Here is how to start a fire using a fire sparking type tool:

by: slash-5

1) Look toward the base of trees, under dead falls, etc. for the driest stuff you can find. Pine stumps are the best because frequently they will be so loaded with pitch that they will light even in wet conditions.

2) If there is no dry stuff to be found, find a dead fall, dead branch, etc. and either split it open or hack at it until you have a section that is dry.

3) As you are splitting this open, you will find ample opportunity to select relatively dry splinters and smaller sections of wood. Set this aside until later.

4) Find a place that is sheltered from the wind/rain/etc. and shave bits from your dry section of wood. I like to start big and then work my way smaller.

5) After you have developed some kindling, take the driest piece of wood you can find and scrape it perpendicular to the grain. What we are looking for here is soft, light fine wispy stuff...

6) Continue until you have a pile about as big around as a silver dollar and about 3/4 of an inch high. DO NOT SCRIMP AT THIS STAGE!

7) Make a little Tepee with your other kindling. Move from small to large. At this point the small should be shavings, then toothpick sized pieces, all the way up to chop sticks.

8) Make a little hole in one side of your pile and in front of that, put your little pile of downy tinder. Preferably, this will be on a piece of bark or something and it will be sheltered from the wind.

9) Place the tip of your fire starter (Blast match, Swedish or BSA) just in front of your tinder pile and strike. Once it catches, push it quickly into the Tepee.

10) Blow gently, and watch as blaze erupts.

Note: Every time I have taught someone verbally how to build a fire like this, they nod and smile and look at me like I am an idiot. Then, I let them try it. I have NEVER had someone get it on the first try. Why? They are too lazy. They think that 30 seconds of prep should be enough. If it is wet out, I could see 10 minutes or more of prep.

Tip: If you are having a hard time getting that fine downy tinder, try holding your knife on a hard surface (spine down) and PULL the wood across the edge. This also will work well with the sparker if you are having trouble (knocking your tinder pile over, etc.)

slash-5