Fire Pistons 

"Practice primitive, prepare modern" is a GREAT approach. It just gives you an all around skill set when applied to different areas of bushcraft/survival. Excellent as always.

I have had a fire piston for years now and it sits on a shelf. I show it to people but that is about it. No one comes away with the thought this is my go to fire starter.

I reckon in this past week these videos have been the best. Not because what you are teaching but because we both have the same mindset. Great job!

Thanks Dave, you are a great teacher. You make things very clear, and cover each issue thoroughly. Thanks for the free education from a pro.

I agree with your statement about television. Warts and all shots are better for learning. Not only do you learn from your mistakes, we do too. Thanks Dave

Dave THANKS so very much for mentioning and demonstrating our MultiFlame Tool. We really appreciate it! God bless you and yours!

Dave, every single video you have posted has been top quality full of valuable, reliable information, professionally presented and conducive to learning. These are not "infomercials" but truly learning tools on bushcraft and survival. You've been extremely generous in passing this knowledge and I, for one, would like to acknowledge you and thank you. Best wishes and once again, many thanks!

Thanks for all the video's you done in the past and thanks for all the ones to come. You have good info.

Production value isn't easy, or cheap. Kudos to you Dave for offering a premium product at a premium price.

like I said on the pathfinder tv announcment vid, if Dave were going to abandon this channel I would be upset. the fact is though, Dave is saying he isn't going to abandon this channel. as far as I can tell this video was as good as any previous video he has uploaded, so it seems we all get to be happy. much respect Dave thank you!

Hi Dave, Patrick from Belgium (europe) here. Thank you for your very interesting videos. I made a pair of fire pistons out of iron tube and aluminium rod. One with a commercial seal (o'ring) and the second with a more traditional seal made of cotton wire. Both give me an amber by the first go. I'm really happy with my "hand made" fire devices. I had a lot of fun by making this ! I do agree with you : learn and practice antique methods and have a lot of fun, to prepare modern ones. Have a nice day !

Dave, $3/month is worth the things I learn watching your videos. Thanks!

Dave, I signed up, if these people don't like it, they don't have to sign up. I appreciate your free videos and I have learned a lot. I do not mind paying you for your information. After all, it isn't like you haven't proved yourself. Keep up the good work.

Thanks for sharing Glens Fire Piston! He gave me one when he first made them and they work great. I have a bunch of video on using it. It's a lot more than a fire piston. The drill works great! And, you can use it for timber lags also for shelters. I used it for my new tarp shelter with My "new ideas on clamp tie downs". Check out our videos we grew up like brothers living in the mountains. We have Different thing over the years to improve bushcraft. Let us know what you think Dave. Thanks brother!

good vid, I built a fire piston strictly to work on the skills. knowledge and skills are light and very easy to carry with you. not the easiest process, but it was neat to show my kids that fire from air can happen. it was like magic to them.

I'll be subscribing to your new channel Mr Canterbury. Its a great idea and you seem to have alot going well for you and your family, well deserved as far as I can see. Thanks for all the free education weve gotten regardless if more would be coming or not. When I first found this Channel I thought why in the heck is he giving away all this for free, im sure the reasons are many but a great one is coming closer to our roots, nature and how its supposed to be.

Many thanks for the videos, that over the shoulder shot was a nice touch, could see the ember start to go in your hand. Glad to see you'll still be having fun in the woods in addition to your business in the woods.

Dave,thank you for your videos and the knowledge you share with us. Don't listen to ''shortsighted'' people with blinkers.Keep doing all the great things you continuesly do for us all these years.

I would like to thank you for all the information you provide for all of us youtube viewers. I always learn something new every time I watch your videos I am looking forward to your book and subscribing to your new channel Thanks again for all you do.

Dave, you just keep getting better and better.

Great video and excellent advice. Thanks for sharing your knowledge Dave!

Good video Dave. The fire piston is one tool I have always ignored for several reasons....mostly because making one in the bush would be impossible AND they just seem like a novelty. No one will ever sell me on that particular tool but Its nice to see a good demo. Thanks Dave.

Hi Dave I just purchased a clear Fire Piston and I can see the Flash from the Combustion, it take practice to get it right but it is fun to play with, also come with a Ferro Rod in the Handle in case the Piston does not work. I also have other Ferro Rods, lighters, and Magnifying glasses just in case. I have learned allot from you Video's and will be subscribing to your RU-vid Channel. Mike

Thanks for the video Dave. This answers the question that I emailed you. Excellent!

