An Incredible Alternative to Char Cloth - Fire Starter

[@jamess.829]

After reading the replies I want to comment on some of the negative responses.First read the title. An alternative to char cloth. Not a replacement for char cloth.Just like a container of matches is an alternative to a Bic lighter.Just like a ferro rod is an alternative to the matches and lighter.He is not saying that this is the replacement for char cloth, only that it is an alternative.Something to add to the kit.

[@mdouble100]

This is the first time I've seen steel wool lighted with a spark for a ferro rod. Thanks for sharing this idea, I'm convinced that steel wool has a place in any tinder bag. I'm sure this would be especially useful in wet conditions.

[@Eric-gi9kg]

You can ignite fine steel wool with a dead AAA, AA or 9v battery. Just touch the wool to the negative and positive posts ...

[@I..cast..fireball]

The whole point of char cloth / char material is that you can make more of it in the woods. Can use bits of cotton clothing or bandana, but more importantly punk wood, cat tails, and other naturally occurring materials.

[@MackaOZ]

+A Tapir Named Jeff How do you make char cloth without the fire in the first place?

[@I..cast..fireball]

+Troy Gibson make some before you leave, and make some more every time you make a fire. (preferably not char cloth, but some other natural material that you can replenish). that way you have the ability to make fire continuously.

[@viracocha72]

+Troy Gibson With flint and steel, magnifying glass or bow drill. All of which require you to have a tinder bundle to blow the ember into. Then you make the char cloth which lights MUCH easier with f&s than trying to light the entire tinder bundle with the few sparks you get.

[@chancetolbert4852]

Troy Gibson you can start a fire without char cloth or steel wool... it just makes it easier. Sooo let’s say you will be there a while, you can work a little harder the first time and use that to make it easier for the next few times.

[@richardpeterson3753]

Troy Gibson that is either an attempt to insult the man, or troll him. if you can't toss in char cloth in your fire kit something is wrong with you. and even if you lost everything there is at the very least a pump drill, which can be a lot easier to make than a bow drill set, not to mention use. there are some good videos on how people make these in jungles. but ideally, you will have some fire kit on you. what's so hard about charging some toilet paper and putting it in a small zip lock? you don't need cotton. toilet paper works almost as good, I'd say it won't smolder as long, but catches cold sparks just as well. and I'm referring to 800 degree sparks from traditional Flint and steel, not the 3000 degree sparks from ferro. tried and tested personally. it don't take much to start that first fire. just gather tinder as you go, and each fire you make, resupply that charred material. the difference between carrying steel wool or char cloth initially is irrelivent. you can have either just as easy, and both have hardly any weight. one is just renewable, and can be lit by colder sparks from Flint, and be used in fire pistons. so it comes down to your application of the fire starter, and method of lighting it.

[@tonyminnichsoffer7401]

You are an incredible communicator! Thank you for this awesome commonsense and well-organized video. Finally we have a renewed focus on steel wool, a splendid tool. You verified what I have told my kids and grandsons for years. One little spark, even from a discarded Bic or an out of fuel Zippo sets steel wool ablaze. Rookies, please WEAR LEATHER gloves!

[@BadlukBikerChick]

Searching char cloth and I come across this. So young! Great idea to. Fine steel wool.

[@waynee.2856]

I've used steel wool several times in the past and have had the best results with it and the ferro rod. It is in all my bags and a primary part of my fire kits. I still like experimenting with other techniques, char cloth is next. Great video, and I agree, if people haven't tried they should, it is amazing how well it works and how fast.

[@jlseagull2004]

finely somone using steel wool, I've been using it for years, hiking, camping, wilderness backpacking, in all typs of conditions and situations and never once gone without a fire. one spark even from the worst stryker, your on your way to a fire. thanks bud great demo..

[@celticwitan]

I am going to experiment with many methods. Steel wool is supposed to be great, cotton and lint too.. but a little vasoline helps lol. But in the woods with nothing, its friction.. rubbing wood

[@MikmawWarriorBrave]

nice demo...I'm gonna add some to my fire kit...the good thing about Char cloth is that it can be manufactured easily in the bush if needed....and it doesn't cost money...

