Swedish FireSteel Scout Model (Red) with MayaDust Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this for an emergency survival kit, but like all of my gear, I don't just buy something and throw it in a bag for later use. In an emergency is the worst time to try and found out if something will work. So I always give my gear a test run. Here are the results:
The first time I tested this I was initially impressed. I set up a small amount (maybe a half a golf-ball size) of the tinder into a little bowl sort of shape on my concrete patio. Scraping the firesteel created a good shower of sparks. Took probably a good 15-30 tries before a good spark caught in the tinder. Cupped the whole thing with my hands and blew very gently to increase the oxygen. Voila! Combustion. The weather was about 50*F, very little wind, and mostly dry, late afternoon.
Second time was more realistic. It was 38*F out, 5-10mph wind, and damp air; even a little nominal drizzle. Results were less than stellar. The firesteel again created an impressive shower of sparks, but the tinder failed to ignite despite over 100 strikes. Final option (I had resolved to NOT use matches or a lighter) was to get some cotton balls out. A good four or five cotton balls made a nice bed into which to scoop up and "nest" the tinder. This time in only 5-10 strikes, a spark hit cotton and spread to the MayaDust.
Now, keep in mind, I grew up in scouting and have a good number of fire builds under my belt, including mid-winter camp-outs in the far northern states. I would not want to solely rely on the MayaDust for tinder. It gives a bit more "beefiness" to the cotton, but is not in and of itself a great tinder, especially for the price.
Essentially, MayaDust is fatwood shavings in a plastic tin. For this price plus shipping, you can get a 10 lb. box of fatwood sticks from a hearth & home store, make your own sawdust and put it in a tobacco tin.
There's no problem with the FireSteel and I would highly recommend it to anyone who doesn't want to rely on matches or a lighter to start a fire. But don't waste your time or money on the MayaDust.

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Includes one Swedish FireSteel and one MayaDust. The Swedish FireSteel is a flash of genius. Its 3,000°C spark makes fire building easy in any weather, at any altitude. Used by a number of armies around the world, Swedish FireSteel's dependability has already made it a favorite of survival experts, hunters, fishermen and campers. *** Includes MayaDust *** Fire building made easy, the pure and natural way. Don't build your fire with noxious fumes or harmful chemicals. Use the time-honored, organic method. A technique that resembles the centuries-old art of the native fire-builder. From the heart of the ancient Mayan Empire comes the remarkable product known as MayaDust. MayaDust is made from Pino de Ocote, a fatwood pine cultivated in the highlands of Guatemala and Mexico. With 80% resin content, MayaDust is easy to light, even when wet and produces an extremely hot flame. Use a pinch to quickly light your campfire. MayaDust is shavings from MayaSticks packed in a convenient waterproof "snuff box" that is easy to carry in your pocket or backpack (weighs about an ounce). Gives maximum heat energy for minimal weight. Use MayaDust together with Swedish FireSteel to light your campfire with ease.

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