Bic Lighter May Be Bad Survival Choice

Lonnie discusses and demonstrates why a Butane lighter may be a poor choice to stake your life on in a survival situation. I have been told over and over many times that a bic lighter is the best choice for wilderness fire lighting. In this video you will see how a butane lighter can fail you. You will also hear what Lonnie thinks is the best Survival "tool" to have with you in a survival situation.
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Hello my name is Lonnie and My wife is Connie.
Here at Far North Bushcraft And Survival you will learn about many long forgotten tricks and tips of the old time woodsmen. Not only will you learn about bushcraft / woodcraft but you will learn many things that will help you to survive in less than ideal "survival" situations as well. Come along and sit with me by the campfire as I delve into these subjects in a way that you can easily learn to then do yourself.
I will show you how to make shelters, gather food, use wild medicines as well as start fires with or without matches, lighters, ferro rods, etc

[@hellsscoutact5379]

As a little kid my dad taught me to carry a different type of fire starting implement in each pocket when I was out brush busting. To this day I still do. Thanks for telling the people that you do the same. Keep Warm. ;-)

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

The ultimate lighter is still a Zippo with extra flint & fuel stored in an eyedropper bottle and stored in a plastic bag in my shirt pocket ... right next to a ferro rod and life boat matches . 3 ways . The ultimate fire starter and signaling device is a road flare cut in 3 pieces + fuse and dipped in wax . Works great in freezing rain and snow when a guy doesn't have time to mess around . Knowing how to use a bow drill and fire plough is a prerequisite . Lonnie says -> Have modern technology , but don't rely on it - Know the old ways and the best piece of survival gear is between your ears = Perfect . Good video and Respect sent .

[@grimmliberty7447]

Master Tracker put your six flints in the bottom of the lighter under the "lift" felt, along with a spare wick. They all fit nicely.

[@ColonelEviscerator]

Thank you for being a breath of fresh air in these days of highly charged political commentary. Sometimes it's nice to just see something useful and educational done by a knowledgeable and calm presenter.

[@fredthorne9692]

During the Apollo missions to the moon, the main module carried three computers. They only needed one computer to make the calculations for course maintenance and engine burns for orbital entries. However, if one computer failed, they had two back up computers to get them back home because no one could rescue them if major problems occurred. The concept is known as triple redundacy. The same applies to what you just described. You can't rely that someone will be able rescue you if you're in a life or death scenario. Having many different ways to start a fire is exactly the same concept. Redundancy in methods of combustion is key to whether one will live or die. So the more varied combustion methods are, the higher the odds of surviving.

[@neologian1783]

Its a true and valid point Fred.....but the metaphor breaks down a little when you consider that they carried "three fully functional computers"....not one computer and one set of stone tools to carve an abacus should the primary computer fail. No, they launched with three fully operational and ready computers. That's effective redundancy. Which is sorta, but not entirely, my point. All this "primitive fire making" stuff is neat and I'm impressed by the people who can do it but in these modern times where fast and effective fire starting methods a ubiquitous and cheap, slagging them off as ineffective seems odd. It's neat that people can make a fire from primitive materials while warm and dry in their back yard....but soaked and freezing give me the instant fire every time......for the very same reason those astronauts needed an instant and working computer right away and something they had to build from materials they may or may not find on the moon.

[@tooterplumber1128]

The last time I tried to use that tool between my ears everyone told me not to do that anymore. Said it was too dangerous. LOL. Enjoyed the the commonsensical thumbs up video. Thank you for sharing.

[@stillnocouch]

As Lars from 'Survival Russia' always says, "The first rule of survival" is to not put yourself in a survival situation.' For weekend / Car-Campers, this is a nice to know -- they aren't likely to ever see this, however. I carry more than one lighter with me ... they're light, compact and work. Amen to you, Brother ... for pointing out that '90% of my fires are started with a lighter' ... It's a convenience item. I have electricity in my home too ... but I still have a flashlight for when the power goes out. The bottom line here, which I wholly agree with, is simple ... don't put all of your eggs in one basket ... 'cause when that basket breaks ... --- Alan

[@-Kreger-]

Great advice. The main point of the video seems to be to practice multiple options. My son and I are very big fans. Keep up the good work. Thanks Lonny.

