I doubt the problem with the knife is the steel it is more likely that it lacks a nice square edge to peel the fero material off of the rod and that can be fixed with a sharpening stone.
I always file a small section of square edge at the base of the backside of the blade for this reason. Mora knives seem to generally have a slightly rounded backside of the blade, which doesn't scrape of the ferro stuffs at all.
@@ru55laye Stainless steel won't work with flint because it isn't carbon steel. With flint and steel the spark comes from the metal and high carbon steel works best. With a fero rod the spark comes from the rod and all you need is a good sharp corner on some solid material to scrape with.
I am a RU-vid junky and this is by far the best channel anywhere in the World. I love the mix of Bushcraft skills and mindful awareness. You've taken your life experience and Military experience and given something so positive back to people. You're a Dude. Thank you.
Another great video Nick, thank you. I also wanted to thank you for the mental health video’s for veterans, healthcare workers, etc. It means a lot to me and has helped tremendously. You are one of the very few channels that talk about important topic.
If you're going to spend £7 on a ferro rod, buy a 6 inch one. I bought mine years ago and it's still going strong in the duct tape sheath, with half an old hacksaw blade as a striker, fixed together with paracord and a cable tie belt loop Very in the spirit of this channel I feel and throws enough sparks to light almost anything
In the netherlands we use a tiny white rock called carbit. When it becomes wet it create a gass. The gass will burn. So if it rains you are still able so get the fire going.
My favorite firestarter is a braided waxed jute twine with a little metal tube around it. Lights easily with a ferro rod and is waterproof. Also they're super cheap to make.
Good job brother. You were very honest with your evaluation. The big question "Would I buy it". I appreciate you asking yourself and answering that question. Thanks and GOD Bless. Semper Fi
@FukTheGender Agenda I prefer long and flat octagon-shaped ferrorods and really love the Kansbol. The spine of its blade is rectangular and throws great sparks when combined with this. It's not full tang but it's very comfortable in the hand and lighter weight. It does what I need it to but I always love hearing other perspectives. At the end of the day, you can never have too many knives.
hey Nick. nice video. Just one thing... the companions come with rounded spines, so just need to be made 90 degrees with a file or Dremel or something. Same for carbon and stainless. You'll see the Kansbol is the same steel, but has a sharp spine so showers sparks. I like that crusader mug set. looks very neat
Must admit, I like the crusader mug nest.. As you've already tested it, probably in the field, is it durable? And I agree with the fire piston.. If you've got char cloth, probably better to use ferro rod or flint and steel.
Back in the 70's as a scout and with the DOE program, we were taught how to use the Trangia Stove systems, a stove that is still very popular in Scouting today, I was introduced to the Army version in 2002, which is still my favourite. Yes you have to carry fuel but you also have the ability to use the windshield as a stick stove. Knives - TBS Wolverine with ferro rod and diamond sharpening stone. I have never got on with fire pistons but always carry charcloth or dry Fungus flakes, made from king Alfred cakes. (Daldinia concentrica) I did have to look up the proper name, I'm not that much of a spotter.
Hi Nick. I have only just come across your channel and have been thoroughly enjoying the advice and content that you produce - so thanks for that. About a month ago I purchased a low cost fire piston from a popular on-line auction site and like you, started by whacking the two bits together on a tree stump. Also, like you I had very little success, but with a little determination and this aint going to beat me attitude I finally got the piston working really well and reliably. The first thing I learnt was to not use any petroleum based grease. This will break down the "O" seals quite quickly. I now use a synthetic grease. I also learnt that there is no need to whack the two parts together too hard (or against any other object). Using just your hands to push the two parts together firmly works really well. I also clean it each time I use it. How I do it. With a clean piston assembly, 1, Grease the "O" ring(s). 2, Insert the char material into the indentation. 3, Insert the rod into the tube (making sure that the threaded cap at the end is tight - if the piston has one) up to the "O"seal. 4, Push the rod firmly all the way into the tube using both hands and let the created air pressure push the rod back slightly. 5, Remove the rod quickly and test for ember. If the char material doesn't light within 2 or 3 goes there is probably either a problem with the char material or the seal around the "O" seals. Personally I tend to transfer the ember to a larger piece of char material and transfer this to my tinder bundle. Would I use it in an emergency situation? Probably not - it's quicker to use a lighter. Saying that, I find it fun to try out different ways of lighting a fire and it keeps the mind occupied.
