I doubt the problem with the knife is the steel it is more likely that it lacks a nice square edge to peel the fero material off of the rod and that can be fixed with a sharpening stone.
I always file a small section of square edge at the base of the backside of the blade for this reason. Mora knives seem to generally have a slightly rounded backside of the blade, which doesn't scrape of the ferro stuffs at all.
@@ru55laye Stainless steel won't work with flint because it isn't carbon steel. With flint and steel the spark comes from the metal and high carbon steel works best. With a fero rod the spark comes from the rod and all you need is a good sharp corner on some solid material to scrape with.
I am a TH-cam junky and this is by far the best channel anywhere in the World. I love the mix of Bushcraft skills and mindful awareness. You've taken your life experience and Military experience and given something so positive back to people. You're a Dude. Thank you.
Must admit, I like the crusader mug nest.. As you've already tested it, probably in the field, is it durable? And I agree with the fire piston.. If you've got char cloth, probably better to use ferro rod or flint and steel.
hey Nick. nice video. Just one thing... the companions come with rounded spines, so just need to be made 90 degrees with a file or Dremel or something. Same for carbon and stainless. You'll see the Kansbol is the same steel, but has a sharp spine so showers sparks. I like that crusader mug set. looks very neat
My favorite firestarter is a braided waxed jute twine with a little metal tube around it. Lights easily with a ferro rod and is waterproof. Also they're super cheap to make.
Really like the crusader mug cooker, neat idea and would be great for bikepacking or lightweight hiking. I've been messing around with Dragon blocks. When I first saw them used last year I wasn't impressed but I have since changed my mind. I found small round dish, about 65mm diameter and about 15mm deep, it holds the heat in better because without it the block spreads reducing the temperature. Mines actually made by Trangia as replacement for a normal spirit burner but I reckon a very small tuna can would do the same thing plus if you leave a bit of rotting fish in there you will get that authentic heximine smell which all you old squaddies love 😉. Talking of army stuff the new version of the british army heximine cooker has been adapted to take Dragon blocks, there's a small recess for the block and a wind shield that fits between the arms. Loads on ebay, I think made by BCB the makers of Crusader mugs, and they only cost about a fiver, Ive bought one as Plan B if my pocket rocket fails.
In the netherlands we use a tiny white rock called carbit. When it becomes wet it create a gass. The gass will burn. So if it rains you are still able so get the fire going.
Fire pistons. A. in addition to char cloth other natural materials can be used, chaga tinder fungus is my preference, there are other things that work. B. char material that works like charcloth can made from most carbonaceous natural materials (dried grass, punk wood). C. Vaseline is a poor for a sealant if your gasket is natural rubber (it probably isn't, most O rings and well any rubber like things are actually nitrile now). Vaseline being a petroleum product breaks down natural rubber. Ear wax works in a pinch as well as the oil in your hair.
Hi Nick thanks for the informative content. I have seen the fire piston but seems not me either asI lack the patience. However with the Morakniv companion did you modify the spine? Mine is specifically designed to work with Ferro rods but the Companion generally has a rounded spine which you can mod by filing flat with a metal file.
I literally brought some fire dragon fuel on Saturday after some successful testing previously. I managed to find 60 on eBay, so 10 packs for £17.99. That’s only 30p a block so that’s a far more reasonable price!
I don't like the Fire Dragon Gel Fuel personally, it doesn't taste as nice as hexi with jam from the 10 man ration packs and it doesn't spread on biscuits brown.
Another great vid Nick. Love the crusader (old faithful). I’ve still got my issued cups canteen which I think was based on US model. Has a fire stand that cup nests in, just take it off and reverse and you’re away. No lid as canteen nests in cup and all fits snug in the pouch. Foil is best option I find for lid. Recently found crusader and canteen available here in Aus, so will get one (never have too much useful gear- one is none and two is one🤣) Wouldn’t waste my coin on the Dragon Breath gadget. Liking the Mora mod. Keep up the great work you do for your channel and the veteran and broader community mate. Love your work. 👍🏼🦘🤝
Hi, does the plastic case come off fire block before lighting or is it user friendly, can you say about your watch, its pros and cons please. Regards Rob
Glad you did one on the crusader mods. I know dragonjel is meant to be non toxic but a hex block does it for me or even firelighters, cheaper too. Having a lid on your mug really helps on fuel usage when brewing and I've recently been thinking of looking out for one and that foil cooker does look the biz. I find ferrorods need the blacking taken off first but how long would a well used on last in that holder? The best set up I had, for years, was a rod on a small extendable strop tied to a Swiss army knife. I used the small blade for sparks, pocket sized magic.
@FukTheGender Agenda I've never been in a position in the UK not to be able to make fire so it's just another expensive thing with plastic on it. Each to there own, I generally have at least two way of making fire with me when I go out and about an honestly the ferrowrod is now used a lot less.
If you're going to spend £7 on a ferro rod, buy a 6 inch one. I bought mine years ago and it's still going strong in the duct tape sheath, with half an old hacksaw blade as a striker, fixed together with paracord and a cable tie belt loop Very in the spirit of this channel I feel and throws enough sparks to light almost anything
My opinion: Your videos are a thousand times better and usefuller than the useless and dangerous because misleading videos of this show off Bear Grills.
Another great video Nick, thank you. I also wanted to thank you for the mental health video’s for veterans, healthcare workers, etc. It means a lot to me and has helped tremendously. You are one of the very few channels that talk about important topic.
Well done. Thanks nick! Very interested in that fold-up pot stand. Do you think something like that would work with a homemade alcohol stove? Would it be stable enough that the liquid fire wouldn’t spill out? I use a standard round cup that nests with my nalgiene bottle for my quick cup of coffee/ tea. You’ve got me thinking 🤔 maybe a welders blanket that could double as a Koosie to handle the hot cup after the fire goes out?…. Probably not….Happy Sunday!
If you go e the fire pistol a honest try they work pretty good. They are like everything else got to learn it. At times they may be a little harder, but good char cloth you in good shape.