[@coyb-rd1ft]

One thing that I find works very well with my magnesium and flint ferro rod is tissue/toilet paper. I simply scrape some magnesium filing from my rod into one dry tissue and strike sparks into it and it has never failed me YET. I'd recommend them if you are having trouble finding dry natural fire starters and carry them around as a backup. Thanks for the great video Lonnie.

[@EconoChallenge]

I find some of the early comments interesting. I think this is an excellent reminder of the limitations of this technology. Perhaps this is the first time some viewers have seen a demonstration like this. Well worth it Lonnie! Thank you.

[@moegardner1]

I remember hunting in central Ontario in the winter, 20 below. Not only did the bic not light, but the sandwiches in my coat pocket were frozen solid. No big deal, I was only a couple miles from the cottage, but I had waterproof matches in my kit and started a small fire with some dead wood behind a big outcropping of rock and thawed my lunch and myself, ate, and headed home. I should have learned about ferro rods, but in the 70's they were not really around. I was never in your situation to be sure. Still, a nice memory.

[@mikeboone4425]

Most of your detractors have probably not been outside there back yards and never have been in subzero weather but you know that, you have been oh so kind to them . Thanks again Lonnie for so much common since. Happy Trails

[@DeeMoback]

YUP

[@algator55]

Lonnie both you and your wife are wonderful people keep making these videos we definitely appreciate these videos there's not too many people that are as wonderful as you both anymore, it's refreshing to I know that there are still good people out there thank you.

[@grainplaner216]

down to earth common sense as always Lonnie

[@JoseMora-wc5zz]

This man deserves his own series.

[@jimf1964]

Butane lighters are great. Light weight and pretty reliable, but you always should have at least two methods to make fire.

[@BlueSkyCountry]

Cigar smoker here. A fully topped Zippo is always part of my EDC along with fixed blade and handgun and a tin of stormproof matches. Last thing I want to come upon is wanting a smoke but not able to get a light. Vector also makes the Thunderbird line of butane Zippo inserts. The G model functions just like the Zippo, but uses butane. Flint ignition. Awesome to have as well.

[@starstairs5715]

My Respects and Keep Armed and stay safe I understand and may God bless you

[@thebobcatinthewoods7440]

Like you said, I start 90% of my fires with a Bic lighter, but I also carry a ferro rod, sometimes a magnifying glass, my Mora carbon steel knife, and two separate containers of tinder. In my backpack I have an altoids tin packed with 0000 steel wool, char cloth, 10 feet of jute twine, and a ferro rod. In my possibles bag I carry a stick of fatwood, paper towel strips that have one half soaked in beeswax, and more jute twine. Options are a good thing.

[@MySelfReliance]

Great subject and delivery Lonnie. Redundancy in survival equipment is so important and keeping it on you in different places is too. Thank you

[@jaxsonariel2151]

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[@byrondeacon5122]

@Jaxson Ariel Instablaster =)

[@jaxsonariel2151]

@Byron Deacon I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm in the hacking process atm. I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@jaxsonariel2151]

@Byron Deacon It worked and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thanks so much, you really help me out !

[@byrondeacon5122]

@Jaxson Ariel Happy to help =)

[@johnlorenze3222]

Always good info from Lonnie. I carry bic lighters, storm proof matches, regular kitchen matches in water proof container, magnesium and striker. I still need to practice the bow and drill you've demonstrated. Knowledge is power. Thanks Lonnie.

[@neologian1783]

Nice. A great example backup methods in descending order of ease and effectiveness.