[@alwaysarmed88]

I've used steel wool and a Duracell 9v battery for urban survival. But I'm glad you showed this, not a lot of people know about it and I learned a trick or 2. Great video

[@chillaxter13]

My only disagreement with the idea of this being better than char-cloth is that char-cloth (and char-stuff) is easily renewable each time you have a fire burning. The steel wool , although incredibly light, does have a limited amount that can be carried, and cannot be renewed without visiting a store. For VERY short term survival situations (which are, of course, most likely) this is GREAT advice. It should be said that this is not necessarily a bushcraft solution, but would be a wonderful idea for EDC. Thanks for the tip!

[@RobinCernyMitSuffix]

+Gary Cook Or, if you are running out of Steel Wool, you can make char cloth on the go ;)

[@hawky4397]

I think you shouldn't completely reject steel wool in your kit, because even if it feels like cheating (at least for me), in very wet conditions and with wet fuel it may be the only way. Well given that you don't have the great luck of finding calcium carbide rocks

[@PrimalOutdoors]

I have used steel wool before and it does work great. Great demonstration. Jason

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

Thanks Jason. Take care of yourself. - Luke

[@raystlouis]

I never would have thought of using this method before. I can't wait to try this out. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and the detail in your video is top-notch. Keep up the great work.

[@buddycarroll9641]

I JUST SUBSCRIBED ALSO. I BEEN A CHAR CLOTH GUY FOR 40 YEARS. I JUST ORDERED #0000 TO TRY IT OUT. MANY THANKS.

[@Imightberiding]

Sooper-Dooper! I've done the battery thing many times but never even thought to toss a spark at steel wool with my ferro rod.

[@brettsteele7386]

I was just looking up how to make char cloth. I watch a video and it is easy but a process. Then at the end of that video was yours about steel wool, and there it no process at all and is a lot easier. Thank you. I also remembered that I Private Messaged you. I found out a couple that my private message was blocked. I went in and removed the block by verifying my name. Thank you for the great video.

[@davidnorgren8759]

Love that idea man. Great technique for hard to start conditions. Thanks Luke i appreciate all your videos time and effort . Bless you brother strength and honor to you. David

[@larrywirth8364]

Great alternative to the char cloth. I had a lot of trouble with char cloth and I did get some good pointers from Luke. Thank you for your help. I already have some steel wool in my man cave and I'll be trying this out this weekend.

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

That sounds great Larry. Remember that the key to all things is Practice. Cheers. my friend. - Luke

[@tomsmith6094]

Thank you I'm going put this on my fire pouch . Awesome video 👍

[@BansheeFifteen]

This video is awesome. I just realized that I made a comment 6 years ago. I'm still playing. Currently studying "char cloth", but going to add OOOO steel wool to the experiments.

[@TomsBackwoods]

A great fire starter Luke but not an alternative buddy. Charred cloth is for capturing a spark of much lesser heat value. If it worked with flint and steel it would be an alternative. Not trying to be a glumey gus but Charred material definitely has a different use.

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

Hey there Tom, actually it will ignite with flint and steel and as a matter of a fact I've gotten it to ignite with a piece of steel and quartz rock. Give it a shot amigo. ;) - Luke

[@TomsBackwoods]

TheOutdoorGearReview You should do a demo Luke! Although I can ignite charred material with quartz and steel I have never had any luck getting steel wool to ignite with Quartz or flint. Whats the secret? :) Looking forward to a demo!

[@dancanta8592]

@@TheOutdoorGearReview Have fun making more in the woods, not an alternative definitely.

[@scottfergusson8411]

Use a magnifying glass to light steel wool .Also use 4 th of July sparklers and a magnifying glass to start fires also .

[@EastonJackson-GMC]

Great video. I'm taking my Boy Scout troop winter camping this weekend and we're going to be starting fires without matches or lighters for the Emergency Prep merit badge. This is a great technique. Thanks for the excellent video.