@FukTheGender Agenda I prefer long and flat octagon-shaped ferrorods and really love the Kansbol. The spine of its blade is rectangular and throws great sparks when combined with this. It's not full tang but it's very comfortable in the hand and lighter weight. It does what I need it to but I always love hearing other perspectives. At the end of the day, you can never have too many knives.
Hi Nick. I have only just come across your channel and have been thoroughly enjoying the advice and content that you produce - so thanks for that. About a month ago I purchased a low cost fire piston from a popular on-line auction site and like you, started by whacking the two bits together on a tree stump. Also, like you I had very little success, but with a little determination and this aint going to beat me attitude I finally got the piston working really well and reliably. The first thing I learnt was to not use any petroleum based grease. This will break down the "O" seals quite quickly. I now use a synthetic grease. I also learnt that there is no need to whack the two parts together too hard (or against any other object). Using just your hands to push the two parts together firmly works really well. I also clean it each time I use it. How I do it. With a clean piston assembly, 1, Grease the "O" ring(s). 2, Insert the char material into the indentation. 3, Insert the rod into the tube (making sure that the threaded cap at the end is tight - if the piston has one) up to the "O"seal. 4, Push the rod firmly all the way into the tube using both hands and let the created air pressure push the rod back slightly. 5, Remove the rod quickly and test for ember. If the char material doesn't light within 2 or 3 goes there is probably either a problem with the char material or the seal around the "O" seals. Personally I tend to transfer the ember to a larger piece of char material and transfer this to my tinder bundle. Would I use it in an emergency situation? Probably not - it's quicker to use a lighter. Saying that, I find it fun to try out different ways of lighting a fire and it keeps the mind occupied.
Heads up on Bic lighters, I just had to throw 10 brand new ones in the bin as the flints degraded & every lighter failed. Only a few years old & kept in a dry box. I now stick to clipper lighters as you can change the flints & refill with gas.
Wish they hadn’t stopped hexi blocks. Nothing has been them, the dragon fuel was paper you must bring home with you and is a good hot heat like hexi. The hexi stove was able to take more than one block to aid a faster burn. I used to break all the blocks up and carry in a bag adding bits when I needed and you could do this without removing the mug, another problem the dragon fuel can’t do.
Good job brother. You were very honest with your evaluation. The big question "Would I buy it". I appreciate you asking yourself and answering that question. Thanks and GOD Bless. Semper Fi
Companion was my 1st knife, cracking value and they feel nice to hold. Still In very good condition after a fair bit of use with not much sharpening, will buy again for sure.
Hey Nick. I was wondering if there is affordable options for food for a few days you can pack into a bug-out bag. Most stuff I found is rather pricey and aimed at an affluent survival and outdoor community. But I dont find paying 8€ a meal for 600 calories a good deal in a survival situation (that would leave me with paying about 100-125€ just for 4-5 days worth of food, and that is only if you go down on your caloric intake despite the fact you would actually need more calories in that situation). Thanks in advance!
Here in South Africa the Rand/Pound rate of exchange is R24.17 to 1 Pound. £8 becomes almost R200. We can get a thing like a little candy bar - you just light the wrapper. They are R10 each so for your £8 pounds I can get 20 of these dingbats. I put the one I bought straight into my firekit so I can't say how long it burns for. Or how well it works. Must try it out. No profit in taking a dingbat into the bush and finding it doesn't work, hey?
Nice one Nick, ferro rod holder is brill, hope they do it in green and the stove /shield for the crusader would be brilliant for me, hopefully someone will come up with a maker. Stay safe my friend 👍👍👍
Back in the 70's as a scout and with the DOE program, we were taught how to use the Trangia Stove systems, a stove that is still very popular in Scouting today, I was introduced to the Army version in 2002, which is still my favourite. Yes you have to carry fuel but you also have the ability to use the windshield as a stick stove. Knives - TBS Wolverine with ferro rod and diamond sharpening stone. I have never got on with fire pistons but always carry charcloth or dry Fungus flakes, made from king Alfred cakes. (Daldinia concentrica) I did have to look up the proper name, I'm not that much of a spotter.
Must say, of all the fire kit tools, pistons are my least favorite. They’re too fastidious. Too nitty-picky. Cold fingers? Losing light? Wet from rain or an unplanned immersion in water? We have just thing for you! Play around with tiny bits of half-cooked T shirt and a piston that pretty much guarantees bashed knuckles, a blood blister or palm/heal zinger to the hand. Now with that accomplished, go ahead and grab your Bic, light your fire, add sun baked, crispy, crackling dry cotton wood (that’s only ever laying around on youtube) and once your fire is to the heavy fuel stage, lay out your entire medical kit to repair hamburger knuckles, a missing thumbnail and huge bruise on the part of your hand that must be used for everything in the bush. Once first aid has been rendered you realize “hey that fire piston gave me a mamma-jamma blood blister right on my nail bed, under my fingernail!” So you heat up some snare wire to red hot, plunge it through the fingernail, shoot bloody pus-water all over the char cloth, howl at the moon and throw the piston in the lake. Don’t forget to stow your blood smeared candy tin of char cloth for next time when we light a friction fire with nunchucks and 2 rounds from the deer rifle🤕 Moral of the story? Carry a Bic in every pocket. A ferro around your neck and some Uco storm matches in a match safe. Fire pistons??? Good Lord🤷🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️ PS: the little ditty bag is the perfect size for 2 more Bics, a mini torch and pill bottle full of cotton balls rolled in Vaseline.
hi🌷 I’m a newbie & now I’m confused, doesn’t the best bushcraft knives 🔪 have a full tang, which they usually show off! I got a decent side knife & it’s got a handle like the Moira ? I was afraid to wack on the end!? But the end was very similar to the one you showed! ? Idk but I’m Learning !!! Stay cool 😎🐾 Cheryl & Buddy 😊🐾
Thanks for vid. I do like bits and bobs. Have you tried the gel in the folding stove? It just melts and runs out. Needs solid fuel like hexi tabs. Its a flexistove, you can get them at MRE Empire. About £8.