[@miketaylor6700]

Thanks Lonnie for another fine video. I prefer my ferro rod for 90% of my fire making. The trouble is often finding suitable tinder. I rarely can find chaga, and sometimes i can’t even find birch bark.. so I’ve found great success using pine needles. Dried needles when pulverized with a stone will catch a spark for me in a pinch. I hope that helps someone.

[@KahlestEnoch]

Very true, a butane lighter is ok to have with you but it can't be the only thing you have for starting a fire. Multiple fire starters and multiple fire starting materials. great video thanks Lonnie

[@sosteve9113]

Kahlest Enoch agreed 100%

[@L2FlyMN]

I found that out the hard way when I was a kid! It was at least -30 that frosty January morning, & I brought my younger cousin with me cross-country skiing, out to where I had built a lean-to that previous summer. The plan was to go out to the shelter, make a fire, warm back up, then return. Well, when I pulled the bic lighter out of my pocket to light the fire, to my total shock, it was frozen! I was unable to get it to light no mater what I tried! We looked at each other, with our eyes wide open in shock & astonishment. Shivering from the cold, I said, oh no..... let’s go!!! We began our hasty evacuation! We made our way back as fast as we could, becoming more & more numb from the cold as we went. By the time we got back, and what a relief that was, our hands were of no use, frozen to the shape of us holding our ski poles. We had survived what we felt could have easily killed the both of us! After getting into the house to warm back up, with our now thawing fingers burning, we again looked at each other, & said, that was a close one! After surviving that experience, I made it my mission, to now have the ability to start a fire no matter what the conditions, & a bic lighter is no longer known to me as a reliable resource of firemaking!

[@magicod]

Lonnie, I have only read of few of the comments below, and I suspect that many of the nay sayers have not even tried fire starting in their back yard, let alone in the bush. Everything you put forward is good advice and supported by many other teachers of bushcraft/survival/self reliance. It may be worth mentioning that if my Bic runs out of fuel, I know that I can shave off thin slices of the plastic and these work well as an accellerant. And of course, if the striker is still functioning, it may be able to ignite other fire starting materials: fat wood, chaga, petroleum cotton balls, etc.. I love your videos for the how-to nature of them. Keep up the good work. Stephen in Roberts Creek, BC (far from the Far North)

[@musicandcoffee2853]

Wow, this has really set me straight on my own pre-conceived notions about having a Bic lighter. You are so calm and straight forward, you just make sense. Excellent work!

[@barnaclebill1615]

This is one of your best videos Lonnie. I’m going to practice primitive techniques sometimes and give technology a break. Because it may fail and when your survival kit fails... that thing between your ears will be your best kit. I always enjoy the videos! 😊

[@nonenone5667]

good point about the BIC at least not being the ONLY solution for lighting fires. ANY complete fire kit will include a BIC, but no one should RELY on a BIC for a fire. Various methods of lighting fire should always be included in your kit. Fire steel + BIC + matches etc.

[@cmcclellan9721]

IMO, I would think that anyone that goes into the woods with only a lighter for an ignition source is "greenhorn qualified". Needs to get advice from someone that goes out a little more.

[@TheKentuckyWoodsman]

This is something I've known but never heard anyone say. Good job keeping it true.

[@vitoschiraldi9762]

Whenever I hear some youngster crying that "technology is making us all dumber", I'll show this long-bearded knowledgeable guy saying «Yes, *have* technology with you, and *use* it! But *learn how to do without it* [as well]», which pretty much sums it all up. If anything, if it wasn't for technology, I wouldn't be able to watch and listen to this man's very interesting and useful tips, in the first place. Thank you, Lonnie, for all your enjoyably placid lessons :)

[@willardhoward6408]

Excellent video!!! Mors Kohanski said it best “the more you know the less you carry” always have multiple uses for every piece of gear

[@EatCarbs]

I always carry more than one way to make fire. Gotta get out and practice though. Thanks for the video

[@sasquatchlifenotrace8024]

Great teacher, one of the few. Even when it's older material or common sense stuff, still awesome vids.

[@MrBigCookieCrumble]

As they say "2 is 1 and 1 is 0". Always have an alternative to something so vital as starting a fire!

