Bic Lighter for survival

What is the worlds most overlooked survival tool? The lighter. Find out why.
Dave Whipple

[@oyajiblues]

I agree, but want to share my experience. Live in San Francisco (Earthquake Country) and so I have a Earthquake Kit" or "Go Bag" whatever you want to call it. One of the things I pack (of course) are Bic lighters. Maybe 5-10 or them. In original package and then sealed in a ziplock. They were in there at minimum 5 years, could have been a few years longer not sure. So I decided to take them camping with me on a whim. Some of the items in my go bag have double duty. So at the campsite: 4 out of 5 of the lighters did not work. The flint was fine ( ithink) but the metal wjheel that activates the flint on 4 out of 5 were either rusted or corroded. It is rather high humidity here, but still I was shocked. In original package and then sealed in plastic. So I agree to keep these in your kit, but replace them or at minimum check them every few years.

[@stephensgate1]

Good point Dave. Always good to have multiple Bic's scattered throughout my kit/packs/pockets etc.. keep up the good videos. Big fan!! -Stephen, Ohio

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Stephen! I Appreciate it.

[@richardkoch8752]

Amen!!!! That little Bic lighter is a life saver!

[@jagdu9898]

If you want survival tip, grab steel wool and a 9V battery and unwrapp a tampoon! Make sure to store them isolated from moisture and be care that 9V battery don´t touch steel wool before you need it! Another thing but it cost a bit but it works in -40 celsius and snowstorm is a Soto pocket torch (no commercial)

[@jagdu9898]

And also keep some Clean Flame pouches in your pocket

[@jorgeluisgarcia1006]

Dave, I´ve being a survival instructor since I remember, way before of being a DDS, I can say that I can make fire with almost anything and everything...and yes, that little Bic lighter is so no nonsense, it´s scary.

[@bobbythepirate1430]

Literally dirt cheap in El Paso, I've found 3 of em on sidewalks 😂

[@ChrisWilkesSurvival]

Great video, give the maker of the Bic lighter their props! I agree. I carry one every where I go and every survival instructor I know recommends them as part of a kit. Super important gear that gets no respect because it's so easy to use.

[@Bushradical]

word up Chris!

[@robertweldon7909]

12/18/2022 Your right Dave, but it the lighter gets wet or too cold, it does not work until dry or warm. I keep one in a plastic medicine bottle, with a small cheap ferro rod as a back up. When a Bic lighter runs out of fuel it become a modern version of flint and steel too. I have several methods to MAKE fire in my kit. Bic lighters, ferro rods, some matches, and a magnifying glass, one backs up another. I have several TINDER STARTERS, one of which is very dangerous, but will start a fire in a driving rain when a spark hits it, magnesium powder. There is an alternate method to the bow drill, I first saw on Dave Canterbury's site, he called a spring pole bow drill. Very interesting and easier than the traditional method. Great short video. ;-)

[@suf972]

I can’t agree more. Unfortunately being in high school i can’t keep a lighter on me at all time without getting in trouble. Keep up the good work Dave i really appreciate the tips and true facts you’re sharing in all your videos. Thank you very much.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@gavocrazy]

I like the cheaper ones that are see through and have the flame adjustment. You can see how much butane's left, if you're trying to save it, turn the fuel down, and if you're trying to get out of a shit situation, crank up the heat. And they're usually even cheaper than the bics. Although beware, some are better than others. I've had good luck with the ones that say King on the side. Others are just crap and tend to fall apart. Fun little fact, the guy who invented modern matches thought they were such an important invention to humanity that he didn't patent them. Hats off to that dude, especially for being so humble

[@Bushradical]

Good point on the clear lighters. I didn't know the story about the matches, thats pretty awesome.

[@AdventureTimeOutdoors]

yup. Every time I go out I always start my fires with an alternative method BUT I always have a lighter in my pack and pocket. I have had to rely on a ferro rod before but I was a dumbass 1 kilometer out on a snow covered lake in -33°c and my lighters froze. Crazy story but I am still around to talk about it. Pack modern practice primitive!

[@sarayoung3506]

You can put two of those and the long M&M tubes and duct tape the lid shut. The duct tape makes it semi waterproof

[@darrensmith6999]

This is something that everyone takes for granted. (:

[@gobangs1117]

Mr Canterbury could not have said it better!

[@Bushradical]

Dosent he light stuff on fire with his beard? I saw a spoof commercial he did once...totally funny.

[@gobangs1117]

I think he lights fires with his will power. But seriously he is huge fan of cheap lighters.

[@MrZluvu4ever]

A huge energy/calorie-saver!