I think the striker is not going to make my wish list, I've got boxes of matches and lighters. I like the Mora and own one. I keep my ferro rod with other fire making kit. I have quite a few ferro rods, about 6, I think? I love the Crusader and I'm familiar with it, i like the foil wrap thing too and I use fire dragon when I'm out for a walk and want a brew, also for getting fires going with damp wood, although I take those paraffin blocks you get in fire lighters for the barbie or solid fuel home fires. As a Brat - we used to live in Family Quarters near Devizes and had a coal fire which at 12 - 16 we were taught how to start in the morning. I was an early riser, about 04:30 am. I would get out with some peanut butter and jam butties and head to see nests for eggs or see if the fish were biting in the local stream if at home and not away at school - (which I hated apart from cadets at the weekend) - I wish I'd had a Mora then! I had a small Opinel though given me by my uncle. I think he was with your lot, or other chaps based in Poole.
Hey Nick, love the vid mate. That Ferro rod holder is awesome, the quick start friction rod thing sucked. Hope fam. All good, a big hello to Finn, mum, and Tilly 👍😁
I like the mug kit because you can stow so much in it for use in camp and a quick trailside cup of soup, tea, etc. the ferro rod stow is probably OK. But I usually have several ferro rods already and a bundle of fire starter so have a rig to keep that kitted and ready to build a fire. If I was starting over, I might buy it though.
Out of curiosity I bought a fire piston some years ago. They are amazingly heavy since they need to be sturdy! After trying for an afternoon I managed to get an ember exactly never! My conclusion: for the same weight and volume you can carry a ferro rod with striker and a mini bic. You might even be able to squeeze in zome tinder.
There's nothing here!! That I haven't got hanging around in my shed, Personally my tiny gas stove with built in wind shield is perfect instant heat, Far Far better than your what amounts to a fire lighter!! Prone to toppling over in light winds, Those fire sticks are worthless in my opinion, How did we all manage before they turned up? That's right either a box of matches or a lighter, Prep is the answer to any successful camping trip, Alway carry dry tinder with you, My best advice to anyone starting trail walking or hiking long or day walking is join a club, You'll get the best advice and save wasteing money on useless gizmos you dont need!!🤔👍
Great video. I really like that Mora firesteel thing. I too have used inner tube on the Mora sheaths, and I bet running a bit of duct tape around the sheath right below that thing would help it from accidentally falling off? (The only useful bit about the fire piston was the fact that you have to first empty the sweets tin! I love those lemon drops!) 👍🏻🇨🇦
i like the heating foil. but, if it was bottom-less it would easier to work with. but, I like it enough to snag one! the firestarters. agree. not interested. too much prep. too many parts. working too hard to simplify. a magnesium ferro rod will give more reliable results, more often and faster. i like the mora firesteel holder. i'd consider that one...having said that, i have several fire rods. i pack them in other ways. most have their own strikers, so to me there's not a strong necessity for it. However, I do suggest the companion for starting out. Anyone looking to build a kit, absolutely, I'd recommend that little gem, to compliment the companion. (Companion's companion? hmmmm) good review...as i nose about your channel, I'm hoping there's more of these! :-)
I've got a mora companion heavy duty with the bath bushcraft ferro rod holder, I've got the 10mm version which is chunky as hell, I have the carbon blade version and had to file the spine down to a 90° angle to get it to work with the ferro rod, but it throws sparks like a champ now.
The other advantage to a metal cup lid is that you can fry an egg or a slice of bacon grill in it. The smell of frying bacon grill wafting over a harbour area in the morning is sufficient to evoke jealousy in everyone downwind … :)
The only reason to bring a gadget or gizmo is to make your life easier. Do something simpler for less work. And It looks like I am not replacing a Bic lighter with a Fire piston any time soon. It doesn't seem simpler if I have to hit it and quit it extremely fast for no spark. The useful advantage, if it worked every time, is being able to use just a little bit of charcloth to make a fire vs what you might accidently normally use. But like I said. Head to a gas station and grab a Bic for a few dollars. You can even get ones with the long necks if you want to protect yourself from the fire just in case.
Just catching up with your channel. Woth regard to the morakniv it's not the steel it's the fact the spon of the knife is slightly rounded. 90degrees is better on a spin i nomorally grind the spine.
Regarding the non-sparky mora....you can strike a ferro Rod with a glass shard, you need a sharp spine which the mora is well known to not have stock - grind a little and boom, sparks for days
The Crusader cup stove is definitely worth a serious try. Only issue I see is lighting the fuel once it's in the "stove". The "fire piston"...😖 The Mora sheath fero rod holder - with just the friction fit, No. Add a set screw that actually bites into the sheath. But I don't think I'd trust it with a "One & Only" ferro rod. Like to see you do more tests with the "stove" ! Cheers...
Hi Nick, very good video. I like the add-on ferro rod for mora knives. To increase my level of trust for the friction fit holder, I would add a layer or 2 of Gorilla tape to the sheath just below and right up against the holder. In a pinch the tape could be used as a fire starter. In cold weather the foil stove/pouch could be used as a cup insulator to keep hot drinks hot longer if you had chosen to heat your drink by another means.
The fire piston often comes out with me as a curiosity to draw people in. They are not fool proof, I use amadou in it and it is very reliable if you plunge hard and quick.
If you would be so kind as to clarify what is legal to have as a personal knife weather it be camping backpacking or what is allowed as an everyday knife? 🙏
Enjoyed the video. Just out of curiosity, (I have no experience with the crusader cup) have you tried or does the UK military have a canteen cook stove that comes with the cup? Here in the States, the canteen set come with a bottle cup and stainless steel stove that nestle all together into the pouch.
Like the mug add ons as for the rest Naa. The knife add on its just reinventing the wheel. My normal knife I have cord and ranger bands holding stuff on my other is in a pouch on my webbing so can’t attach anymore
The companion needs a proper 90 degree grind put on it to get sparks from a ferro rod. I havent done it to mine yet but i've seen others successfully make the modification and have a dirt cheap survival knife thats as good better than alot of more expensive blades all round.
