Portable Rechargeable Fuel-Free Fire Starter OK this looks like a good thing but... you will need a source of power to charge it... thought I'd post it all the same... No flint, butane, or lighter fluid required. Posted 5 days ago in Survival by Russ Chastain with 9 Comments (Photo: Russ Chastain) As I passed by the UST (Ultimate Survival Technologies) booth at the SHOT Show, I noticed that it was much more full than it had been in the past. They’ve really expanded on their product line… but what really jumped out at me was their new TekFire electric fire starter. (Photo: Russ Chastain) The TekFire is a light, compact electric lighter that creates an electrical arc between two contacts, which can be used to light fires in windy conditions. It needs no adjustments for altitude and because it produces no flame, it doesn’t need butane or any other gas or fuel. TekFire has a flip-open cover, which is secured with a wire clip. Remove the clip by swinging it out of the way, and press the small black button on the side to release the spring-loaded lid, which hinges open to one side. Press the side button (under my thumb in this pic) to create an arc between the contacts. It is glowing in the photo below, but lighting conditions weren’t great for the photo. (Photo: Russ Chastain) When it was demonstrated for me using UST’s ParaTinder paracord — which has a red core thread that is easily ignited for fire-starting — the TekFire quickly and easily produced a flame. It would probably work well with other forms of tinder as well. (Photo: UST) The TekFire is rechargeable via a USB port located on the bottom. The port has a weather-resistant cover, which is folded back under my thumb in this photo. (Photo: Russ Chastain) Manufacturer Specs Built-in, rechargeable lithium-ion battery Green indicator light: glows when in use and fully charged Red indicator light: glows when charge is low and flashes when charging 10 second time-out safety feature Complete use and care instructions included Item number: 20-00041 UPC: 815608020424 Two-Year Limited Warranty MSRP: $24.99 I’m hoping to get my hands on one to test and review for you here. UST's TekFire: Portable Rechargeable Fuel-Free Fire Starter - AllOutdoor.com
Given that it seems to be an electric arc fire starter, I wonder how long it will take for some bright spark to adapt it as an improvised weapon stun device???
I will be interested to see how rugged it is as the hinges look puny and how big of an arc it will produced...enough to light wet kindling? Chello does have a point. I wonder if one could just use a Taser as a due purpose tool: self-defense and fire starter? I never had one, haven't even held one so I wouldn't know.
My thought was "teeny tiny tazer" but apparently I was beaten to it. To that end, since there is no flame, I wonder what the FAA would say to it. I know, I know, I mean specifically since it's not technically a tazer.