Companion was my 1st knife, cracking value and they feel nice to hold. Still In very good condition after a fair bit of use with not much sharpening, will buy again for sure.
Another great vid Nick. Love the crusader (old faithful). I’ve still got my issued cups canteen which I think was based on US model. Has a fire stand that cup nests in, just take it off and reverse and you’re away. No lid as canteen nests in cup and all fits snug in the pouch. Foil is best option I find for lid. Recently found crusader and canteen available here in Aus, so will get one (never have too much useful gear- one is none and two is one🤣) Wouldn’t waste my coin on the Dragon Breath gadget. Liking the Mora mod. Keep up the great work you do for your channel and the veteran and broader community mate. Love your work. 👍🏼🦘🤝
Fire pistons. A. in addition to char cloth other natural materials can be used, chaga tinder fungus is my preference, there are other things that work. B. char material that works like charcloth can made from most carbonaceous natural materials (dried grass, punk wood). C. Vaseline is a poor for a sealant if your gasket is natural rubber (it probably isn't, most O rings and well any rubber like things are actually nitrile now). Vaseline being a petroleum product breaks down natural rubber. Ear wax works in a pinch as well as the oil in your hair.
Regarding the non-sparky mora....you can strike a ferro Rod with a glass shard, you need a sharp spine which the mora is well known to not have stock - grind a little and boom, sparks for days
If you go e the fire pistol a honest try they work pretty good. They are like everything else got to learn it. At times they may be a little harder, but good char cloth you in good shape.
Out of curiosity I bought a fire piston some years ago. They are amazingly heavy since they need to be sturdy! After trying for an afternoon I managed to get an ember exactly never! My conclusion: for the same weight and volume you can carry a ferro rod with striker and a mini bic. You might even be able to squeeze in zome tinder.
Hey Nick, love the vid mate. That Ferro rod holder is awesome, the quick start friction rod thing sucked. Hope fam. All good, a big hello to Finn, mum, and Tilly 👍😁
Glad you did one on the crusader mods. I know dragonjel is meant to be non toxic but a hex block does it for me or even firelighters, cheaper too. Having a lid on your mug really helps on fuel usage when brewing and I've recently been thinking of looking out for one and that foil cooker does look the biz. I find ferrorods need the blacking taken off first but how long would a well used on last in that holder? The best set up I had, for years, was a rod on a small extendable strop tied to a Swiss army knife. I used the small blade for sparks, pocket sized magic.
@FukTheGender Agenda I've never been in a position in the UK not to be able to make fire so it's just another expensive thing with plastic on it. Each to there own, I generally have at least two way of making fire with me when I go out and about an honestly the ferrowrod is now used a lot less.
I like the mug kit because you can stow so much in it for use in camp and a quick trailside cup of soup, tea, etc. the ferro rod stow is probably OK. But I usually have several ferro rods already and a bundle of fire starter so have a rig to keep that kitted and ready to build a fire. If I was starting over, I might buy it though.
I literally brought some fire dragon fuel on Saturday after some successful testing previously. I managed to find 60 on eBay, so 10 packs for £17.99. That’s only 30p a block so that’s a far more reasonable price!
Really like the crusader mug cooker, neat idea and would be great for bikepacking or lightweight hiking. I've been messing around with Dragon blocks. When I first saw them used last year I wasn't impressed but I have since changed my mind. I found small round dish, about 65mm diameter and about 15mm deep, it holds the heat in better because without it the block spreads reducing the temperature. Mines actually made by Trangia as replacement for a normal spirit burner but I reckon a very small tuna can would do the same thing plus if you leave a bit of rotting fish in there you will get that authentic heximine smell which all you old squaddies love 😉. Talking of army stuff the new version of the british army heximine cooker has been adapted to take Dragon blocks, there's a small recess for the block and a wind shield that fits between the arms. Loads on ebay, I think made by BCB the makers of Crusader mugs, and they only cost about a fiver, Ive bought one as Plan B if my pocket rocket fails.
