Quote Originally Posted by Stuart View Post
I also couldn't start a fire using a Light My Fire thing I bought. I could light toilet paper, but when I got some dry kindling from out back, I couldn't get it to stay lit. Starting a fire is hard work. I can't imagine how many calories I've burned trying this over the past few days.
Your tinder setup is the most important part of using this method. Dry,fluffed out,exposing as much area as possible is vital. I use an ESEE fire kit with a GoingGear striker. The rod is misch metal which actually sends out globs of molten metal. It has a waterproof compartment that I keep cotton/petroleum jelly in. The whole prep thing takes time but will save frustration time in the actual fire lighting. We probably will never have to actually depend on this skill for survival but it's a skill that could save your life if needed. Good Luck