Over and over in my classes and demonstrations there is always someone that feels the need to tell me they would just go to the store and get some matches.
I’m with you, I get it! It’s not like friction fires are easy! We are most certainly way past spoiled and totally take everything we have for granted.
At those times I ask myself why are you doing this? Well for many reasons! Some are too personal to share here. The store may be closed and I might get the overwhelming need to roast a marshmallow!
Most of all I know that if I really need to provide myself and the ones I love with the warmth, safety and all the many things needed that fire can provide. I don’t have to wait around till the store opens!
Most of the time I’m “Outinit” just having fun! That is what its all about!
Even when I’m “Outinit” I always carry at least 3 fire methods with me. One of them being a butane lighter (even though I rarely use it), my fire steel is always with me. I have them as back up methods.
The business of self preservation is some serious stuff. The minute you venture out and step off the pavement you are at the mercies of nature and a million other things that could transpire. Not because the universe is against you. It is the way of the real world that we have sheltered ourselves against. Herein lies our comfort…
Thrown back into that fray all the consequences apply. Quickly we must rise to this challenge with a skill set equal to the adversity at hand or bow to its conclusion.
I don’t always have to use friction fire methods and I don’t. Being caught in a high Uinta’s rain storm, I have used a lighter and wax as an accelerant on my expedient tinder bundle! I needed the heat fast, candle stubs are awesome! They have many good uses! Pack a few!
On another High Uinta’s trip, in the rain I used my lighter and my rocket stove to blast match my pine twig bundle into life! Could I have used a bowdrill set? Most certainly, I have used them in adverse weather conditions, and have even taught bowdrill classes in the rain. This is not ideal but it can be done!
Each situation dictates an equal response! What does this particular condition require? What methods are at my ready? Do I have time to play around or do I need to nuke me up some combustibles?
If your snowmobiling and you find your self stranded, use your gas can and soak up some fire materials and make your fire. Urgency dictates this need, maintain your core temperature!
I’m not going to get hung up on weather, pardon the pun, my method is authentic.
Common sense goes along way! My point is always practice and apply these skills.
You do it when you don’t need it, so that when you do you have the skills!
Book matches are excellent at home, they don’t fair as well in adverse conditions. Wooden stick matches are better but if I am hiking around they are not my preferred choice. I love them at home! always have “strike on box” boxes around the house.Strike anywhere matches are getting harder and harder to find! Hmmm! I do prefer them to strike on box. Matches are awesome! But I DON’T NEED THEM! Do you?
DeepRedSmoke