[@joeylandry4933]

True dat!!! Even though I don't smoke anymore I keep several of these in my pack and in the kitchen cabinet to light Birthday candles 🎂

[@journalofawimpyprepper4810]

I keep them all over the place. It is a one-handed fire-starter - I cannot imagine why someone would not have at least 2. I think the easy methods of survival are much more appreciated throughout a time of true necessity. I was without electricity for 4 days before when massive tornadoes struck alabama and, while I love bushcrafty stuff, making a bow drill never crossed my mind. In an already strenuous situation the last thing you will think is, "I wonder how I could make this process a little more difficult."

[@Bushradical]

Right on!

[@johnfortwengler4496]

Also awesome as a one hand option if broken arm ect

[@Bushradical]

Yes it would be!.

[@loishope6605]

I carry a Zippo, Bic, and a ferrel rod , and I carry them EVERYDAY. By the way, I live in El Paso, Texas .

[@pacificbushcraftandfirecra6358]

All praise the mighty Bic! (bows down) That video was great, great, great, great , great...TFS

[@Bushradical]

Thanks TSP! I hear you might be moving to Wrangel? Is that right?

[@davewinch7677]

No doubt, when I need a fire starter for my pack, my first choice is a lighter. It's cheap and it works.

[@irishsteel6160]

Absolute truth! Keep the videos coming!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Irishsteel!

[@jasonwarehall8101]

I think a quality storm match as best plan B

[@markboettcher9443]

You are sensible. Always enjoy your videos. How to make do.

[@josephknowlton7246]

Liked, shared and commented

[@Longtrailside]

I agree, a good lighter is king to getting a fire going quick. My method of fire starting is lighter, matches, firesteel, if those don't work then I am screwed and call it a day and go home if I can.

[@Bushradical]

LOL. Thats awesome! Great humor , and an honest evaluation of reality! Thanks for the comment.

[@delanos53]

I do one or two things to my lighters I whip wrap them so I can put a tether on them and/or wrap about 6 feet of good duck tape around it. Both twine and tape can come in handy. Duck tape burns really good and it can patch stuff including people lol. Also put them inside something water resistant. Wet flint don't do well. Bics ar loads better than Zippos unless you carry extra fuel plus Zippos take up more space and weight more. Even the tiny ones aren't better.

[@carpathiancraftsman]

Our ancestors would jump on that lighter. They just used whatever they had available and always chose the easiest way. But yeah, the more you know...

[@cillaloves2fish688]

Amen bro!! I carry one every day!

[@Bushradical]

right on , me too. If you've seen my hypothermia video.....I started carrying a lighter the day after that happened........right up to today

[@LarsRibe]

True that. Just because we invented cars, we schouldn't forget how to use our legs and get fat and lazy - but I'm 100% taking the car to work today! I quit smoking a few years back but still carry one or two lighters, 'cause they're all the things you said AND can melt rope and light candles/lanterns.

[@Bushradical]

word up!

[@believeliveloveandlaugh3844]

True

[@Bushradical]

thanks

[@scottlippert2988]

I also carry a lighter. Even though I am a non-smoker, I realize that a flame might be needed at any time.

[@Bushradical]

Good rule to live by!

[@jameshutto3047]

I'll share a trick I've never heard mentioned before. Jalapenos in the cold. Works great as long as ya don't sweat.

[@Bushradical]

Never heard that.

[@jameshutto3047]

@@Bushradical itll warm ya up. A siberian log fire and a jalepeno got me through single digit temp with snow at 7k feet. Siberian fire I got from Lonnie and Connie

[@jorgeluisgarcia1006]

Can´t give more than one thumb up...BUMMER!! :-(

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Brother.

[@stephenportraitsetc]

I was showing some kids how to do a bow to start a fire one of the boys who seemed to be doing it call out and said he had it but then the zippo fall out of his boot smart kid

[@CheezeheadChris]

I totally agree with everything everything ya said! Right on the money!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks CC. You live in Wisconsin I take it. ?

[@CheezeheadChris]

Bushradical - Yes Sir! NW WI. I been sub of your wife's for awhile. I remembered tonight the shelter video you two did and looked you up. I plan on catching up on the rest of your videos.

[@Bushradical]

There is a very interesting story about that video but I can't tell it to you yet........you will have to live in suspense! Where you at in WI? Brooke and I were living in wisconsin for a short time when we got married. Elkhart lake.

[@milliewilkie1969]

we dont smoke but always have a lighter in our car

[@rld1278]

As in your hypothermia example, you may not have the fine motor skills to make/use a bow drill or a ferrol rod in a timely manner.