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

+Easton Jackson Thanks Easton. I hope you all had a great time. - Luke

[@texxos57]

I use charred punk wood with flint and steal. There is an endless supply in the woods. I just tried steal wool with flint and steal and it worked great.

[@rickgray7086]

I also use char wood. I leave the wood in my container and direct the sparks into it by striking down with the flint on the steel. I don't remove the ember. I let it spread in the container then just put the tinder against the embers and blow it into flame. First thing I do when I have a good fire is make more char wood to replace what I've used.

[@frederickletch5679]

Fantastic. Seen it done with wire wool and battery but not with Ferro rod. works really well

[@tirionson]

Well, here we go boys! The final comment! As in starting any fire, the easiest and essential concept for dependable ignition is to increase the surface area thereby increasing both heat and oxygen to the fuel. I love this guy! I added the steel wool to my 5 inch by 5 eighths ferro rod! No worries! But of course I use my BiC lighter until thats gone. Thanks TOGR ! !

[@thomasv9760]

I knew steel wool would burn but I had no idea that it would take a spark so easily. I have been using and making various forms of char cloth for several years but none burn so easily or as hot as the steel wool. thank you for your video (you gave an awesome presentation) I will definitely have a bag of steel wool in my bug out bag by tomorrow at the latest lol

[@BibleTeacher4U]

A damn good idea!! I did not know steel wool was flammable, and like you said you can get it anywhere and it weighs nothing. Nice Vid!

[@robertgullickson8758]

Good demonstration. Thanks for the video. It isn’t always about survival. Short term nor long term. More often it’s about fun and variety. But preparedness in any extent is wise. I have used steel wool in my day pack for years. I also carry a lighter 😄

[@Quadrant14]

I take it everywhere Luke, have done for 30 years good vid matey

[@johnlbales2773]

Nice walk in on opening shot. Nice variations of background. Really liked the wood shavings and wool steel section with you in the lighted left of the screen and complimentary shade on the right. Made great use of natural lighting. I knew about the steel wool, but I still enjoyed watching your presentation and stage-craft. Peace Out.

[@rolloverriderpgr]

+John L Bales Yeah, I turned to look out the window when the birds started up! LOL

[@randmayfield5695]

Thank you for an exceptional instructional. Lots of detail with visuals to support them.

[@johnbuczkowski3663]

I love fire starting ideas! I'll have to try the steel wool! My go to has always been dryer lint. I keep a Ziploc back right by my laundry supplies and stock up year round. Nothing takes a spark like it!

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

Dryer lint is definitely amazing. Take care my friend and be well. - Luke

[@allanthompson9695]

I was waiting for you to get the pp3 battery out lol. Great demo, very useful.

[@newtyauger5458]

Best channel out here

[@Imperio112]

Great, thank you! Hey, please watch your eyes when blowing in the glowing wool. A tiny drop glowing metal in your eyes could make you blind. take care. Greets from far away Germany Henning

[@yakityyob]

Excellent medium for backpacking excursions! Thanks for sharing!

[@michaelwillis8223]

Perfect timing. My son and I are going to make a fire kit soon. Thanks!

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

That sounds great Michael. - Luke

[@SeaCatFl]

I guess I missed this video. Yes steel wool works and I've used it a time or two. As you said it's light and packs easily. (I use it with a Flint and Steel or with the Fire Steel.) Good video Luke and keep on teaching people. Cat

[@crazyhorseranchaz]

Thanx 4 showing, like many others Been there and done that, But lots others havent, you do a good job showing, enjoy your videos keep going

[@Showgirlable]

I DID IT! I MADE A FIRE JUST NOW! I used the flint and steel method. I admit to a minor cheat. I used just a hint of lighter fluid to keep the spark. I put my steel wool upon Kleenex in a Cast Iron pot. When I did not use the fluid the sparks came upon the steel wool but did not catch at all. This tiny bit of fluid kept the spark and I blew on it and it caught so I emptied the pot into the fireplace. I now have a nice fire in the fireplace! :)

[@michaellester5901]

Really liked this one very informative I practice bush craft fire building an had never saw anything like that

[@clarkeugene5727]

Thanks for sharing. I would also encourage folks to make certain that they have ample material beforehand to accept the ignited steel wool, as it does indeed burn much hotter than char cloth, but it also burns quicker, so be ready. It is better to have too much kindle than not enough.

