Best Firesteel models?

M

mountainranger

Joined
Mar 25, 2010
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I carry multiple fire tools when outdoors, including a mini bic, a second mini bic and a firesteel (currently the LMF Scout 2.0).

Which are the best firesteels that are most dependable and throw the best quality sparks most likely to start a fire? (all other firemaking skills being equal, such as using good kindling, a good windbreak, etc.).

I'm using the Light My Fire Scout 2.0 as a benchmark. It's light, it works, but I realize there may be better ones out there that throw more and better sparks. I'm also looking for a fairly compact and light model, not a huge heavy firesteel.

While the Blastmatch offers one-handed use, I've read many reports of them falling apart very quickly.

Are the Gobspark models from Firesteel.com any good?
 
the Gobspark has been rated well, but I have no experience with it.

I've found that you need to test firesteels before relying on them. I buy off-brand firesteel blanks as I can't usually justify the shipping from the US (Although I do throw a few in when I do order from over there) I've found a couple that were harder than usual and threw fewer, weaker sparks. I've never had any trouble with the ones I've ever gotten from goinggear though.
 
I've seen plenty of Blastmatch and similar clones break with hard use so i just use a 4" long x 3/8" Ferrocerium rod I bought off Amazon with a hole drilled in it which I've threaded a length of 550 Firecord through so it can be worn around my neck and also provides good fire starting material in a pinch. For a striker I use the awl on my Supertool 300 which is always on my belt if I'm in the woods.
 
I've used alot of different fire steels. I think I have close to 30 of em laying around. The Gob Spark is by far my favorite.
 
Another GobSpark Armageddon vote here.. It throws a TON of spark.. John
 
jmh33 said:
Another GobSpark Armageddon vote here.. It throws a TON of spark.. John
Click to expand...

This. :thumbup:

In addition to throwing a ton of spark, it also has a good handle on it.

If you've ever tried to operate a firesteel/scraper while in the early stages of hypothermia and with deteriorating manual dexterity (which is to say - in realistic conditions), it becomes quickly obvious how marginally useful those cute little compact firesteels really are. Go big - it's worth it.
 
I've had great luck with the ESEE fire tools, whatever they use throws a shower of sparks that continue to burn after landing.

Lately I've been carrying the Exotac XL, it doesn't make as high quality sparks, but it does work well enough and the design is just so efficient, small and thin and light and has a built in striker.
 
I must have really bad observational skills, except for the Swedish Light my fire I cant tell any difference between other rods, be it name brand or cheap ebay ones.
Swedish rods seem to give out smaller finer spray but it does not travel anywhere near as far, besides difference in what the striker creates in sparks they all seem the same to me and work for me fine.
 
I have the small Exotec which some company gave away with a $20 purchase. Cute, handy, well made, not much of a firesteel. Nice to carry on your keychain but not something to use on a camping trip. The rod screws into the handle and mine always works loose.

I have a blast match which works but a little heavy. It has not broken. I also have the smaller version but the little firesteel gets gouged by the scraper so it does not work so well now.

I have those firesteels that throw those gobs of fire. Impressive to see the shower of sparks but you have to be a foot or more from the tinder to make that quick stroke with scraper to produce the shower. Trying to hit a cotton ball from a foot away is harder than you would think.

I much prefer the larger Light My Fire firesteel (Army Model). The LMF ones require a moderately slow, controlled scrape that produces quite a lot of sparks. That allows you to put the tip of firesteel at the cotton ball or other tinder without hitting the tinder with the scraper. Much easier to control the sparks and they are plenty hot to start the tinder.
 
Another vote for firesteel.com. Love my Gobspark. The Ranger is nice too. Lots of hot globs of molten metal!
 
I'm looking to buy my first firesteel, and was considering buying a Light My Fire when the Lightning Strike Fire Starter popped up on my radar. I've checked out a few videos on it, and they seem like fantastic starters. Anyone have any experience with them? They are extremely pricy, but from what I've been reading, they are worth the money. It just pains me that they are pretty much the same price as a Becker BK-16, but I suppose if your life depended on a fire, they would be worth every penny.
 
STAINLESS90 said:
I've seen plenty of Blastmatch and similar clones break with hard use so i just use a 4" long x 3/8" Ferrocerium rod I bought off Amazon with a hole drilled in it which I've threaded a length of 550 Firecord through so it can be worn around my neck and also provides good fire starting material in a pinch. For a striker I use the awl on my Supertool 300 which is always on my belt if I'm in the woods.
Click to expand...
How well does that Firecord work? I just saw that and am thinking of wrapping a knife handle with it.
 
Firesteel.com Gobspark. Armageddon or Ranger. Both made of the same great combo of materials. All I use pretty much.
 
I picked up a Gobspark after reading this thread. It's a great firesteel, easy to use, and throws some nice sparks. The only downside is that it's bulky in comparison to my other firesteels that fit on the sheaths of my knives. Regular camping when I'm not trying to reduce bulk I will have the Gobspark, but don't think I'll bring it with me backpacking. The light my fires that attach to my sheath's work fine for a backup to the good ole bic lighter and matches.
 
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