Nice, I bought one of those lids for my crusader cup with some straining holes in the top. I have never seen the folding stand before. The fire piston I was bought as a present from bush tools and so far I have not gotten it to work but that's not a slur on the product, I need more practice. Lovely looking ferro rod holder, I too am using inner tube at the mo to hold me ferro rod on. Good video Nick 👍
Oh hey I bought a travel sweets tin like that for my charcloth too! Though mine were barley sweets by simpkins. Funny I've never seen anyone else have a char cloth tin of this form factor before, must be a british thing. I was actually thinking it's too big for me since it's not pocket-sized and is pretty big in my kits. I think I'll pass on the fire piston. It seems way too redundant, and I'm weak as a wet noodle. Oh hey a stainless Nalgene 1 liter, we must be twins. I love my mora companion, but I find the firesteel attachment is more of a comfort luxury, and I carry my fire steel around my neck anyway. The reason you aren't striking the ferro rod is absolutely not the steel, mora steel is fantastic. The reason is that they don't sharpen the spines on the companions because they're cheap, the spines are rounded, so they don't scrape anything off the ferro rod, they just slide against it. Carbon steel doesn't affect the sparks in any way, that's only a thing with flint+steel fire starting. I used my sharpener on the spine of my companion to angle its spine to 90 degrees, and it went from throwing no sparks, to showering sparks.
My curiosity about the ferro rod adapter, is that It won't fit tight once the rod has been scraped several times...🤔 I don't trust the elastic band as a secure safety..🙈 Great video as always, thank you..👍🏻
Good point, a better design would to have essentially a plug at the 'handle' end that fits snugly unto the housing, then have the rod extending further past that
That crusader cosy foil thing is interesting, not seen it before. Others have already mentioned about the 90 degree spine, Nick, but the bigger point is also about carbon v stainless. The type of steel is relevant when using flint and steel, but there is no difference with a ferro rod. Only the sharpness of the spine matters. Paul Kirtley has a video explaining it 👍
@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Turn it into a positive! Next video: we all say stuff that comes out wrong sometimes, so here’s a full HVB vlog on how to use a ferro rod with different types of knife and different techniques and different tinders. I’d watch that!
Regarding the ferro rod, I would put a small section of bike inner tube around the sheath under the adapter to prevent it from sliding off. You can actually get sparks from a ferro using a piece of glass. Saw a video regarding that. I personally have used a 154cm steel (stainless) metal and threw sparks everywhere. It all has to do with a sharp spine on that Mora.
Never been a fan of the fire piston, an over complicated method of igniting a piece of char cloth or amadou, alway's a ferro rod or steel, but, fare play to the indiginous jungle tribes people who did invent it. Buying blocks of six fuel gel is the expensive way, I bought a litre of fire dragon gel in a flexible pouch for 8.99 off ebay, I use it quite often because it work's. Cheers for your efforts Nick and apologies for any negativity in the past, I'm trying. Paul.
Hi Nick i like the look of the ferro rod attatchment but i cant find them with the link above could you re post your link please,great video as always many thanks ..
I have one of those crusader lids, same person made them i suspect, (the 'polish' finish is same) great for keeping crap out of your mug but I found that the d-ring gets too hot and I now carry a wooden clothes peg so no more burnt fingers 😁🤐
I have just bought one of the Flexistoves from MREempire, just love the idea and always use my crusader mug for my brew kit anyway. And they cost less than a tenner posted!
I doubt the problem with the knife is the steel it is more likely that it lacks a nice square edge to peel the fero material off of the rod and that can be fixed with a sharpening stone.
@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 For the algorithm. I won't speak further.☺
I always file a small section of square edge at the base of the backside of the blade for this reason. Mora knives seem to generally have a slightly rounded backside of the blade, which doesn't scrape of the ferro stuffs at all.
Mine is exactly the same, Stainless steel does not work well with ferro rods or flint. Try it.
@@ru55laye Stainless steel won't work with flint because it isn't carbon steel. With flint and steel the spark comes from the metal and high carbon steel works best. With a fero rod the spark comes from the rod and all you need is a good sharp corner on some solid material to scrape with.
@@budwilliams6590 I know, my point was to let them try for themselves and see it not work.
It's the MREmpire Flexistove and it's £7.99
EatsTreats&MREs has a good review on it. "FlexiStove"
thank you sir
I am a TH-cam junky and this is by far the best channel anywhere in the World. I love the mix of Bushcraft skills and mindful awareness. You've taken your life experience and Military experience and given something so positive back to people. You're a Dude. Thank you.
Must admit, I like the crusader mug nest.. As you've already tested it, probably in the field, is it durable? And I agree with the fire piston.. If you've got char cloth, probably better to use ferro rod or flint and steel.
hey Nick. nice video. Just one thing... the companions come with rounded spines, so just need to be made 90 degrees with a file or Dremel or something. Same for carbon and stainless. You'll see the Kansbol is the same steel, but has a sharp spine so showers sparks.
I like that crusader mug set. looks very neat
That was my first thought when Nick complained about the knife, it's not the steel but sharpness of the spine that's causing the issue
@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Yeah. A couple of minutes with a file does the job.
1:36 Some people might get the impression you can burn the gel in the container, I’m pretty sure you can’t, as I presume it’s plastic!🤔
Its called a Flexistove by Vestey foods and sold by MRE Empire.
My favorite firestarter is a braided waxed jute twine with a little metal tube around it. Lights easily with a ferro rod and is waterproof. Also they're super cheap to make.