[@louischamberland8152]

man, quite interesting!!! I knew that steel wool would catch on fire... But not that quickly!!! Thanks for the tip, I doing this technique starting right now! Cheers!

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

Cheers brother! Thanks for watching/commenting. - Luke

[@tengu6399]

It's funny. I've seen steel wool burn but never even considered using it as a fire starter. Had to try it immediately. Works as advertised. 👍

[@MrFjackie13]

Awesome fire starter. It will be my #1 go to from now on. Thanks Luke.

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

It works so incredibly well! Take care brother. - Luke

[@carasmith5840]

Thanks Luke, great video. I keep steel wool in my fire kit too but still picked up a trick or two from this. I even got some super fine steel wool at my local dollar store that catches a spark just fine. Super cheap and way easier then making char.

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

No doubt Cara. Take care of yourself and be well. - Luke

[@kevinpeterson5131]

i was thinking about if it would light if it got wet just before you demonstrated it great video keep it up

[@zacharyhawkins1234]

You're definitely skilled and knowledgeable, NC bro, so this is only a friendly tip. In the end, do whatever you like the best. Put your bird nest (or whatever tinder) on the ground, fire platform, rock, etc. and then go ahead put your hand holding your blade either right on top, or to the side a bit so that your knife is right on top. I'm talking about TOUCHING the tinder - be that close to it. Then, with that hand stationary, reach under with your ferro rod and pull backwards to create your sparks. It's safer since the blade isn't moving. It's more efficient because all your sparks land exactly where they need to, and it protects against excessive damage to the rod, should it be thin, old, etc., because the pressure is better regulated. Hope that helps. Take care.

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

Thanks Zachary! Remember my friend, different strokes for different folks. haha Literally. Cheers! - Luke

[@zacharyhawkins1234]

Heh. Well done, sir!

[@gracewest5504]

Thanks for your video and information. I have been learning so much on KZbin.

[@TwoPlusTwoEqualsFive32]

I prefer char cloth/wood simply because you can manufacture it in the field. Steel wool will require you buy from a store of have the necessary materials and machine to create.

[@leoscheibelhut940]

Fantastic information for modern bushcrafting.

[@kenwebster5053]

I generally use cotton wool balls with a ferro rod. Anecdotally, char cloth seems more associated flint & steel, but I don't have personal experience using flint & steel. I have tried char cloth with the ferro rod but it's a lot harder to ignite than cotton balls. I have used some petroleum jelly to extend the effective burn of cotton balls, which is gets tinder going more easily, but can cause the cotton to become compact and difficult to ignite if stored too many months. I'll have to give the steel wool a try! now thanks.

[@LtSurvival]

Multi use item too,clean your knife, and you can also lite it with a batterie. Nice trick. A must add to my survival kit.

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

Well said Lt. Survival. - Luke

[@justme8108]

Thanks so much. Half way through the video, I was wondering if it lit wet, and you did it.

[@muddytigeroutdoors4790]

Great tip Luke. I'm gonna definitely add this to my fire kit. Thanks for sharing man. -Jacko

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

Awesome Jacko. Be well my friend. - Luke

[@ciglo21]

Amazing Idea Luke.......so simple and very afective......Thanks a bunch body!

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

Sure thing Luis. - Luke

[@fuzzlenuff]

Will be putting some 0000 steel wool in my tinder pouch. Informative video. Thanks.

[@PeterNordBushcraft]

Shut the front door. light when wet, BONUS. Per comment below authentic or not for survival it is a nice trick. Thank's a lot, great job!

[@bennyvoncannon5134]

Will add that to my fire kit for sure. Thanks my friend.