[@fyrehawkSix]

At around 4:54 a squirrel jumped out of the tree in the background and ran left, his right. Made me smile. I always carry a faro rod, bic lighter and windproof matches. Love your videos and the calm way you describe everything in detail. Thumbs up.

[@Thepitz2000]

That was not a Squirrel

[@DerangedSurvival]

I agree %100 you are a respectable woodsman with a great deal of knowledge and experience in the woods.

[@dimitrifortounis4787]

Thanks for sharing. Much appreciated, I always enjoy your down to earth, no nonsense, no gimmick style of thinking. Easy to get pulled in by the gadgets rather than focus on improving knowledge.

[@cephasmartin8593]

In prepping the rule of faith is "Two is one and one is none", meaning that you should always have a backup of critical supplies. In the case of fire making I think I prefer your approach. In my get home bag I have four options - including a long necked BIC lighter and a regular BIC lighter, but I count them as only one type of fire source. I also have my trusty ferro rod and petroleum saturated cotton balls, a 9 volt battery and steel wool, and my trusty old Zippo lighter. I also keep a small watertight container with kindling and survival matches, so I guess that's five. One thing I need to do is learn how to make a friction fire. I need to watch your videos on this. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@billyhill4937]

I learned the hard way that a bic doesn't work well in the cold. The simple solution is to keep your bic/butane lighter in an inside shirt pocket close to your body. Your body heat will keep the lighter warm enough to function even at -40 winter temps.

[@Shastavalleyoutdoorsman]

I do carry two Bic lighters. Alongside a magnesium block and ferro rod and about five other ferro rods. This is a very important video many people may not know butane lighters will not ignite in low oxygen or freezing temperatures often. Let alone when they are wet and you are too. I also carry a hypothermia kit which includes several mylar blankets and packages of "hot hands" that you could put all over your body.

[@thebigjack6703]

Hot hands are life savers

[@tallcedars2310]

Hands down this is the most comprehensive video on winter survival lighting fires. You covered everything you have taught us through previous video's, so for most of us it's a great review. Those new to fire techniques it's a great video to learn "how to" light survival fires in cold weather. I've tried them all and I know my hands freeze and won't work the Bic wheel in -5c, I know it's also very difficult for me to light a fire using the ferro rod in freezing temps. My go to fire starter in any cold weather is the Zippo lighter you demoed a couple years ago. I pre-fill it before heading out and easily get instant fire, even if very windy/cold. Carrying the tin of fuel for it, if the lighter fails, I can always pour it on and use a match to light it. But if i could afford those flares I would use them every time, they are so fast and produce a large amount of heat faster than any other method. I used to carry just matches and got lucky there. Great video Lonnie, thank you for all you have done to educate for wilderness touring, cheers.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

I always carry my zippo in a shirt pocket as well but with a bicycle inner tube over the lighter it will still go empty in a couple months. I filled the zippo just before our moose hunt a little over 2 months ago, but when I pulled it out yesterday it was empty and I could not find my fluid to top it off again. Lol I guess I will have to get more fluid next time we go to town.

[@tallcedars2310]

Zippo's are a pain to keep fueled but they rock, lol.

[@KennethKramm]

You're absolutely correct Lonnie. Thanks for making this video. Excellent demonstration. Under good, conditions, this lighter is easy to use. When wet or cold, the lighter doesn't work. ...ken

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Excellent video - very thought provoking

[@benschildgen4994]

In my fire kit I carry trick birthday candles. My buddy made fun of me for having birthday candles in my fire kit(he did not know they were the trick candles) Then one windy day he got wet while we were hunting and I got a fire going using one of these. He now carries these as well.

