Alternative Fire Starting Methods

Recently, I have gotten very interested in learning about alternative fire starting methods and several of you have also expressed a desire to know more. I knew we would be going on a hunting trip that would have us camping outside in freezing temperatures and thought it would be a good idea to explore and practice using something other than a lighter or matches. First we will go over alternative fire starting methods and then I will go into some detail about my own experiences using the Survival Fire Starter from Purefire Tactical which uses magnesium shavings to get a very hot fire started quickly.

Alternative Fire Starting Methods

Flint and Steel: Used for millennia before the match came along, flint and steel is a tried and true way of starting a fire. There are numerous articles and videos on how to start a fire using flint and steel. I have tried to use flint and steel before to get a fire going and It.Was.Hard! It would take years and years of practice to be confident with this method and honestly, I am thankful for the progress in fire technology that does not force me to have to rely on it.

Fire Bow/Drill: Commonly called a “fire bow” or “fire bow drill,” this ancient method of starting a fire is essentially rubbing two sticks together, but in a more efficient way. The different is that you use less effort and get results faster when you use a fire bow. Instead of just rubbing two sticks together, you use some rope or twine to help get the friction (and therefore embers) really going fast in a short amount of time. I have only just learned about fire bows and haven’t had the opportunity to make or try one yet but it is on the list! We have red and yellow cedar absolutely everywhere here and from all I have seen, that is some of the best wood to use for making embers to start a fire.

Chemicals: We have used potassium permanganate mixed with glycerin to make a fire before. Simply make a little mound of the potassium and add a little glycerin to the top. After a few seconds, smoke will form and then the whole pile goes up in a very hot flame – enough to catch whatever tinder you may have on fire and push any moisture out of the wood. There are other methods of starting fires using chemicals but I would not recommend it. First of all, it adds extra (possibly caustic or toxic) weight and supplies to your bags and secondly, it just isn’t cost effective. Of course, I have to say that should you decide to try this method, you do so at your own risk. I am in no way encouraging people to buy a bunch of chemicals to start fires with, merely presenting options of alternative fire starting methods.

Magnification: Pretty much everyone over the age of 10 knows about using a magnifying glass to start a fire with (or burning ants). There are also articles and videos about using a clear water bottle (with water in it) to start fires by focusing the sun’s rays through the water. The catch is, the sun needs to be out and shining. For most locations you may find yourself in where you need a fire to stay warm or get dry, chances are pretty good that the sun will not be shining. Still, adding this to your repertoire of fire-starting skills certainly doesn’t hurt.

Magnesium Shavings: This was all new to me but, I fell in LOVE with my Purefire Tactical magnesium fire starting rod and set up. It took a little while to get the sparks to land ON the magnesium shavings but once they did? WHOOSH! Those shavings started up so fast and hot that it pushed any moisture out of the tinder I was using and stayed burning plenty long enough for me to build the fire up with small sticks and twigs. As seen in the picture above, you can shave off a bunch of magnesium and put it into some duct tape that will hold them in place on windy days. We got some pre-made bundles and I was so grateful for it one particular morning when I just couldn’t get anything to catch and keep going. It was really cold and there was a small breeze that really made it difficult, even with a lighter. I tossed one of those bundles into the puny flame I was able to get going on one side of the tinder bundle. Again, the fire almost immediately caught across the bundle. Even with that little breeze, there was still plenty of time for me to arrange more sticks and twigs to build up the fire. It sure seems a lot easier than rubbing two sticks together, even with a fire bow!

Advantages to Using Alternative Fire Starting Methods

There are some distinct advantages and disadvantages to using alternative fire starting methods. Here are a few that I can think of right off the top of my head. Can you think of others?

Pros

• Lightweight
• Unlikely to get stolen as most people won’t have a clue what they are looking at
• Multiple ways to start a fire is an important redundancy
• Having a more diverse skill set
• Some items can be made with minimal materials
• If you know how to make and use a fire-bow (for example), it does not matter if yours breaks, is lost, or stolen. You have the skills to make another one!

Cons

• It takes time to learn new fire starting methods
• When using alternative methods, it can take longer to actually get a fire going versus using a lighter or matches
• Certain methods are not always reliable which could prove catastrophic in itself
• It takes considerable practice and investment of time to master alternative fire starting skills

It is in the best interest of every person to learn at least one alternative way to starting a fire that does not include a lighter or matches of any kind. If the whole world went to the birds and there are no more matches being made, what would you do? Are you willing to be the person who took the time now to learn some new skills or be the helpless victim when it is too late? I am not saying any of it is easy but I personally will take great comfort knowing that I can craft and successfully use a fire-bow….just as soon as I master it! 😉

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