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

Awesome Benny! Take care my friend. - Luke

[@AndyWragg]

Great video. Very good instructional tecbnique. I'll be adding some steel wool to my gear ASAP.

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

+Andy Wragg Thanks Andy. It really works amazingly well. - Luke

[@Eric-gi9kg]

I learned the steel wool trick when I was in the military survival school.

[@KingTesticus]

that's really handy, but at some point you're still going to need to return to char if the really real SHTF. there isn't going to be that local home-dumper you can go to... even so... very nice video! i'm going to include some of this in my fire kit! thumbs up!

[@USAUSAM82]

Great alternative! Thanks!

[@BansheeFifteen]

I think that's a great thing to remember. I really like how it just ignites and really makes a very hot coal. But I got to remember to buy 0000 steel wool to survive. Might as well just buy a lighter while in the hardware store. I've been playing with some char cloth that I've made and it's real easy to make. Steel wool, a good one to remember. Thanks.

[@toms5212]

Great video! I always knew about using steel wool, but I typically use dryer lint (works awesome). I think I'll add steel wool though since it'll still work if it gets wet....

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

Absolutely Tom (drier lent rocks). I'll have some more videos in regards to this in the future. Be well my friend. - Luke

[@thebeardedone1225]

I was waiting for you to pull out a 9v battery out of your knife handle and stick it up against the steel wool. That's what I've used for years.

[@celticwitan]

Seen this on a survival show.. I need to try it

[@ricktimmons458]

we teach scouts as many methods as we can. battery is something they all have and steel wool is an easy product to carry. we also demo and get the scouts to practice under supervision wet wood conditions to get a fire. I totally disliked "CASTAWAY" early in the show he shows that he has skills, can not believe that he used the most difficult process to get a fire then was stupid in his use.

[@dwaynerobertson3291]

Thanks man! Great video. Why not have as many methods available to light a fire as possible? Char cloth, sticks, flint, napalm...the point is to have as many options to get a proper fire lit the first time, with as little difficulty as possible. I use fire bows, ferro rods, Bic lighters, a magnifying glass is easy-peasy when you have sunlight...and now I can add fifty cents worth of steel wool as another simple option to cook food, boil water and keep warm and dry. Butane, bear fat, gasoline, paper, birch bark...the more options the better. If one spark is all you need than you need this option in your arsenal. Period. Thanks for the time you took to make this video. It's a valuable, simple option that works in the field. Period.

[@misterjoejoet1954]

Another great idea for starting fires Survival is when you're in a situation where you have nothing except your knowledge ?

[@dragonhunter2475]

i also have a mora knive i love it

[@graftedin3]

I burn wood in the winter for heat. Most of the time I am using coals to re kindle my fire , so during the whole cold season I am only making 6 or so fires from scratch. Just make sure you have material for a new fire. Cedar is king

[@no_handle_required]

One thing I've noticed is that the "grade" of the steel wool matters. Best seems the super fine, but the less fine grades are a bit slower.

[@databasecenter]

Thats awesome. Real alternative to char cloth.

[@bandaid18d420]

Nice tip. I always just carry dryer lint. Super quick off a spark and the wife just keeps making batches for me. Lol

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

Haha I know what you mean brother. I told my wife to collect some for me and a week later I have like 3 lbs of it! Cheers Wayne. - Luke

[@charlescollier7217]

Who knew? Thanks for the heads up!

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

+Charles Collier Sure thing my friend. Take care. - Luke

[@johnny6148]

your right until the wool is gone. char everywhere

[@jason4522]

I was always skeptical of the steel wool and the 9volt. (How would you store a battery for long term) I never imagined that it would take a spark. Great video. Thanks!!!

[@0neTwo3]

Wow, that's AWESOME. And thankyou for doing the wet test!

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

Sure thing my friend. Take care of yourself. - Luke

[@SuperLiamjohn]

That great just ordered some for my fire kit thanks great idea

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

Rock on Liam. It works so incredibly well. - Luke

[@tedmont1]

so cool. Can't wait to use it.