[@uuuultra]

didn't happen

[@AdventureTimeOutdoors]

Great video Lonnie. Thats why my primary fire source is my ferro rod and I use it all the time. Even at home. I light my bbq candles and everything else with that rod. Now after a few years of useing the rod all the time. Processing my materials correctly has become second nature in any conditions. I learned the hard way to not rely on a lighter . Luckily I had a ferrorod with me or I might not be here today. Keeping multiple fire sources and keeping my skill set on point saved the day. Thanks for sharing your wisdom Lonnie. I couldn't agree with you more.

[@1rdgrnnr]

I am an outdoorsman, I and my grandsons will share your knowledge and advice. thanks for sharing !!!

[@Critical-thinker85]

another great video Lonnie your a great teacher. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience

[@cunninglinguist9853]

I agree. Lonnie is a great teacher. But in order for a great teacher to gain ground with a student, that student must first have the capacity to learn.

[@cobrakillingfrog646]

Love all of your videos, but in my opinion, this is your best yet!!! Thank you so much!!

[@TheScoutLife75]

Great points. I always have a Bic with me and light the vast majority of my fires with it. But I too carry and practice other ways. I 100% agree that relaying on one method (not just for fire starting) can be asking for trouble during a bad situation. Lighters break and can run out of fuel at the worst times. Sometime "Murphy" tags along on a trip. Having a Plan B and knowing how to use it is always a good idea. Thanks for the great advice!

[@markwilson3941]

Sioux Scout - we gotta get that guy !! Murphy!

[@BruceNitroxpro]

Every time I see one of your videos, I hope I can live up to the example you have set for being "one of those whose unflappable nature saves lives." Well done.

[@EdgewoodOutdoors]

Thanks for the tip on the butane temperature. I didn't know that. Thanks again!

[@johncampbell335]

Next time I have this discussion with someone I can just link to this video, thanks. I have first-hand experience with lighter failures. It's more common than non-smokers think. Sometimes the steel rollers break away or the flint springs fail. Sometimes they discharge all the fuel in your pocket. They also carry much less fuel than they did a few years ago. Convenience, sure. Reliability? No.

[@ensom]

yupp, and the steel roller / flint / housing on the top of lighters is not super tough, all it takes is a fall and it can be damaged and no longer functional. pretty hard to break a ferrocerium rod.

[@modwrath810]

Non Smokers typicaly think a lighter is a lighter and that is not true, a smoker knows buy a BIC. I trust BIC above all other lighters. I would trust a BIC for at least 500 + lights and as much as 1,000 lights. I can say that because I only buy and use BIC. for me, I trust them wet or cold.

[@Khamomil]

Yes and on top of all this, once it's out of commission you're left with a plastic piece of garbage that you'll throw away to pollute the wilderness.

[@luciousbrun5437]

The ultimate instruction in survival bar none: u r ur best survival tool. The penultimate instruction for survival: learn the methods that do not involve technology. Brilliant Lony 👍🏻 I wish the whole world knew those two things, teach them at school.

[@Woodenarrows]

ALL of my field knives are 1095 carbon steel for the reason you mentioned and I ALWAYS carry ferro rod(s). Course I ALWAYS carry a lighter too :-) My Fire kit includes Flint, Striking Steel, Ferro rod, Solar Galss, prepared punk wood and charcloth. Good points Lonnie, enjoy your winter...

[@Hot_Roj]

Only a bad choice if it’s your only choice. I carry matches, ferro rod, and a bic, always have always will.

[@mkizel410]

Did anyone else see the mouse? 4:53 mins in over his right shoulder. snack opportunity missed! lol

[@ghanaboyz]

Thank you very much for making this and sharing. So glad to see this video, sincerely hope many more will also see it.

[@johncoleman2990]

Thank you for your knowledge of alternative fire starting implements.

[@koreakiwon]

Very good point, sir. Your commemts made me think about what I'm relying on. For now, bushcraft is like a costume play to me because I live in downtown. But when the situation becomes survival, I will have to think about what I can do without relying on fancy delicate items. Thank you so much for this great advice. ♡

[@glbwoodsbum2567]

Really great video. Enjoyed it!