Really like the crusader mug cooker, neat idea and would be great for bikepacking or lightweight hiking. I've been messing around with Dragon blocks. When I first saw them used last year I wasn't impressed but I have since changed my mind. I found small round dish, about 65mm diameter and about 15mm deep, it holds the heat in better because without it the block spreads reducing the temperature. Mines actually made by Trangia as replacement for a normal spirit burner but I reckon a very small tuna can would do the same thing plus if you leave a bit of rotting fish in there you will get that authentic heximine smell which all you old squaddies love 😉. Talking of army stuff the new version of the british army heximine cooker has been adapted to take Dragon blocks, there's a small recess for the block and a wind shield that fits between the arms. Loads on ebay, I think made by BCB the makers of Crusader mugs, and they only cost about a fiver, Ive bought one as Plan B if my pocket rocket fails.
In the netherlands we use a tiny white rock called carbit. When it becomes wet it create a gass. The gass will burn. So if it rains you are still able so get the fire going.
calcium carbide gives off acetylene when wet. It used to be used in lamps way back when.
Fire pistons. A. in addition to char cloth other natural materials can be used, chaga tinder fungus is my preference, there are other things that work. B. char material that works like charcloth can made from most carbonaceous natural materials (dried grass, punk wood). C. Vaseline is a poor for a sealant if your gasket is natural rubber (it probably isn't, most O rings and well any rubber like things are actually nitrile now). Vaseline being a petroleum product breaks down natural rubber. Ear wax works in a pinch as well as the oil in your hair.
Hi Nick thanks for the informative content. I have seen the fire piston but seems not me either asI lack the patience. However with the Morakniv companion did you modify the spine? Mine is specifically designed to work with Ferro rods but the Companion generally has a rounded spine which you can mod by filing flat with a metal file.
I literally brought some fire dragon fuel on Saturday after some successful testing previously. I managed to find 60 on eBay, so 10 packs for £17.99. That’s only 30p a block so that’s a far more reasonable price!
Yeah found a 12 pack for £2 at cottswolds
A usual soothing, knowledgeable Nick video that makes the world better. Nice. J&A&B&T
I don't like the Fire Dragon Gel Fuel personally, it doesn't taste as nice as hexi with jam from the 10 man ration packs and it doesn't spread on biscuits brown.
Another great vid Nick. Love the crusader (old faithful). I’ve still got my issued cups canteen which I think was based on US model. Has a fire stand that cup nests in, just take it off and reverse and you’re away. No lid as canteen nests in cup and all fits snug in the pouch. Foil is best option I find for lid. Recently found crusader and canteen available here in Aus, so will get one (never have too much useful gear- one is none and two is one🤣) Wouldn’t waste my coin on the Dragon Breath gadget. Liking the Mora mod. Keep up the great work you do for your channel and the veteran and broader community mate. Love your work. 👍🏼🦘🤝
Hello from British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦👋👍♥️🤔🐕🐾🐾👣🥓
Hi, does the plastic case come off fire block before lighting or is it user friendly, can you say about your watch, its pros and cons please. Regards
Rob
Glad you did one on the crusader mods. I know dragonjel is meant to be non toxic but a hex block does it for me or even firelighters, cheaper too. Having a lid on your mug really helps on fuel usage when brewing and I've recently been thinking of looking out for one and that foil cooker does look the biz.
I find ferrorods need the blacking taken off first but how long would a well used on last in that holder? The best set up I had, for years, was a rod on a small extendable strop tied to a Swiss army knife. I used the small blade for sparks, pocket sized magic.
@FukTheGender Agenda I've never been in a position in the UK not to be able to make fire so it's just another expensive thing with plastic on it. Each to there own, I generally have at least two way of making fire with me when I go out and about an honestly the ferrowrod is now used a lot less.
If you're going to spend £7 on a ferro rod, buy a 6 inch one.
I bought mine years ago and it's still going strong in the duct tape sheath, with half an old hacksaw blade as a striker, fixed together with paracord and a cable tie belt loop
Very in the spirit of this channel I feel and throws enough sparks to light almost anything
My opinion: Your videos are a thousand times better and usefuller than the useless and dangerous because misleading videos of this show off Bear Grills.
Another great video Nick, thank you. I also wanted to thank you for the mental health video’s for veterans, healthcare workers, etc. It means a lot to me and has helped tremendously. You are one of the very few channels that talk about important topic.
I use the new version crusader cooker, cut a square hole into one end so i can feed in wood while cooking works a treat
Fire dragon fuel is only £1.99 for 6 blocks at the bug out shop
What's that watch you're wearing please? Pretty smart that.
Really liked the look of it.
Googled it, saw the price, suddenly liking it less.
Going to have to add that to the Christmas list.
The more fero rod holder could be made with a small compartment on the opp side to hold some combustible materiel.
Great video Nick , keep em coming bud. Hope all is good. Stay safe and be well brother. Strength and Honor...
Well done. Thanks nick! Very interested in that fold-up pot stand. Do you think something like that would work with a homemade alcohol stove? Would it be stable enough that the liquid fire wouldn’t spill out? I use a standard round cup that nests with my nalgiene bottle for my quick cup of coffee/ tea. You’ve got me thinking 🤔 maybe a welders blanket that could double as a Koosie to handle the hot cup after the fire goes out?…. Probably not….Happy Sunday!
Hi from Oz. Really enjoy your vids.
I think prefer the french aluminium canteen. Little harder to clean but just as strong and useful.
Thanks for making good videos.
If you go e the fire pistol a honest try they work pretty good. They are like everything else got to learn it. At times they may be a little harder, but good char cloth you in good shape.
Interesting about the sparks and the amount of carbon in the steel of the blade. Learn something new every day. Thanks.
@FukTheGender Agenda Very true, otherwise a piece of broken glass wouldn’t work!
@FukTheGender Agenda I prefer long and flat octagon-shaped ferrorods and really love the Kansbol. The spine of its blade is rectangular and throws great sparks when combined with this. It's not full tang but it's very comfortable in the hand and lighter weight. It does what I need it to but I always love hearing other perspectives. At the end of the day, you can never have too many knives.
