One of best firestarter might be a cotton ball dabbed in Tiger Balm, which is available in a tiny beer bottle cap sized travel tins. Tiger Balm contains petroleum jelly, paraffin and easily flammable camphor, which makes it ideal even for that purpose. Both could be carried in a small first aid kit where they have also other purposes, like Tiger Balm could be used for example to relieve itching of a mosquito bite.
I use Bag Balm from a small tube too, but trying to wrap that around the corkscrew is messy. I think that’s why NikGyver does it with wax … and a shrink tube. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VgKwngk32bA.htmlsi=dhqrgWMA_ENyUM4E
My heat shrink pack didn’t have a size that worked. Now I’ve got to buy a different pack! Great idea though. I can’t recall a single video from this channel that wasn’t worth learning from. Keep it up!
A simple and effective upgrade. I don't have the fire stick, but when I get it I'll be sure to use this method. Thanks to you and the viewer for sharing. Bravo.
@@FelixImmler never mind i found out that it seems this is what u mean . I went ahead an placed an order. Since this censoring platform doesn't let u post links heres the egzact statement u post in search on Amazon to buy what I went with. "650pcs Heat Shrink Tubing Black innhom Heat Shrink Tube Wire Shrink Wrap UL Approved Ratio 2:1 Electrical Cable Wire Kit Set Long Lasting Insulation Protection, Safe and Easy, Eco-Friendly Material"
This is an excellent idea. I opted for the Firefly ferro rod (replacing the toothpick) along with the larger tinder that sits in the corkscrew. I had the same issue of the tinder disintegrating in my pocket. Thanks again Felix.
I got the firefly also because I wear glasses and the glass screwdriver is important for me. But you don't actually have to replace the toothpick. Check out Felix's video about unlocking the 3rd slot on the SAK. You can do it really easy and you get to keep the toothpick.
@@CaptainPupu I wear glasses as well so I completely understand wanting that micro flathead. I have a cheap micro flathead/philips combo that has lived on my keys for about 20 years. I've seen Felix's video about the 3rd compartment but I don't really use the toothpick so losing it isn't that important to me. Still a good idea for those who want to keep it.
Is the tinder and material toxic, if one wants to use the corkscrew for its original function (and doesn't want to introduce toxins into the grape juice bottle)?
Felix - I absolutely love the community you have gathered into your channel that and shares their creative ideas and experiences. This is what life should be like! Thank YOU (Felix) and Thank YOU (all the fans and commenters).
More good advice from the Wise One. Some of my adult children now watch you religiously. They tell me of your latest exploits before I even see them myself. You and I carry the same things in our pockets as well. Always ready.
Your Fire Ant video amazed me. I figured it was a gimmick and a useless piece of garbage. I couldn't believe how many fire you actually started with it!
Felix, ich danke Ihnen sehr! This will also prevent tiny pieces of the wax coating from breaking off and falling down into unreachable parts of the knife! Great idea!
I just picked up some of these and put them in 3 of my Victorinox that I normally carry. I am so glad that I found this video because I didn't think about this. I put my shrink tube on while rewatching this video. Thank you so much. I only have a Ebike and a motorcycle at the moment and with a car, you have protection and at least your not in the wind, if my motorcycle stops running, or something breaks on my Ebike, my heated jacket will only work for so long. I already had a really good fire striker and steal in my motorcycle jacket pocket, which I wear all the time when on my motorcycle, but in the summer, I don't wear it on my Ebike. A hole in my motorcycle jacket could form and I could lose it, so I wanted a backup and I always have my Victorinox and Leatherman. I love and use both equally, and for different reasons. I also love the trick with a T shank. Your awesome. 😀 Now I won't even think about what if I break down, because I have a plan.
Brilliant, simple, elegant, and affordable! My Fire Ant tender was frayed nearly to the point of falling apart. You save the rest of it! Thanks, Felix.
Hi Felix 😊 great idea,the shrink tube is very useful stuff to have . I'll maybe put some in my bushcraft kit, thanks for the video, stay safe mate, best wishe's to you and your's, Stuart UK.
Whilst I really like the victorinox Fire Ant combination of tinder and ferro rod, I prioritise my original screwdriver more as it has proven its usefulness over the past 47 years. Likewise, the ferro rod shaped to fit in the toothpick slot, its very clever, but I use my toothpick throughout the day and prioritise that over the ferro rod. You have inspired me to consider reworking a set of scales to accommodate a miniature ferro rod and tinder in addition to their standard toothpick, tweezers and pen.
Same for me, I actually use the tiny screwdriver in my corkscrew, and the toothpick. I actually use the corkscrew too, it has saved the day more than once!
Schönes Video, Felix. So einfach kann man was störendes beheben. 🤭 in der "Arbeitshose" habe ich 3 Messer und in der Straßenhose 2Messer. Schönes Wochenende gewünscht
Servus Felix! Ja, manche Lösungen können so einfach sein, man muss halt nur darauf kommen.😄 Eine tolle Idee mit dem Schrumpfschlauch! 👍 Danke dafür! Liebe Grüße und schönes Wochenende aus Wels!
An excellent idea! Along the same line, someone should make replacement scales/handles that are deep enough compartment to hold items like this. They could be snapped on in place of the standard ones.
That's a great tip Felix, I don't have the fire ant because I truly didn't know they existed until just now🤔 now I'm on a mission to acquire one. Thanks buddy,
No doubt, all the high quality models, like "Climber", "Huntsman", "Spartan" - they are just perfect. 7 sm is not bad at all, but only like a spare variant. 11 sm are the optimal size.