[@my_scotland8052]

Great video and sound advice. I carry three methods of fire lighting and the knowledge for more every time I go out. Unless it's raining hard I use a more traditional method to test myself and secure those skills forever. Practice makes perfect. Thank you Lonnie and Connie your videos are a constant source of information and entertainment.

[@HullumpiEsa]

I always carry a pack of matches, sealed in a small plastic bag and a knife whenever im hiking or just out in the woods, you never know what happends. Always prepare. Thanks Lonnie for all the informative videos you produce!

[@Ammobucket]

Rule of 3...always carry at least 3 ways to start a fire in conditions where your life is at stake. Also 3 cutting tools and 3 ways to signal is a good bet.

[@LSSGuru]

I have used a lighter for over 40 years in 26 different countries as a primary fire starter, but I always have a back-up. Never had to use my back-up, not yet anyways.

[@mrdewilliams]

I always enjoy the very practical advice you give. Keep it coming.

[@AdventureTimeOutdoors]

Finally some common sense. I did a video on this very subject when a person commented on one of my ferro rod reviews. A ferro rod saved my life one day when a bic failed me and then dissapeared in the snow when I dropped it because I was shivering and losing control of my extremities. Good practice with a ferro rod I can get a fire lit really fast with a ferro rod. Since that day I got in trouble I practice with my ferro rod all the time and carry my bic lighter. I also revisit alternative methods often to keep them sharp. Great video Lonnie

[@Mister510]

I would never rely on a lighter, but if you find yourself in a situation where it's all you've got, it's too cold to work, and you're freezing/soaking wet put it in your mouth to warm it up. Don't put the metal part in your mouth, keep that dry. Just put the plastic part in your mouth and it will warm up quickly.

[@mem7048]

I carry a road flare wrapped in a sealed drill bit container in my pack at all times in case I need a guaranteed fire no matter what the conditions. That and a ferro rod are part of my edc when in the wilderness

[@johnjensen3728]

Excellent topic, and all that one should know. Thanks for the video Lonnie.

[@miitch99]

Thanks for adding Celcius. Much appreciated, and I never would have thought of a bic lighter not working when wet or cold. Thanks!

[@melbeckner4828]

Any person that doesn't carry AT MINIMUM 3 to 4 ways to start fire, should just stay home on the couch.

[@stevekersey2762]

Bics are great but I always carry multiple fire starters

[@Timothy_Jones]

Thank you sir for your time and help!

[@MJ-km3qz]

Wow! Thank you for this vital information. Keep the videos flowing ;)

[@leighrate]

Zippo time. They don't freeze. Or matches. Personally I would be very care about going out on ice. All fire lightings devices have their limitations. Thanks for pointing this one's limitations out.

[@stinkydroolface]

but they leak. If you dont use it regularly,or keep it filled, they will evaporate over time.

[@leighrate]

stinkydroolface Yes they will, but you can mitigate that by using inner tube/ ranger band as an "O" ring seal. Which also gives a degree of water resistance. End of the day there is no "perfect" fire starter. They also have their pro's & cons.

[@martinraboy5971]

excellent lecture.

[@gillesdomon1606]

Love your teaching. Many thanks for taking the time!

[@MrAwesomeman425]

Great video content as always, Lonnie. I really appreciate the knowledge you share! :)

[@dennisleighton2812]

Very practical advice, thanks. However, just because one uses a Bic 95% of the time doesn't necessarily mean one "depends" on it, not solely. As you rightly point out, one should have other back-up means, like a ferrocerium rod, storm matches, flint/steel, etc. That is being practical to cover that other 5% of times. Of course, again as you rightly said, using one's brain also helps to take steps to cover that 5%! Like: In sub-zero temperatures, keep your pic inside your underpants (Yes, seriously!). Always pack your Bics in separate Zip-loc bags. (at least 3!) Always carry a candle (or at least a short length of candle), or a few tea lights. Always have plenty of those cotton make-up removal pads, rubbed with vaseline (also in Zip-loc bags). [The cotton wool balls are too bulky) Before venturing out into bad weather conditions, spend some time beforehand going over ALL your options, maybe beefing up on fire-making materials. If you have a fire kit, make sure it's topped up and more than adequate. Don't RELY on your knife to strike your ferro rod - have a back-up striker. Always pack a pencil sharpener (quickest way to make lots of very fine curls!). Always have some duct tape. Pack lengths of it everywhere you possibly can! But, the best precaution of all, by a country mile, is to avoid those circumstances where you could get into difficulty, as far as possible. How? Planning! Think ahead, plan ahead, prepare ahead, and stockpile ahead! That is, after all what summer is for! That should take care of those 5% of times when a Bic MIGHT let you down. Thanks for the video!