Hi Nick. I have only just come across your channel and have been thoroughly enjoying the advice and content that you produce - so thanks for that. About a month ago I purchased a low cost fire piston from a popular on-line auction site and like you, started by whacking the two bits together on a tree stump. Also, like you I had very little success, but with a little determination and this aint going to beat me attitude I finally got the piston working really well and reliably. The first thing I learnt was to not use any petroleum based grease. This will break down the "O" seals quite quickly. I now use a synthetic grease. I also learnt that there is no need to whack the two parts together too hard (or against any other object). Using just your hands to push the two parts together firmly works really well. I also clean it each time I use it. How I do it. With a clean piston assembly, 1, Grease the "O" ring(s). 2, Insert the char material into the indentation. 3, Insert the rod into the tube (making sure that the threaded cap at the end is tight - if the piston has one) up to the "O"seal. 4, Push the rod firmly all the way into the tube using both hands and let the created air pressure push the rod back slightly. 5, Remove the rod quickly and test for ember. If the char material doesn't light within 2 or 3 goes there is probably either a problem with the char material or the seal around the "O" seals. Personally I tend to transfer the ember to a larger piece of char material and transfer this to my tinder bundle. Would I use it in an emergency situation? Probably not - it's quicker to use a lighter. Saying that, I find it fun to try out different ways of lighting a fire and it keeps the mind occupied.
£23.99 Thats a lifetime of Bic lighters!!!!!
Ps
Abd I would still have enough left over to leave to my children to hand down to theres 😂😂😂
Heads up on Bic lighters, I just had to throw 10 brand new ones in the bin as the flints degraded & every lighter failed. Only a few years old & kept in a dry box.
I now stick to clipper lighters as you can change the flints & refill with gas.
@@moorshound3243 Funny enough most of my lighters are clipper as get two for a £ or 6 for £3 in Newquay puondland… bargin….🤣
Wish they hadn’t stopped hexi blocks. Nothing has been them, the dragon fuel was paper you must bring home with you and is a good hot heat like hexi. The hexi stove was able to take more than one block to aid a faster burn. I used to break all the blocks up and carry in a bag adding bits when I needed and you could do this without removing the mug, another problem the dragon fuel can’t do.
Just not as good heat wise and the way you can break hexi up and add more
Just found ur channel 👍 got a new sub.
Good job brother. You were very honest with your evaluation. The big question "Would I buy it". I appreciate you asking yourself and answering that question. Thanks and GOD Bless. Semper Fi
Companion was my 1st knife, cracking value and they feel nice to hold. Still In very good condition after a fair bit of use with not much sharpening, will buy again for sure.
Hey Nick. I was wondering if there is affordable options for food for a few days you can pack into a bug-out bag. Most stuff I found is rather pricey and aimed at an affluent survival and outdoor community. But I dont find paying 8€ a meal for 600 calories a good deal in a survival situation (that would leave me with paying about 100-125€ just for 4-5 days worth of food, and that is only if you go down on your caloric intake despite the fact you would actually need more calories in that situation). Thanks in advance!
@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 thank you very much :)
Here in South Africa the Rand/Pound rate of exchange is R24.17 to 1 Pound. £8 becomes almost R200. We can get a thing like a little candy bar - you just light the wrapper. They are R10 each so for your £8 pounds I can get 20 of these dingbats. I put the one I bought straight into my firekit so I can't say how long it burns for. Or how well it works. Must try it out. No profit in taking a dingbat into the bush and finding it doesn't work, hey?
Nice one Nick, ferro rod holder is brill, hope they do it in green and the stove /shield for the crusader would be brilliant for me, hopefully someone will come up with a maker.
Stay safe my friend 👍👍👍
vaseline will perish rubber. I'd expect using silicone grease would be better so long as it didn't stifle the ember
Back in the 70's as a scout and with the DOE program, we were taught how to use the Trangia Stove systems, a stove that is still very popular in Scouting today, I was introduced to the Army version in 2002, which is still my favourite. Yes you have to carry fuel but you also have the ability to use the windshield as a stick stove. Knives - TBS Wolverine with ferro rod and diamond sharpening stone. I have never got on with fire pistons but always carry charcloth or dry Fungus flakes, made from king Alfred cakes. (Daldinia concentrica) I did have to look up the proper name, I'm not that much of a spotter.
Must say, of all the fire kit tools, pistons are my least favorite. They’re too fastidious. Too nitty-picky. Cold fingers? Losing light? Wet from rain or an unplanned immersion in water? We have just thing for you! Play around with tiny bits of half-cooked T shirt and a piston that pretty much guarantees bashed knuckles, a blood blister or palm/heal zinger to the hand. Now with that accomplished, go ahead and grab your Bic, light your fire, add sun baked, crispy, crackling dry cotton wood (that’s only ever laying around on youtube) and once your fire is to the heavy fuel stage, lay out your entire medical kit to repair hamburger knuckles, a missing thumbnail and huge bruise on the part of your hand that must be used for everything in the bush. Once first aid has been rendered you realize “hey that fire piston gave me a mamma-jamma blood blister right on my nail bed, under my fingernail!” So you heat up some snare wire to red hot, plunge it through the fingernail, shoot bloody pus-water all over the char cloth, howl at the moon and throw the piston in the lake. Don’t forget to stow your blood smeared candy tin of char cloth for next time when we light a friction fire with nunchucks and 2 rounds from the deer rifle🤕
Moral of the story? Carry a Bic in every pocket. A ferro around your neck and some Uco storm matches in a match safe. Fire pistons??? Good Lord🤷🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️
PS: the little ditty bag is the perfect size for 2 more Bics, a mini torch and pill bottle full of cotton balls rolled in Vaseline.
hi🌷
I’m a newbie & now I’m confused, doesn’t the best bushcraft knives 🔪 have a full tang, which they usually show off! I got a decent side knife & it’s got a handle like the Moira ? I was afraid to wack on the end!? But the end was very similar to the one you showed! ?
Idk but I’m Learning !!! Stay cool 😎🐾
Cheryl & Buddy 😊🐾
@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Thank you very mutch... have a nice Start of the week.... see you….
Thanks for vid. I do like bits and bobs. Have you tried the gel in the folding stove? It just melts and runs out. Needs solid fuel like hexi tabs. Its a flexistove, you can get them at MRE Empire. About £8.
