Fire starting

[Seamus]

After reading the comment by Sparks of Dutch Glory under the discussion on patching, I thought it would be interesting to hear what others have used in their fire kit.
Besides cotton and linen, what have you used to catch a spark? I've had great success with charring (after it thoroughly dries) rotten, punky wood. A small piece will burn longer and hotter than cloth.

 

[Omahkapi'si]

Not historically correct but dryer lint works too with flint and steel.

 

[tenngun]

Hemp string picked in to fibers is good tinder.
It’s been over a month with no rain here so grass flashes like it was soaked in gasoline
I’ve tried punk and holds a spark well, but we know ‘tinder’ was defined as chard rag used to catch a spark back in the day.

 

[Seamus]

IF you can collect fallen pine needles that have been run over by vehicles until they are like fiber, they are great in a tinder bundle.

 

[Ponderosaman]

Pointing @Tom A Hawk in this direction as I hold no rancor for any man.

 

[Brazos John]

IF you can collect fallen pine needles that have been run over by vehicles until they are like fiber, they are great in a tinder bundle.

ALL YOU WANT FOR FREE!
You'll have to pick them up from my driveway, or whole needles from my porch, my entire yard, or even my roof!
But they're FREE!!!

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

After reading the comment by Sparks of Dutch Glory under the discussion on patching, I thought it would be interesting to hear what others have used in their fire kit.
Besides cotton and linen, what have you used to catch a spark? I've had great success with charring (after it thoroughly dries) rotten, punky wood. A small piece will burn longer and hotter than cloth.

TF is very good! I have used it in my firepistons. From what I have read, years ago primative tribes would also use similar material to carry fire to another camp. In case you don't know this stuff glows similar to a cigarette or a fireworks punk.
Larry

 

[Randis]

I'll be trying a few different items on my next outing.

Char made from pieces of hemp rope
Tow made from hemp rope
Tow made from linen

Pine needle and Amadou are not generally found in my area.