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

I agree with basically everything you said here. However I do want to point out that I encourage people to have and know how to use fire starting helps but not to rely even on them. I encourage people to routinely start their everyday fires with nothing but natural local found materials other than the firestarter itself such as a lighter or matches etc. Save the fire starting helps for more emergency type use.

[@dennisleighton2812]

@@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival Fair enough. I just get the idea from other KZbin presenters that those ways are the only ways they consider acceptable, especially using a lighter, or matches. You do, however, make a good point. Thanks

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

I failed to address the reason why I espouse the previous stance of firecraft. Far too many people would be helpless if they ever found themselves in an emergency situation and did not have the fire starting helps such as cotton and Vaseline. On the other hand, if they did not rely on those helps but rather took the time to train themselves how to become proficient in firecraft without them, they would be confident of being able to light a fire in an emergency situation regardless of their equipment/supply list at that moment in time. In an emergency, by all means, use any fire starting helps one might have, but if no helps are available, one should have the necessary skills to light that fire anyway.

[@dennisleighton2812]

@@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival Thanks, and very relevant.

[@GreatBoneStructure]

You can get a flame from a completely empty bic. Fold a piece of paper to make a crease, then thumb the lighter's wheel slowly, without creating a spark, up side down over the paper. It will grind flint particles onto the paper. Gently fold and tap the paper to concentrate a stripe of flint particles in the crease. Have tinder ready, then direct sparks from the dead lighter at the flint in the crease. It will flare and light the paper. Presto!

[@BlueSkyCountry]

Or you can soak a twisted up flake of napkin with lighter fluid, stick it in the Bic's flame aperture and strike the wheel. You'll get a nice 3-6 second flame to light your tinder, like a short match.

[@Revenant1431]

Wise words. Thanks Lonnie.

[@WiltshireMan]

Words of wisdom Lonnie. Thankyou.

[@action55jackson]

There is also an elevation limit on use of butane. Don’t remember for sure but I think it’s around 7000 feet at temperatures above 50F.

[@ianlevine273]

Great video Lonnie. Nothing wrong with a Bic lighter, but you want a backup.

[@mikemaners4411]

Always great to watch your vids, thanks from Montreal!

[@hikerdaven.e.bigfoot9443]

Thank you for another great vid Lonnie.

[@dansw0rkshop]

This is good, I've used many alternate fire sources such as fire piston. However, I always take a bic lighter. If your armpit is not warm enough to vaporize butane after a dunking in icy water, you've got bigger problems than your fire source.

[@LarryVickery]

I am a Bic fan (lazy), but have overlooked the possible problem with Butane evaporation. Henceforth, l will carry the ferro rod as well.

[@pupeno]

Thank you for adding the Celsius conversions.

[@TressaZimmerman]

Your right the best tool we have is our mind. I am glad you brought it up.

[@charlheynike9619]

I think the bic lighter will work 99% of the time and be easier to use; but it's good to have the fire steel rod for backup.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

I agree. Like I think i said in this video, I light perhaps 90% of my fires with a butane lighter but i will not depend solely on that lighter when it comes to survival. I always have backup means of fire lighting.