I think the striker is not going to make my wish list, I've got boxes of matches and lighters. I like the Mora and own one. I keep my ferro rod with other fire making kit. I have quite a few ferro rods, about 6, I think? I love the Crusader and I'm familiar with it, i like the foil wrap thing too and I use fire dragon when I'm out for a walk and want a brew, also for getting fires going with damp wood, although I take those paraffin blocks you get in fire lighters for the barbie or solid fuel home fires.
As a Brat - we used to live in Family Quarters near Devizes and had a coal fire which at 12 - 16 we were taught how to start in the morning. I was an early riser, about 04:30 am. I would get out with some peanut butter and jam butties and head to see nests for eggs or see if the fish were biting in the local stream if at home and not away at school - (which I hated apart from cadets at the weekend) - I wish I'd had a Mora then! I had a small Opinel though given me by my uncle. I think he was with your lot, or other chaps based in Poole.
Hey Nick, love the vid mate. That Ferro rod holder is awesome, the quick start friction rod thing sucked. Hope fam. All good, a big hello to Finn, mum, and Tilly 👍😁
I like the mug kit because you can stow so much in it for use in camp and a quick trailside cup of soup, tea, etc. the ferro rod stow is probably OK. But I usually have several ferro rods already and a bundle of fire starter so have a rig to keep that kitted and ready to build a fire. If I was starting over, I might buy it though.
Out of curiosity I bought a fire piston some years ago. They are amazingly heavy since they need to be sturdy!
After trying for an afternoon I managed to get an ember exactly never!
My conclusion: for the same weight and volume you can carry a ferro rod with striker and a mini bic. You might even be able to squeeze in zome tinder.
@FukTheGender Agenda what are clippers? are they some brand name for something?
There's nothing here!! That I haven't got hanging around in my shed, Personally my tiny gas stove with built in wind shield is perfect instant heat, Far Far better than your what amounts to a fire lighter!! Prone to toppling over in light winds, Those fire sticks are worthless in my opinion, How did we all manage before they turned up? That's right either a box of matches or a lighter, Prep is the answer to any successful camping trip, Alway carry dry tinder with you, My best advice to anyone starting trail walking or hiking long or day walking is join a club, You'll get the best advice and save wasteing money on useless gizmos you dont need!!🤔👍
Great video. I really like that Mora firesteel thing. I too have used inner tube on the Mora sheaths, and I bet running a bit of duct tape around the sheath right below that thing would help it from accidentally falling off?
(The only useful bit about the fire piston was the fact that you have to first empty the sweets tin! I love those lemon drops!) 👍🏻🇨🇦
Mora now makes an “official” adapter for the ferro rod. Of course it’s pricier.
i like the heating foil. but, if it was bottom-less it would easier to work with. but, I like it enough to snag one! the firestarters. agree. not interested. too much prep. too many parts. working too hard to simplify. a magnesium ferro rod will give more reliable results, more often and faster. i like the mora firesteel holder. i'd consider that one...having said that, i have several fire rods. i pack them in other ways. most have their own strikers, so to me there's not a strong necessity for it. However, I do suggest the companion for starting out. Anyone looking to build a kit, absolutely, I'd recommend that little gem, to compliment the companion. (Companion's companion? hmmmm) good review...as i nose about your channel, I'm hoping there's more of these! :-)
I've got a mora companion heavy duty with the bath bushcraft ferro rod holder, I've got the 10mm version which is chunky as hell, I have the carbon blade version and had to file the spine down to a 90° angle to get it to work with the ferro rod, but it throws sparks like a champ now.
The other advantage to a metal cup lid is that you can fry an egg or a slice of bacon grill in it.
The smell of frying bacon grill wafting over a harbour area in the morning is sufficient to evoke jealousy in everyone downwind … :)
Don't know where you live but you can get fire dragon £3.79p for 12 blocks in a shop by me
The only reason to bring a gadget or gizmo is to make your life easier. Do something simpler for less work. And It looks like I am not replacing a Bic lighter with a Fire piston any time soon. It doesn't seem simpler if I have to hit it and quit it extremely fast for no spark. The useful advantage, if it worked every time, is being able to use just a little bit of charcloth to make a fire vs what you might accidently normally use. But like I said. Head to a gas station and grab a Bic for a few dollars. You can even get ones with the long necks if you want to protect yourself from the fire just in case.
I bought the Crusader mug on your advice, I'm thrilled! It wasn't difficult to buy them here in Germany either. Thanks Nick!
Just catching up with your channel. Woth regard to the morakniv it's not the steel it's the fact the spon of the knife is slightly rounded. 90degrees is better on a spin i nomorally grind the spine.
Regarding the non-sparky mora....you can strike a ferro Rod with a glass shard, you need a sharp spine which the mora is well known to not have stock - grind a little and boom, sparks for days
The Crusader cup stove is definitely worth a serious try. Only issue I see is lighting the fuel once it's in the "stove". The "fire piston"...😖 The Mora sheath fero rod holder - with just the friction fit, No. Add a set screw that actually bites into the sheath. But I don't think I'd trust it with a "One & Only" ferro rod. Like to see you do more tests with the "stove" ! Cheers...
They need to do a lid for the NEW version of the crusader mug, I'm going to try and make one myself!!
Intresting ! Thx !
Hi Nick, very good video. I like the add-on ferro rod for mora knives. To increase my level of trust for the friction fit holder, I would add a layer or 2 of Gorilla tape to the sheath just below and right up against the holder. In a pinch the tape could be used as a fire starter. In cold weather the foil stove/pouch could be used as a cup insulator to keep hot drinks hot longer if you had chosen to heat your drink by another means.
The fire piston often comes out with me as a curiosity to draw people in. They are not fool proof, I use amadou in it and it is very reliable if you plunge hard and quick.
I use the Trangia meths stove. Do you think that would work/fit inside the that foldable crusader kit?