That's brilliant! I think I've got some heat shrink tube around, too. You're right, carried in the pocket the tinder can get abraded pretty quickly but the tubing should protect it nicely.
Grande Felix come al solito ottimo video. Ho parlato di te con "Pescho Anvi" entrambi abbiamo convenuto che sei un ottimo uomo ed un grande professionista. Buona Vita!
I had this same problem and just cut a piece of drinking straw the length I needed. Then cut it down length of the straw and slipped over the corkscrew. That worked okay; then I tried using white medical tape cut to size and wrapped the corkscrew with that and works too! Then I did the same thing with red electrical tape and that looks a little lovelier than the others if you use that. You can use shrink tube but; you don’t have too if you have a simple and free drinking straw or a little tape. 🔥🙄 I also replace my Swiss Army Knives with screwdrivers rather than corkscrews toothpicks with Firefly sticks. 🔥🍻😊
That’s exactly how I have my forester set up. I don’t have much trouble with the coil loosing wax. I usually wear vida pro trousers. The forester rides in the knife pocket perfectly.
Felix Immler, I had the same issue. I took a tinder quick and twisted it. Then I wrapped the tinder quick onto my corkscrew and the one I have now has now been on my camper since July 6, 2021. It is a little shabby but still is there and ready.
Right on, entirely necessary as I found out. I tested my Firefly toothpick replacement Ferro rod and used half the corkscrew stored wax tender. I used it with other tender such as White Pine shavings rolled in sap. Worked great off the saw back of my SAK Swiss Champ. I found zI can store half in the corkscrew with scotch tape around it, and then carry the useful stock mini strait screwdriver in it's place in the corkscrew as well. The toothpick is the easiest tool to substitute or make, and I retained use of the mini screwdriver. I also just unloaded the corkscrew and then put it all back. The scothtape actually works really well for me with daily carry and use, but in a belt sheath. I'm out in the forest practicing foraging and martial arts wearing it and two tomohawks and several other knifes including a SAK Sentinel in cargo pants with water and a dog leash across my shoulders. I throw the Tomahawk's also and spin a combat cane as I go. So I figure even though it's in a sheath, it don't wear it down like it used to, and I been using the first scotch tape for several months now cause I knoti Ed the tinder was worn. Shrink wrap is no doubt better, particularly if your removing and putting it back in to use the corkscrew regularly. I dig the product, but have had some of the expensive toothpick Ferro rods break immediately on me from my second order, and yet I did knot break any of the original three without much use, and actually carry a used one in my SAK.
Thank you! This was such a great idea, I ended up buying lots of different colors to coordinate with my knives, haha! It also helps quite a bit with the hot spot of the corkscrew.
I love this idea. I’ve been using a small piece of ducktape to secure the helix tinder but you can’t twist it on and off like this because the tale sticks to the cork screw and even leaves it sticky. Especially after getting warmed up in your pocket over time.
My black Huntsman with black heat shrink will compliment each other. Nice video Felix. A big THANK YOU to the subscriber for the tip. Cheers from Australia mate 👍
Cool trick. Makes me wonder if a straw would work. I bet gorilla tape would work. Thank you Felix for sharing your knowledge, I really like your videos, even though I don't own a Swiss army knife. I have an old boy scout knife I can't seem to part with. And of course there's my Leatherman.
Discovered this problem last summer and initially used scotch tape but switched to the drinking straw cut to length. i sent the fire ant maker the idea of a "tinder sleeve" to protect it but havent heard back.
Happy Friday. A great idea Felix, I find that they tend to fray on the SAK's like the Huntsman, Climber, Spartan, Picnicker, Rucksack & Garant which are frequently in my pocket as part of my EDC rotation . Note that I carry my SAKs in a skai pocket sheath or in the case of some of my Climbers, Huntsman & Spartans I have a SwissQlip on them for convenient pocket carry. Naturally the tinder spiral on the SAK's with SwissQlips tend to fray a lot quicker than those protected by a pocket sheath from rubbing against the contents of my pockets such as my keys & coins. ( My keys are attached to a 58mm Midnite Manager which is in a mini-sheath )
Hi Felix, I used this improvement with shrinktube a lot, but lost one a couple of days ago... As there was no shrinktube available at the time, I came up with another idea: I used simple Tesa-wrap on mine! 1-2 Turns with the sticky side on the outside around a normal pencil, then another 2 passes with the sticky side inside around that. slides easily of the pencil and has exactly the diameter of the corkscrew! Cut to desired lengh and presto! Time will show, how durable this is, but I like the transparent look a lot. (Side-advantage: The flints of the fire ant are glow-in-the-dark, so with clear tubing you don't loose this function...)
Thanks toyur viewers for anothe suggestion , and thanks to you Felix for passing to all of us. I wilget my shrink tube on after breakfast. Thank you 👍🇦🇺
Great tip Felix! I have been looking at purchasing the FireAnt in the future and I had wondered how well the wax tinder coil would hold up over time. Now I know that this trick would help keep it protected. Thanks for sharing!
You can throw eggs at me, but i’ll add my own input, it just worked in my part of the world: if weather is bad, it’s nice to have plastic bag and lighter. It burns for a long time and helps to make a fire even if wood is wet from the outside. Dirty, but that’s life. If it’s simple and it works - use what you have. Garbage, pieces of any flammable material or substance. For outdoor trip outside the city - split cotton pad in two layers, add small blob of vaseline, put cotton pad back and seal this sandwitch with duct tape. You got waterproof firestarter patch now. When it’s time to make fire - open it up, cotton will burn easily, vaseline will keep burning for a few minutes. Cheap, available in any med supplies store or supermarket.