The fire piston often comes out with me as a curiosity to draw people in. They are not fool proof, I use amadou in it and it is very reliable if you plunge hard and quick.
Nice one Nick, ferro rod holder is brill, hope they do it in green and the stove /shield for the crusader would be brilliant for me, hopefully someone will come up with a maker. Stay safe my friend 👍👍👍
some nice ideas there, I think of fire lighting in terms of if I am freezing my arse off what is the quickest easy way to get a fire started, most often that is some vaseline soaked cotton or even just jamming my gas stove between a tinder bundle to get it going. hope you are keeping well Nick, your channel has given me hope in some dark times.
I found that the Fire dragon gel leaves a nasty black mess which is hard to remove from the bottom of my Crusader 2 stove base, so i use a piece of cooking foil as a base liner and put the gel on top. I often use Marvel dried milk too, especially during the lockdowns, and the foil seal inside covering the milk, when first opened does the job nicely and can be re used for fire a few times, then trashed for recycling later. Those lids are a very worthwhile investment, as are their mess tin lids, i have a few different types. Great videos, keep safe, all the best.
I agree with the thought not to get a fire piston I am impressed with the ferro rod holder for the mora . I don't have the cup so the stove is not something I need right now but may in the future thanks for sharing
I've got a mora companion heavy duty with the bath bushcraft ferro rod holder, I've got the 10mm version which is chunky as hell, I have the carbon blade version and had to file the spine down to a 90° angle to get it to work with the ferro rod, but it throws sparks like a champ now.
Hi Nick, very good video. I like the add-on ferro rod for mora knives. To increase my level of trust for the friction fit holder, I would add a layer or 2 of Gorilla tape to the sheath just below and right up against the holder. In a pinch the tape could be used as a fire starter. In cold weather the foil stove/pouch could be used as a cup insulator to keep hot drinks hot longer if you had chosen to heat your drink by another means.
What I find strange is they say its natural & bio but it comes in a plastic tub? Old hexi comes in wax cardboard boxes that work so well for fire lighting even after the hexi has been used.
@@moorshound3243 yeah you're right there the plastic tub is what I find annoying as it less easy to dispose so I usually have to carry it further etc. I do find that I prefer using the firedragon over hexi though even with the packaging
@@moorshound3243 that's a pretty good way to do it, I do similar, but I'm slowly considering making the change to gas I just need to be pushed over the edge😂
@@thomasward7548 here you go then. I was out in the woods the other day with my mate, he said he would get the brews on, so out came the gas stove. Oh a gas stove I said, I have been thinking about getting one as I still use my old BCB crusader cup with a twig fire or hexi. Yes gas is the way says my mate, he then tried to light it with its internal ignition button "Nothing" click click click "Nothing" gas still pissing out everywhere, he fumbles for a lighter while turning the gas off, he can't find a lighter so I give him one, gas turned on again still "Nothing", maybe the jets are blocked I suggested? Yes he says, tap tap big blowing breath into the jet to try to clear it. By now our little German army poncho basha is more like a gas chamber! Hummm I think to myself if I had broke out the hexi burner or even the bloody flint & steel & birds nest bundle we would be drinking our coffees by now! This all happened on a perfect dry windless day when we both had gone for a easy tramp to some local woods. If I were up a mountain tired cold & hungry from a long hike, it was raining & windy the last thing I would want is to be faffing about with a gas stove. In over 20 years my old system has never ever failed me, even when a little drunk I forgot my cup was in the fire (sterilisation) & retrieved the orange glowing lump of steel with a stick, something you couldn't do with titanium. I hope this story helps your decision on the gas stove issue?
Nice, I bought one of those lids for my crusader cup with some straining holes in the top. I have never seen the folding stand before. The fire piston I was bought as a present from bush tools and so far I have not gotten it to work but that's not a slur on the product, I need more practice. Lovely looking ferro rod holder, I too am using inner tube at the mo to hold me ferro rod on. Good video Nick 👍
Wish they hadn’t stopped hexi blocks. Nothing has been them, the dragon fuel was paper you must bring home with you and is a good hot heat like hexi. The hexi stove was able to take more than one block to aid a faster burn. I used to break all the blocks up and carry in a bag adding bits when I needed and you could do this without removing the mug, another problem the dragon fuel can’t do.