If you would be so kind as to clarify what is legal to have as a personal knife weather it be camping backpacking or what is allowed as an everyday knife? 🙏
Enjoyed the video. Just out of curiosity, (I have no experience with the crusader cup) have you tried or does the UK military have a canteen cook stove that comes with the cup? Here in the States, the canteen set come with a bottle cup and stainless steel stove that nestle all together into the pouch.
Like the mug add ons as for the rest Naa. The knife add on its just reinventing the wheel. My normal knife I have cord and ranger bands holding stuff on my other is in a pouch on my webbing so can’t attach anymore
The companion needs a proper 90 degree grind put on it to get sparks from a ferro rod. I havent done it to mine yet but i've seen others successfully make the modification and have a dirt cheap survival knife thats as good better than alot of more expensive blades all round.
I believe the company that makes the foil stove is Vestley Foods. Not 100% sure.
£8 for 6 dragon fuels? Surely that isn't low cost if you're only making a cup of tea?
Nice, I bought one of those lids for my crusader cup with some straining holes in the top. I have never seen the folding stand before. The fire piston I was bought as a present from bush tools and so far I have not gotten it to work but that's not a slur on the product, I need more practice. Lovely looking ferro rod holder, I too am using inner tube at the mo to hold me ferro rod on. Good video Nick 👍
Did u find out who made the fool folderable stove for the Bcb could u reply and comment a link plz
Oh hey I bought a travel sweets tin like that for my charcloth too! Though mine were barley sweets by simpkins. Funny I've never seen anyone else have a char cloth tin of this form factor before, must be a british thing. I was actually thinking it's too big for me since it's not pocket-sized and is pretty big in my kits.
I think I'll pass on the fire piston. It seems way too redundant, and I'm weak as a wet noodle.
Oh hey a stainless Nalgene 1 liter, we must be twins.
I love my mora companion, but I find the firesteel attachment is more of a comfort luxury, and I carry my fire steel around my neck anyway. The reason you aren't striking the ferro rod is absolutely not the steel, mora steel is fantastic. The reason is that they don't sharpen the spines on the companions because they're cheap, the spines are rounded, so they don't scrape anything off the ferro rod, they just slide against it. Carbon steel doesn't affect the sparks in any way, that's only a thing with flint+steel fire starting. I used my sharpener on the spine of my companion to angle its spine to 90 degrees, and it went from throwing no sparks, to showering sparks.
We use the same sweet tin here in NZ For char cloth. Have used it for years.
Probably better to use silicone to lubricate the rubber gasket. Petrolatum will degrade rubber.
The bloody Vaseline will be more useful for starting a fire than that piston thing!
I don't see any links to these gadgets or add-ons, we're you going to post them so that we might be able to purchase them?
Great video as always nick good job 👍
Sadly yet ironically some of the best innovations came out from war time needs.
I prefer flint and steel for the second fire. For the first fire, I prefer to flick my Bic...
Right at the end check out the size of the dog its more like a giant freak horse.... compared to his car 🤣
Do you know what the result of the test was with the British military for the Flexi stove?
My curiosity about the ferro rod adapter, is that It won't fit tight once the rod has been scraped several times...🤔
I don't trust the elastic band as a secure safety..🙈
Great video as always, thank you..👍🏻
Good point, a better design would to have essentially a plug at the 'handle' end that fits snugly unto the housing, then have the rod extending further past that
I have found the stainless versions of mora do not have the 90 degree spine. The hc steel ones do.
A fire piston isn't for me. I'm going to be carrying a fire striker.
7.99 for fire dragon. I but 12 pack for £2
That crusader cosy foil thing is interesting, not seen it before.
Others have already mentioned about the 90 degree spine, Nick, but the bigger point is also about carbon v stainless. The type of steel is relevant when using flint and steel, but there is no difference with a ferro rod. Only the sharpness of the spine matters. Paul Kirtley has a video explaining it 👍
@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Turn it into a positive! Next video: we all say stuff that comes out wrong sometimes, so here’s a full HVB vlog on how to use a ferro rod with different types of knife and different techniques and different tinders. I’d watch that!
I love my 1942 L handle canteen cup
Would love to find left handed sheaths for the Companion.
Regarding the ferro rod, I would put a small section of bike inner tube around the sheath under the adapter to prevent it from sliding off. You can actually get sparks from a ferro using a piece of glass. Saw a video regarding that. I personally have used a 154cm steel (stainless) metal and threw sparks everywhere. It all has to do with a sharp spine on that Mora.
@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 as always I enjoy your videos and I thank you Sir!
Never been a fan of the fire piston, an over complicated method of igniting a piece of char cloth or amadou, alway's a ferro rod or steel, but, fare play to the indiginous jungle tribes people who did invent it. Buying blocks of six fuel gel is the expensive way, I bought a litre of fire dragon gel in a flexible pouch for 8.99 off ebay, I use it quite often because it work's. Cheers for your efforts Nick and apologies for any negativity in the past, I'm trying. Paul.
Hi Nick i like the look of the ferro rod attatchment but i cant find them with the link above could you re post your link please,great video as always many thanks ..
sorry i found the shop they are -£13.98 a little expencive as the knife is only £9.25
Did you find out ware to get the Fold up stove from
Hey try Sugru Moldable glue it’s great
I have one of those crusader lids, same person made them i suspect, (the 'polish' finish is same) great for keeping crap out of your mug but I found that the d-ring gets too hot and I now carry a wooden clothes peg so no more burnt fingers 😁🤐
@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 you must have tiny fingers 😅
Thanks for the feed back on my lids...I will make some changes to the handles...
@@lesdavidson9594 no worries, love the lid, mine has the holes for straining, 😁👍
Those kind of moraknife have rounded spine. It needs to bi grind slightly to get 90 edge, and it scrapes as a charm
I have just bought one of the Flexistoves from MREempire, just love the idea and always use my crusader mug for my brew kit anyway. And they cost less than a tenner posted!
Hi Nick. Thank you for a warts and all set of reviews. Stay safe. ATB. Nigel