years,Its more fun to used a fire steel and the more you use it the better you become

I carry some of those lifeboat matches in my pack,the ones with the extra long burn time and they light in all weathers,ive had them for 4 years and never used them but they are good to have.

[snakedoctor]

I have used a mag block and FS to light as cigarette! So you are no where near out there!