I have just bought one of the Flexistoves from MREempire, just love the idea and always use my crusader mug for my brew kit anyway. And they cost less than a tenner posted!
The other advantage to a metal cup lid is that you can fry an egg or a slice of bacon grill in it. The smell of frying bacon grill wafting over a harbour area in the morning is sufficient to evoke jealousy in everyone downwind … :)
Great video. I really like that Mora firesteel thing. I too have used inner tube on the Mora sheaths, and I bet running a bit of duct tape around the sheath right below that thing would help it from accidentally falling off? (The only useful bit about the fire piston was the fact that you have to first empty the sweets tin! I love those lemon drops!) 👍🏻🇨🇦
Regarding the ferro rod, I would put a small section of bike inner tube around the sheath under the adapter to prevent it from sliding off. You can actually get sparks from a ferro using a piece of glass. Saw a video regarding that. I personally have used a 154cm steel (stainless) metal and threw sparks everywhere. It all has to do with a sharp spine on that Mora.
Hi Nick, thanks for the informative videos and wisdom that you share with us, it’s much appreciated! If I can add my 2 cents on fire starting in the NZ bush that is ultra light and takes up minimal space it would be tampons combined with bicycle inner tube with a bic lighter or fire rod. It would burn for about 5mins on its own which is plenty of time to add the kindling ect. It’s worked for well for us even when it’s raining, only down side is that it does smell a bit and one needs ventilation when using the inner tube.
Fire dragon is good for a emergency fire but I still prefer old hexi. I wish heavy cover still made the lids for the cup, I have one but I wanted to get one for my mate. Great vid cheers for posting.
With the Mora kniv they tend to have a smooth spine, they work best by honing the spine to an edge. Best value knives and defo bang on for the so called Buck.
Mines attached to my mora with cable ties, a plastic card and tape. It's a real tight fit, so it's not coming out quickly. I also have separate striker on a long bit of paracord tied to the end of the rod which is wrapped around the sheath. It's not convenient in the way that it's a hassle to take out and use, but it'd be kind of handy to have in an emergency... maybe...
I got myself one of those fire piston thingies to try out, I have to say I never managed to get it to work. Ferro rod is reliable, but my fire lighter of preference these days is a rechargeable plasma lighter,
Great reviews ! If your going to carry Vaseline you might as well just smear it on a cotton wool ball and use a ferro rod, you can buy loads of Vaseline and cotton wool for the price of the piston. I've been lighting fires with cotton wool and Vaseline for decades without any issues and it's my go to method if I can't find any dry tinder or kindling. Rest of the kit reviewed looks worth the money, I would go as far as say most people who would watch your videos probably already own the mug etc.
The Crusader cup stove is definitely worth a serious try. Only issue I see is lighting the fuel once it's in the "stove". The "fire piston"...😖 The Mora sheath fero rod holder - with just the friction fit, No. Add a set screw that actually bites into the sheath. But I don't think I'd trust it with a "One & Only" ferro rod. Like to see you do more tests with the "stove" ! Cheers...
The companion needs a proper 90 degree grind put on it to get sparks from a ferro rod. I havent done it to mine yet but i've seen others successfully make the modification and have a dirt cheap survival knife thats as good better than alot of more expensive blades all round.
Well done. Thanks nick! Very interested in that fold-up pot stand. Do you think something like that would work with a homemade alcohol stove? Would it be stable enough that the liquid fire wouldn’t spill out? I use a standard round cup that nests with my nalgiene bottle for my quick cup of coffee/ tea. You’ve got me thinking 🤔 maybe a welders blanket that could double as a Koosie to handle the hot cup after the fire goes out?…. Probably not….Happy Sunday!
My opinion: Your videos are a thousand times better and usefuller than the useless and dangerous because misleading videos of this show off Bear Grills.
I have one of those crusader lids, same person made them i suspect, (the 'polish' finish is same) great for keeping crap out of your mug but I found that the d-ring gets too hot and I now carry a wooden clothes peg so no more burnt fingers 😁🤐
That crusader cosy foil thing is interesting, not seen it before. Others have already mentioned about the 90 degree spine, Nick, but the bigger point is also about carbon v stainless. The type of steel is relevant when using flint and steel, but there is no difference with a ferro rod. Only the sharpness of the spine matters. Paul Kirtley has a video explaining it 👍
@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Turn it into a positive! Next video: we all say stuff that comes out wrong sometimes, so here’s a full HVB vlog on how to use a ferro rod with different types of knife and different techniques and different tinders. I’d watch that!
