Well, I like fire, especially on winter, but isn't always easy to start it.
Also, I like simplicity and eco-compatibility where/when possible, so I use simple and easy-to-find materials for my firestarters:
- internal part of cardboard,
- pieces of candel,
- any wire,
- a knife or multitool:


I prepare carboard strips (6 cm lenght, 2 cm large), than I roll them in a cilinder and fix them with wire:


well, now it's time to foundry the candel:


now, put the carboard cilinders on the wax:


and at the end we have that:



I envelop each firestarter in aluminium sheath, to store them in my EDC kit:


These firestarters are really light, 6 of them wheight 30/40 grams, it means 5-7 grams each one:


Now, let's try the firestart on wet woods:


[img]http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/4283/20091014firestarte13ott.jpg[/img]
it's raining...:-)
[img]http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/6219/20091014firestarte13ottd.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/4283/20091014firestarte13ott.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/4623/20091014firestarte13otte.jpg[/img]
but the firestarter continue to burn...
[img]http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/5478/20091014firestarte13ottc.jpg[/img] [IMG]http://img207.imageshack.us/im...7/4283/20091014firestarte13ott.jpg[/img]
not so bad...
[img]http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/913/20091014firestarte13otts.jpg[/img]
well it's time to start my stove with this little fire...
[img]http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/4283/20091014firestarte13ott.jpg[/img]

Finally:
each firestarter burn also under rain for 7 minutes more or less
[img]http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/4283/20091014firestarte13ott.jpg[/img]
PROS:
- light and small
- easy to prepare
- eco-friendly
- cheap
- waterproof, windproof and long duration (6-7 mins)
CONS:
- need for a source of power (Zippo, or similar) to start (just 1-2 seconds), not possible start it with firesteel (at least, I was unable to do it)

Hope you enjoi! Ciao from Italy, Alfredo

Thank you for sharing. I Like to make firestraws. But, their not as eco-friendly as you do have to use plastic straws. But they are waterproof, light and can be started with a firesteel.

Nice firestarters. I do the same thing with cotton balls. If you cut the cotton ball down the center and get to the cotton in the middle that doesn't have wax on it, you can start them with a fire steel, and they burn a long time, just like the cardboard.

GREAT IDEA

If you use the large straws from Mcdonalds uses for their milkshakes you can cut them in half and make two firestraws with several vaseline covered cotton balls. You melt wax into the open ends to seal them from water. When you need them, you just cut them in half and light with a spark maker. I usually put one straw and a sparker in the ammo holder on the buttstock of my gun. That way, I've always got one if I grab my gun and go. I've also used the vaseline from one when I had really chapped lips while on a hunt.

Alfredo - Thank you for the step x step. The pictures are very helpful. Great idea.

I used forceps and pinched the ends together and melted them shut with a lighter.

The one on the right also has fatwood dust in it. I thought about adding some magnesium shavings, but haven't yet.


With the rest of the kit.


In here.


Eh, while I'm at it...I also have this one, which is the 1st aid kit.


Contents.

That's a great kit Andy!

You just gave me some good ideas.

Thanks. If you have any questions about any of it, let me know.

Nice kits guys.

Great idea on firstarters. I seen some almost exactly like that, but instead of cardboard they used newspaper.

Awesome kit Andy

Andy,
off topic but an EXCELLENT use for a zip-tie to keep your Bic lighter button from accidentally being depressed in a kit....I think I'll "borrow" that idea from you!
Thanks!