Thanks Dave. What I like about a fire piston (which is not true of a lighter or Rod) is that you can make the whole thing from natural materials almost anywhere (even the o-ring from small cordage). It is possible to make a magnifying lens with ice, but then you have to have ice. So the fire piston is fantastic for long term.

another great video Dave. Keep them coming.

Awesome video Dave. I've never heard of the fire piston ya learn something everyday. I appreciate you sharing this.

Thanks for the video dave.. I'm glade you will continue to post free videos.

The fire piston, with skill, and char cloth is bullet proof. I remember another video of yours discussing the importance of char cloth and how to make it. "It's Place" is in very windy conditions, and very wet conditions. A fire piston loves the wind, and wet conditions it was developed in. Wind takes out a flame, spreads sparks, but helps a fire piston. The gas is oxogen. Buy extra O rings they are very cheap. A lighter and ferro rod suck to us in the wind. A fire piston can ignite things in the wind at a festival that a Bic or ferro rod can't, and a campfire to boot. I would rely on this as fire making tool not primary but bullet proof back up. They are touchy but thousands of years old.

Nice video just another method of fire starting to put in the skills bank. Thanks again Dave.

Dave, I love this! Knowledge is power and it is light weight. I know you would never plan on using this tool (I use the word tool loosely here) for a survival prep kit, but you never really know what kind of scenario you may find yourself in. This is just one more option to try a get that every so important fire going. Awesome video, keep'em coming.

Dave, I will watch a 30 second chevy truck commercial to watch a video of yours, monitize every one of your videos. If people want to watch, put up with a commercial!

The one thing I've learned about this is that the best skill is being able to take an ember and blow it into a fire. get the right birds nest, tender, kindling, etc. I've made a bunch of char cloth in the fire pit we have in our back yard. Today is my son's 6th birthday and a few weeks ago he took a ferro rod and char cloth and a birds nest I made for him and blew the ember into flame on his own. We were both so proud. I wish I had it on video and the look on his face.

Thanks for the vid dave, ive always had a curiosity about fire pistons and this vid helped answer all my questions.

thanks for the great videos Dave! i just subscribed to the Pathfinder TV channel. looking forward to your videos over there!

Dave I like this method a lot! Keep up the good work!

thank you Dave.

great video dave

people seem to think Dave is abandoning us, WRONG he wants to create much HIGHER quality videos, better editing, professional camera operators think of it as a paid for channel people don't get upset when you pay for HBO think of this new channel as wildernessoutiftters HBO edition

I have always wondered about fire pistons. Thank you for the video. I love your channel, i learn something every time i watch it. Thank you

I have to admit I always just use a Bic and usually carry some type of starter... I hope this isn't cheating but it works every time. Good luck with the new subscriptions/channel and much success to you and your family brother Dave!.

Thanks for everything you do Dave. People miss the fact that you're passing on the tribal knowledge for FREE but taking time out of your life to record these videos. It is very much appreciated despite what negative comments you get . 3 dollars a month is nothing. People pay 4 bucks for overpriced coffee everyday. Please don't stop. Love the videos!

Great lessons, So glad you will keep teaching for free on this channel and please sign me up for a SAN challenge at some point. I'm not a paying student and If I ever do teach I doubt it would be with your system but have learned quite a few things from your videos. Just to be clear I have nothing against you or your system, its great , has wisdom and teaches great skills that work. I'm just on my own path Bob

The Trayer is certainly a nice bit of artwork, but it's just a solution in search of a problem. I carry a Bic in my pocket, a Doan magnesium bar in my tinder pouch, and a few strike-anywhere matches in a match safe in my ruck. Maybe not particularly rustic, but it's cheap, redundant, and reliable. Like me!

love it dave good vid

Awesome video man! Heading on over to check out the pathfinder store for more goodies now lol

Thanks Dave, glens fire piston worked pretty good

I have always thought about fire pistons as novelties. I would only carry one if it had another use such as the one you had. I have always enjoyed your videos. Keep up the good work.

but keep up the free vids.. I appreciate it.. Thank you !!!

Just subscribed to Pathfinder TV!

