Swedish Firesteel - Army Model

Swedish Firesteel - Army Model Review

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I have an older red-handled "scout" model firesteel that is getting quite worn down, so I was happily surprised to get this beefier new black one.

In the pictures it looks like the red handled ones now come with larger flints, as well. For anyone who might not know, it appears that the diameter of the flint has almost doubled compared to the old one, and it's a bit longer, too. The steel striker is now straight-edged, rather than scalloped. This new one looks like it'll last a _long_ time, even for someone like me who takes every opportunity to make fire in odd and archaic ways.

One thing I like to do is to make my fire using only my firesteel and locally available tinder. This ranges from fairly easy to quite challenging, depending on terrain and vegetation... So I keep a couple of vaseline-and-wax-soaked cotton balls in a sealed container, just in case. When stretched out so the fibers show, those are guaranteed to light, first time, every time, and produce a robust flame from spark alone. I try not to use that tinder unless I really have to.

So, my firekit consists of a hand-powered "chainsaw," my firesteel, and a couple pieces of backup super petro-tinder, all in a small pouch on my pack. With that and a knife or two, I think I could keep a fire going pretty much forever.

I'd recommend the firesteel to anyone who wants a simple, affordable, reliable way to make fire in the field indefinitely provided you supply appropriate tinder.

If you have no idea how to make fire, this tool might not help you much- you'd need remedial education first. Seriously, making a fire (especially from spark only) in difficult conditions, like wet, windy, raining -the kind of situation where you really might _need_ a fire- is not easy. But if you absolutely always have a firesteel, emergency tinder, and a knife on your person at all times, and you're skilled in their use, you can be confident that you never need be without fire, anywhere, anytime. Everybody needs a few of these in strategic locations.

Swedish Firesteel - Army Model Feature

• Compact fire starter designed to light fires in any conditions
• Provides 3,000-degree C spark in any weather, at any altitude
• Ideal for lighting campfires, stoves, and gas barbecues
• Striker lights up small piles of dry grass, paper, and other flammables
• Lasts for 12,000 strikes; approved by International Survival Instructors Association

Originally developed for the Swedish Department of Defense, the FireSteel is a flash of genius. The FireSteel is intended to replace matchbooks, lighters, and other fire starters, providing a 3,000-degree C (5,432-degree F) spark that makes it easy to build fires in any weather, at any altitude. The FireSteel is a breeze to use: just pile up a small quantity of dry grass, paper, or other flammable material, and then force the included striker down the FireSteel. The resulting spark will create a fire even when wet, letting you light campfires, stoves, and gas barbecues at a moment's notice. Used by a number of armies around the world, the FireSteel's dependability has already made it a favorite of survival experts, hunters, fishermen, and campers. It's also found its way into cabins and backyards as a foolproof fire-starting tool for tough conditions. You can even use the bright spark as an emergency signal.

This Army version of the FireSteel, which comes in several handle colors, is designed to last for 12,000 strikes and is approved by the International Survival Instructors Association.

About Industrial Revolution
Founded in 1971 as Uco Corporation in Redmond, Washington, Industrial Revolution has been a supplier of high-quality equipment to the outdoor industry. The company is known in particular for its outstanding line of beautiful and functional candle lanterns. In 2004, the company began selling its Play and Freeze ice-cream maker, a ball that allows users to participate in the ice-cream-making process by shaking and rolling the ball itself. In 2008, Industrial Revolution merged with longtime partner Pedco, a manufacturer of small, lightweight camera tripods.

Originally developed for the Swedish Department of Defense, Swedish FireSteel is a flash of genius. Its 3,000°C spark makes fire building easy in any weather, at any altitude. Used by a number of armies around the world, Swedish FireSteel's dependability has already made it a favorite of survival experts, hunters, fishermen and campers. It has also found its way into cabins and backyards as a fool-proof way to light stoves and gas-barbecues.

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Customer Reviews

Does what it is supposed to. - CB "Mom of 2" - East TN
I bought this for my husband who had requested it a while back for his birthday. He just wanted an alternative when camping. He was able to get it work with a couple of strikes using dryer lint. Glad to have this around. Can't speak to durability yet.

a spark every time - David Kiss - Erie, PA USA
This is a great product, I was looking for a firestarter for camping and this one proved to be perfect. It makes quite an impressive spark every time and its so conevenient.


Jul 04, 2010 11:06:03