[@crazyhorseaz4280]

Yea it works, used it a few times few years ago. I still prefer cloth, just me 👍

[@rekozma]

Awesome that you are passing this one but in the field you need to know how to make char cloth and can do so. I think it would be a little hard to make steel wool. With that said I carry steel wool myself. But I also carry a old altoids can so I can make char cloth in needed. Great job on the video buddy.

[@walterpalmer2749]

Yes & can use a battery to ignite the steel wool. This a much overlooked asset.

[@stevenetram]

Thank you so much brother Luke.Can you use the fine steel wool in a fire piston?

[@DerekWorth02]

it works great with a small battery too.

[@jamesmalott7851]

You can do the same thing using a 9volt battery, instead of a striker. Just place the steel wool across the terminals. Works great.

[@barryfroelich3526]

When I was a Boy Scout a 9volt battery and steel wool does it too.

[@survivingdenmark2516]

it's also good for cleaning the pots and removing rust

[@harryroger1739]

Char cloth is for flint and steel. You don't need it for Ferro rod. You can use any tinder for ferro rod: Dry grass, jute, cotton balls, fatwood shavings, piece of paper, really good featherstick, etc...

[@Showgirlable]

I just got into Flint and Steel and sadly can't even make a fire! I saw this with the Steel Wool I would like to try this method!

[@donbrink1954]

Showgirl7able1963....did you ever get your flint and steel to work?

[@Showgirlable]

@@donbrink1954 I did! It took some practice but here's what I do. I have a cast iron kettle put some tissue just a squirt of lighter fluid and a teeny steel wool. Hit the flint with the U shaped steel and the spark falls in the kettle and catches. I toss it right into the fireplace with hardwood tissue and newspaper. COZY FIRE!🔥 I can toss the whole kettle in and fetch it with the clamps that grab wood. That's only if the flame catches quickly in the kettle. Safer that way sometimes.

[@DeanO]

Awesome demonstration of a great tinder

[@gregmccarter2176]

I use char cloth, punk wood laundry lint...and have used steel wool..

[@mrsandman3954]

Found out about this in an unusual way. Had a frayed out pad of #0000 laying a little close to the grinder when I was sharpening my mower blade. Imagine my surprise!

[@hedgemagic]

Good to know

[@mrsandman3954]

roxy martin :)

[@fishrrelaxing9361]

Couple important things to not.. the wool needs to be 000 or finer. The denser it is the better it works.. second it never really ignites like char cloth or other things. It measly smolders and it smolders fast so it import to have very highly combustible items ready to go and it takes a lot of practice and lots of careful blowing to ignite. This video makes it look super easy it actually is much harder. It's all in the blowing technique used. Don't be afraid to blow really hard. First time I did this it took me forever to figure out it needs a lot lot lot of air to burn instead of just smoldering and burning itself out before catching tinder on fire..

[@mohammedhezri2808]

I noticed the new tagline Luke...strength and honor! Hahas. Nice vid.

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

Heck yeah my friend. This day and age we all need to have both. Be well and take care. - Luke

[@Muzzleblast-1911]

Hey luke, nice vid. You can also start steel wool super easy by holding a battery against it. Cool stuff! Peace out bro.

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

That is true Steve. Be well brother. - Luke

[@shuggyrafting8092]

Well I won't be using charcloth again, thanks for sharing that technique

[@opalprestonshirley1700]

Great demo Luke. Thanks.

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

Thanks Opal. Cheers. - Luke

[@FrancineRossoni]

Awesome information and demonstration. Thanks so much. You just made my camping much easier.

[@fabianstraregy]

Ferro rod does replace flint and steel with char cloth. However if all you have is flint and steel then maybe it might light the steel wool @800 degrees F. Sparks from ferro rod and steel are 4000 degrees f and that will just about light anything that's dry. So I'll try steel wool and flint and steel and see if it does replace char cloth. I doubt the steel wool will light off. I am however going to put some extra fine steel wool in my fire starting kit :-)

[@aikido10]

and you can use it to clean your camp pots and pans as well!