Thanks for all the free content, and I support you on getting to make money and better quality vids on your new channel. Not that these vids aren't great, I'm a big fan.

I have noticed the same thing you demonstrated. My shorter, more slandered length, fire piston takes several hits to get going. My longer home made one is a first strike every time.

I don't know if anyone has already asked this but,, why couldn't you have another piece of char cloth standing by to hold to the ember on the end of the piston instead of picking it out and adding it to the bundle? Seems to me it would be a good quick way to transfer the heat from one spot to another with running the risk of destroying or losing the tiny ember on the end of the piston while trying to pick it out?

Thanks for the low down on the fire pistons Dave. While that newer one did a great job with one strike, I agree that the o-rings are not bullet proof. For this reason, I'd rather have a lighter, a ferro rod, magnifying lens, or a flint and steel kit.

thanks for the info very good and informative ....I like the ferro rod better being Ive used flint and steel so much...

If you blow the o ring out u can get by using some string instead. I have got away with wrapping where the o ring should be with braided fishing line. That tarred bank line u use Dave would work a treat. If u had to get the fire piston back up and running without a spare o ring that is. Great vid by the way. If you don't have any lube for it spit will help get a good seal happening.

You do what ever u have to man love your vids hope back home in ohio isnt too cold

Fire piston= diesel truck? 😂 Love your videos Dave!

Dave, I can't currently purchase the subscription for the pathfinder TV. But I will, I can promise you that.

Thanks Dave for dispelling rumor

I love your videos brother! I will see you on the other side of the pond! I would be happy to support you with a small fee considering you have done so much for free up till now and still plan on keeping the free stuff going even with the new channel. You have covered so much on your free channel that I can't imagine people wanting more for free... I want to pay for it just so I don't feel like I'm taking you for granted! You have opened my eyes to so many possibilities. You are bad ass Dave and I thank you for hundreds of hours of great stuff! Can't wait to see what you have in store for us. You should also do another drawing for one of your classes and only tell me.. Haha I hope you prosper from your future endeavors. Dave-Utah

Great way of thinking Dave practice primitive prepare modern I've always liked primitive fire techniques but thought them a bit outdated but as a hobby I'll give some a go thanks and all the best

I really enjoyed this video. I always wondered what the fire piston was. I use a rod, but love other knowledge.

it looks great as something you could make in your garage as a homemade urban survival gear

I think you should put loops on the inside of the tent as well, seems like theres alot of snow on the doors on the side, be nice to have a spot on the inside to tie them out of the way

I made one following a youtube video using a 1/2" oak dowel and a 1/2" copper snub out I got from Lowe's. Didn't cost much and works great. But, I fully agree that this is NOT a go-to device for starting a fire. It is good to explain why a diesel doesn't use spark plugs!!!

Dave I'm happy for your success and look up to it as a motivation for myself. Dont even acknowledge all the haters. And yes I plan to sub to that channel In the future.

WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR HOODIE/ JACKET?

Cool video and I guess knowing how to use it if you were only given that would be good but I'm with you, would never use one.

for tins I have seen some use the pellet gun tins.. and they screw on .. just knowledge for the knowing.. thanks for all u do Dave

hi dave,good luck with the new tv channell,im in ireland &just cannot sub,but ill continue to be watching wilderness outfitters,have a great successful new year,cheers ,leo

I wonder if on a fire piston is after u compress it I wonder if when u go to pull it out it prob creates a vaccum so it lacks oxygen to help your char cloth ember up good so i wonder is if maybe there was a 1 way valve to prevent the air from escaping when you compress it but let's oxygen in as you pull the Piston out I'm just curious if that would help any but I feel the same way about fire Pistons I think they're cool the concept is cool but it's just not something I carry

What i'd like to know ... is how do you Clean your Wool Blanket... not a throw in a washing machine kinda thing .... so do you just dry it and brush it?

I agree Dave. Fire piston is great to play with and learn, but i wouldnt carry it in my EDC kit as a get it done fire method. Even in practicing with it, makes you better and better at firemaking. Practice, practice,practice = EXPERIENCE OF KNOWLEDGE ;-)

Dave try to take finger and thumb and run on both sides of your nose . then rub around o ring before using each time. See Ya :)

Never thought about a road flair . Great emergency idea.

