Swiss Army firestarter

Daddee · Posted: 2/2/2005, 2:11 pm Post subject: Swiss Army firestarter

Anyone ever used one of these?
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matt gilbert · Joined: 28 Jul 2003 Posts: 698 Location: Mesa

I have, Glen has too (if I may take the liberty of speaking for him). They work very well, with practice. The one you have linked shows it's about 40 bucks, this is pretty high price for one of these. I think I picked mine up for around $10.
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Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

You beat me to it Matt. I was going to post this link to Glen's thread.

http://www.arizonahikers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=944

BoyNhisDog · Posted: 2/2/2005, 6:26 pm Post subject:

I was just talking about these with some friends this afternoon. We find them to be the most dependable way to assure making fire in any weather. They work when wet (just towel them off) and they have about 12000 firelights in them. The ultra-light variety is available from a Boy Scout store. I do not remember what they call them but they sell a keychain-sized model for about $2.50. It will give you plenty of lights but does wear out much faster than the Swedish model.
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MikeInFHAZ · Joined: 15 Feb 2004 Posts: 1401 Location: location location

wait a minute... I thought the Swiss were in Switzerland, not Sweden. Am i missing something?
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azhiker96 · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1419

I just mailed off a money order for a military firesteel that Piet had in his closet. He said his supplier upped the price so they dropped this as a fundraiser but he did find a new one with wooden handle to sell me for $20. He shipped it to me with instructions on where to send my payment. It's a shame that he isn't doing this as a moneymaker anymore but he might have another one or two. I also searched and found some for sale on Ebay. There are european distributors but none in the states. That seems strange.
BTW, I have one of the US models that comes attached to a large hunk of magnesium. The magnesium seems like a pain in the rear. I like just using the striker with Glen's recommended vaseline soaked cotton balls. I can get a flame on the first strike almost every time.

pfredricks · Joined: 10 Apr 2003 Posts: 347 Location: Peoria, AZ

It just so happens that you happen to have someone in a unique positon to pick up stuff in Europe for you.
So PM me with exactly what you need.
This offer is extended to people that I banter with regularly here.
You know who you are, if I know your first name, or have met you, or talked here.....let me know what you need.
I leave here soon...so hurry!

By the way....that is an AUSTRIAN website...."com.au"
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matt gilbert · Joined: 28 Jul 2003 Posts: 698 Location: Mesa

Well Pete, you have your first taker, check your PM and thanks for the offer.
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Cogito ergo ambulo cum sacculo
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BoyNhisDog · Posted: 2/4/2005, 6:19 am Post subject:

Pete thanks for the offer but I am good. AzHiker, enjoy that one. Piet is a good guy and his wooden handle Firesteels were in high demand.
_________________
Seize from every moment its unique novelty and do not prepare your joys
- Andre Gide