[@Bushradical]

Exactly! Thanks

[@michaelkoon8371]

Dav what do you think of the mountain men show please your true thoughs

[@MTwoodsrunner]

i have one and sometimes two in each of my packs...i try and never hit the bush without em...atb...woods

[@Bushradical]

Thanks MT!

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

Great video. Go try to a fire with pyrite.

[@Bushradical]

Pyrite?

[@gunnerhusnian4375]

haha great job

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Colloid survival!

[@BravoBassin]

could not agree with you more I always carry a lighter and all these so called bushcrafter survival people crack me up that they never mention using a lighter. I will tell you something else that is great to have to start fires is a highway road flare. small ones burn for 15min white hot and the large ones burn 30min white hot and they will burn anything wet wood green wood does not matter.

[@TheBootyWrangler]

There’s probably some crossover that the wisest of bushman could comment on between traditional fire making and using a lighter where you need to consistently make primitive fires to hone your skills but you still understand when the time is right to use your lighter and save time/energy. That being said only an idiot would waste time making a traditional fire when they could conserve time and energy by using a lighter in an ACTUAL survival situation. Like gee wiz I only have enough calories to last me two days, I think I’m gonna take a break from the 2 calories it takes to flick my big today and spend an hour sweating my ass off on this bow drill.

[@EdwardKowalski]

Now I understand why common sense is so uncommon, you have more than your share, great that you don't hoard. ;) Seriously that was pretty awesome, like a fresh breeze.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Ed! This is one of the first video I wanted to shoot. I'm really not in sync with the Modern bushcraft movement. lol

[@EdwardKowalski]

Like you I am happy to see people enjoying the woods, good on em. However, it seems that "bushcraft" is developing a uniform, a code of conduct and enforcement personnel. I don't care for that. Then you have those who wish to make like every hike and back yard adventure is a "survival situation". My attitude is if one ends up in such a pickle many bad decisions lead up to it. A safety pin and duct tape won't save the day. I don't prepare to be in survival situation, rather prepare to never be in one. There is some overlap of course. It's manufactured drama and it drives me crazy. You bring a common sense and practical approach of someone who has been there, done that. It's not that hard to spend safe enjoyable time in the woods, it's also not hard to mess up while gaining experience. The voice of reason sounds great, keep singing it man!

[@Bushradical]

Thank You Ed. I really appreciate your point of view and I agree 100%

[@Lone58]

I always carry a couple of Bic lighters. You can't argue with common sense.

[@Bushradical]

Absolutely! I'd carry a can of gas and a brush pile in my pocket ....it that was possible, lol!

[@BAAMRanch]

It's been raining for several days where I'm at. Good luck with anything BUT a lighter.

[@Bushradical]

You know it brother!

[@rld1278]

Yes, but a candle lit with a lighter will save your fuel and burn long enough to dry out your kindling to build a fire. Holding down the Bic will get hot and waste fuel. Gotta have a lighter to light it tho...not knocking them, just adding to the conversation...

[@BAAMRanch]

@@rld1278 very good point! Some beeswax candles are hard to beat

[@pe10182b]

Zippo

[@nemopettersson1239]

Lighter sucks! It is SO much better with for example: - "Battery / Steel wool "or maybe "Flint / Steel / Char cloth". These objects have several features that the lighter dont have. If the steel in your "flint / steel / charcloth" "firemaking-set" begins to rust, you can take the steel wool in your "fire backup", the "battery / steel wool set" and polish the rust away... A bow drill set has SO many uses in comparison to the lighter that it's sick! If a shoelace breaks (God forbid) you have a spare shoelace in the bow that you have in your backpack. If you do the stick a little longer, - You can use it to ward off wild animals such as wolves and other beasts! - Try to do that with "a lighter" if you can! IoI .. I'm just kidding :) I agree with you in everything you say here! It has become a kind of "snobbery" among outdoor people that they should make a fire in the worst possible overcomplicated way they could imagine and at the same time trying to convince us that it is the most convenient and easiest way, - And First Of All - "The Right Way" :) .. Firesteel is SOO "outdoorish" I have a lot of them and I Love to play with them and when I managed to make a fire with a bow I feel a little proud to have succeeded and that I have the knowledge to do it... But deep inside myself I know that probably all I'll ever need (and others as well) to make a fire is the packed bic lighter (or one of the two you packed then "one is non and two is one")...A flame beats a spark under all circumstances and in all situations seven days a week and those who would argue otherwise do not know what they're talking about. And after the lighter is empty you can still make sparks with it :). I actually think you can separate the "hobby/wannabe bushcrafter" from the more experienced bushcrafter that really spending time in the wilderness on there - Primary Choice Of Method To Make Fire. The experienced has put down the prestige and vanity and choosing the easy and best way. ;)

[@Bushradical]

Totally agree!