Well said thanks

I really like the test it, use it review it ethos, So many you tube videos are just table top reviews of people repeating other peoples opinions, ... keep up the good work,

winter is such a magical season

Hi Dave. I like the fur hat you've worn in the last few videos and would like to pick one up. Can you tell us where you got it?

hi dave i would love to know where you got that jumper from! thanks dave

would the pathfinder tv vids find their way to wildernessoutfitters in eventuality?

Talk about how to overcome a sickness such as the flu or etc while in the bush. Hope you understand my question I bad english

Great vid dave. And dont worry about all the haters man. Your content is well worth $3 a month. Great stuff and cant wait for new channel to start up.

Thank you Dave, for the clarification and rumor killing. I appreciate the on-going effort to keep the existing channel going. Hmmm? I'm wondering... would a fire piston be a good choice (as a back-up to a lighter) as part of "carry-on" kit for commercial airline travel? I log about 50,000 miles per year and am trying to have something of a kit for my carry-on luggage. I have a work EDC in Alaska, my home EDC in Seattle, and trying to refine a TSA approved EDC for travel. What I have at home, I cannot have all of it at work. What I have for home/work, much of it I cannot have with me on the plane (although, some of it can be in checked luggage). It's an interesting "living" project.

well, DC, I've never used a fire piston. I guess anything a person can learn to do is of benefit, but I don't think I'll be making room in my belt kit for one.

thanks for an interesting video i have never come across a fore piston before

I'm curious. I'm a new subscriber here to your channel and its quite honestly the breeze needed not to have blow on a nest- SO- after watching this video, what material would YOU sacrifice/recommend given a situation that you'd be willing to sacrifice for more char cloth? or would you just scavenge till you could do so? Totally agree with PRACTICING primitive... my sons? not so much.

Dave! I like the hoodie that you are wearing in this video. Where can I get one?

I like raw video too because it shows the truth of what was happening when the video was shot. I'm probably going to subscribe to the channel; the free stuff has been really good. The carefully edited video has just got to be better.

Hey Dave, Hope all is going well with you. What boots are those that you're wearing. I don't get to see as many vids as I'd like. Family issues have me working quite a bit. Thanks ahead of time and God bless you and yours.

That metal one worked surprisingly well. I could see carrying that for backup if it served a second or third purpose like that one does. I'd be leery of how long the seal on those lasts. Seems like the glaring weak point for real life use.

Are your boots available through your store? They look extremely comfortable and well made! Atb. Miles.

Do you have a link to your new subscription channel ?

Great video Dave! That fire piston worked better than any I've ever used! I got into the habit of giving the piston 2-3 strikes before checking for an ember just as a matter of course. It seems to work a little better that way, but for me fire pistons are basically toys to be played with when fire isn't critical. A friend gave me a clear one that's kinda fun to use because you can see the ember spontaneously combust, but there isn't a fire piston in my survival kit, and there never will be. A ferrocerium rod the size of even a small fire piston works a whole lot better, doesn't require charred material to make a fire and will last darn near forever! They cost less too. One product that I do use and like a lot but that I haven't seen used on this channel is a magnesium block. I like the ones from Survivor Firestarters the best, and I also use the 'Triple Barrel' model from Tops Knives. (It came with my Tops Brothers of Bushcraft knife and fits into the ferro rod loop on the sheath.) One tip for anyone looking to get one of these though is to avoid the cheap Chinese made models. On everyone I've tried the magnesium (if that's even what it really is on those) is hard as a rock and difficult to ignite, and the ferro or 'flint' rods they use suck too. Spend the extra 4 or 5 dollars on an American made product. You won't be sorry. They're worth it!

pathfinder TV isnt available in my country U.A.E. will that change in the future?

Dave is that a Lon Humphrey kephart knife?

I find jean denim works great as char cloth...but there are better pistons(homemade ones even) that work just great... and O-rings are not much money however that said if your in the bush for a long time and have to leave, due to losing one/forgetting to pack them to buy more rings to maintain it it kinda defeats the purpose of going to the bush in the first place :) wouldn't mind seeing a parabolic mirror fire starter as a change of pace :)

I've found that there's a simple trick to making them work 90% of the time. lubricate prior to each "session", put it on it's end on the ground and just whack it HARD. the harder you manage to compress the gas, the hotter it will get.

Dave try not packing the char too tight in the end of the rod. I get mine to light first time with the char lightly packed.