You Can Master The Art Of Fire Starting

Fire starting is one of the most coveted survival skills, yet modern technology has seen to it that most people aren't proficient at it. Yet, anybody can master this skill to the point that they can start a fire, even in wet weather.

The three basic ingredients are fuel, oxygen and heat. We're going to assume, for this discussion that the fuel is wood. Oxygen is a given as long as you're alive, so let's look at your heat source. You've got to have sufficient heat to ignite your fuel, or at least your tinder so that it can in turn ignite your fuel, or wood. Let's consider how to get that heat source.

The American Indians used friction to generate that heat - well actually to generate a small hot coal. They did this by rubbing wood or other dry woody kinds of materials together. The most common approach to doing this is with the use of a bow and drill or even just a drill, made out of wood. By spinning the wooden drill very quickly against another piece of wood, this tiny hot coal can be generated. It is exhilarating to learn to start a fire this way, but everyone who has will tell you this is the hardest way to start a fire. For that reason, they usually carry a better method with them. Perhaps this is the most important lesson to learn about fire starting.

What would a better method be? My first choice is a fire steel, also known as a ferro rod. A good quality rod will produce not just one spark, but a whole shower of them. What's more, it will work even when it's wet, which is a huge advantage for the survivalist. You can find just about every size and style of fire steel, you just need to pick the one that's most comfortable for you to use.

When it comes to tinder, there are numerous natural materials that work well. Dead moss, bark shavings and dead grass are just a few of the possibilities. Those that are really serious about fire starting might want to consider carrying some tinder with them, just to be prepared. Whatever method you use, practice makes perfect. Develop your skill enough so that you'll be able to get the results you want under any circumstances.