The only reason to bring a gadget or gizmo is to make your life easier. Do something simpler for less work. And It looks like I am not replacing a Bic lighter with a Fire piston any time soon. It doesn't seem simpler if I have to hit it and quit it extremely fast for no spark. The useful advantage, if it worked every time, is being able to use just a little bit of charcloth to make a fire vs what you might accidently normally use. But like I said. Head to a gas station and grab a Bic for a few dollars. You can even get ones with the long necks if you want to protect yourself from the fire just in case.
Thanks for vid. I do like bits and bobs. Have you tried the gel in the folding stove? It just melts and runs out. Needs solid fuel like hexi tabs. Its a flexistove, you can get them at MRE Empire. About £8.
i like the heating foil. but, if it was bottom-less it would easier to work with. but, I like it enough to snag one! the firestarters. agree. not interested. too much prep. too many parts. working too hard to simplify. a magnesium ferro rod will give more reliable results, more often and faster. i like the mora firesteel holder. i'd consider that one...having said that, i have several fire rods. i pack them in other ways. most have their own strikers, so to me there's not a strong necessity for it. However, I do suggest the companion for starting out. Anyone looking to build a kit, absolutely, I'd recommend that little gem, to compliment the companion. (Companion's companion? hmmmm) good review...as i nose about your channel, I'm hoping there's more of these! :-)
Hi, does the plastic case come off fire block before lighting or is it user friendly, can you say about your watch, its pros and cons please. Regards Rob
Here in South Africa the Rand/Pound rate of exchange is R24.17 to 1 Pound. £8 becomes almost R200. We can get a thing like a little candy bar - you just light the wrapper. They are R10 each so for your £8 pounds I can get 20 of these dingbats. I put the one I bought straight into my firekit so I can't say how long it burns for. Or how well it works. Must try it out. No profit in taking a dingbat into the bush and finding it doesn't work, hey?
Hi Nick thanks for the informative content. I have seen the fire piston but seems not me either asI lack the patience. However with the Morakniv companion did you modify the spine? Mine is specifically designed to work with Ferro rods but the Companion generally has a rounded spine which you can mod by filing flat with a metal file.
Hello nick excellent video for start up kit , if I may say the kit I've used for years is the crusader cook system used this for years and still going strong , I also use the fire dragon gel blocks so versatile great for use in the dakota fire 🔥 and I only pay (£2.50) for a pack of six , I agree with you on the fire piston I would not depend on that for use in the field, my knife is the marine raider bowie knife SP10 1075 carbon steel it will do all task's in the field no problem very enjoyable video thanks for sharing ♠️
Like the mug add ons as for the rest Naa. The knife add on its just reinventing the wheel. My normal knife I have cord and ranger bands holding stuff on my other is in a pouch on my webbing so can’t attach anymore
Just catching up with your channel. Woth regard to the morakniv it's not the steel it's the fact the spon of the knife is slightly rounded. 90degrees is better on a spin i nomorally grind the spine.
My curiosity about the ferro rod adapter, is that It won't fit tight once the rod has been scraped several times...🤔 I don't trust the elastic band as a secure safety..🙈 Great video as always, thank you..👍🏻
Good point, a better design would to have essentially a plug at the 'handle' end that fits snugly unto the housing, then have the rod extending further past that
hi🌷 I’m a newbie & now I’m confused, doesn’t the best bushcraft knives 🔪 have a full tang, which they usually show off! I got a decent side knife & it’s got a handle like the Moira ? I was afraid to wack on the end!? But the end was very similar to the one you showed! ? Idk but I’m Learning !!! Stay cool 😎🐾 Cheryl & Buddy 😊🐾
Think I'll get one of the Ferro Mora attachment as I've been looking into doing something like that but as you say there's a million and one videos on here about it... I've a plastic lid for my Crusader mug that works fine. Was looking at getting a metal one but there's none on the market so would have to make my own....Too Lazy 😆