[@travisorr6437]

It's a good idea to practice using other methods of lighting a fire also. I've seen guys struggle with their brand new flint and steel set in the middle of winter. It's always a good idea to practice using any of your survival items so you know what you're doing before you're in a situation where you really need it. I practice using my equipment anytime I take the family camping. That being said, I have a new 5 pack of Bics in my camping/bug out bag.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Excellent advice Travis and is just how I feel also.

[@SouthernPatriot1]

Travis Orr I agree 100%...better to need and have than to need and not have.

[@cunninglinguist9853]

@@SouthernPatriot1 I know you meant to say: it's better to have it and not need it then to need it and not have it.

[@williamshull5489]

I love learning survival tips from ZZ-Top

[@wandererstraining]

Wise words right there! When I was traveling and living outside, in my fire kit, I had all of the mentioned items. I had a firesteel, an airtight container full of matches, two Bic lighters and a magnifying glass, on top of a knife and a multitool, the knife I always carried on me. I always had a couple possibly useful items as well, like a roll of trapline, a wire saw, a small fishing kit, a first aid kit and an emergency blanket.

[@brunocasale9813]

Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us Lonnie, i absolutly agree with you.

[@mikaelkarlsson9099]

Nice video!! Personally i carry a Zippo with spare parts and a extra gascontainer, Ferro rod and stormproof matches, I live in northern Sweden ( North of the Arctic circle) so i guess we have the same kind of conditions for getting a fire started, all 3 have never failed me yet :) But i like to have as we say in Sweden "both belt and suspenders" bcs Mr Murphy is a reality in survival and bushcraft. Cheers

[@ruthless4645]

Always carry multiple fire starting methods. Remember...Two is one, one is none.

[@2adamast]

One is none, that's me all over, I need at least two tries for every successful attempt.

[@lighterpacks]

I've had my Bic lighter die on my second day of a eight day solo hike in northern Sweden. It got wet and then broke, never worked again... I'm really happy I brought my ferro rod with me so I didn't have cold food/drink for the rest of the hike. Fun thing is, I almost forgot the ferro rod at home and just saw it last minute before I left double checking that I got everything with me.

[@ScottWConvid19]

As always, another very helpful video. thank you my friend. 🔥

[@memathews]

Absolute agreement: your brain is your best tool. But it does need to be prepared and practiced. I volunteer on wilderness duty for the Forest Service on Mt Hood and surrounding areas, just 50 minutes from Portland's 2.2 million residents. One of my winter tasks is preparing new materials and lessons for teaching wilderness safety, which we teach ad hoc on the trail in the wilderness. For emergency fire we look at what unprepared day hikers might carry, that t-shirt hem you mentioned works as dry tinder, hand sanitizer as fire accelerant, potato chips and corn chips as candle-like tinder (they burn like a five-minute candle), tampons as waterproof tinder. We do the same for navigation, water purification, first aid, weatherproofing, and food, what can people use that they have with them or can carry next time. All this even though our real goal is getting visitors to follow Leave No Trace so they have somewhere wild to visit so close to the city the next time they come. Thanks for doing all you do.. Getting to Alaska has been my dream since the early 60s, someday I'll get there.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

You may enjoy watching a recent video I did as it is on the same subject. Maybe someday you will make it to Alaska. 23 Plus Items To Help Light A Campfire kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5DOoICpaLSDqJo

[@memathews]

@@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival Yep, I watched the 23+ Items video and it was a good compendium. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@andrewgiglio7287]

"Learn to make do with what you've got, better yet learn to do without."

[@NewtonWashinton]

Hi Lonnie , lots of very good information. Thank You!

[@kypesandstripesoutdoors]

Another excellent video my friend! I have been chastised on other videos warning people against being solely dependant on Bic lighters. I carry them often but always have at least three forms of ignition! And you nailed it 110%! I have dedication myself to learning every form of fire starting I can and anyone who likes to get "lost" in nature should do the same. You can never be to prepared! Your videos always teach me something new and I can't thank you enough for that! God bless and take care!

[@razmoe2000]

I'm 55 and have spent all my life enjoying the bush. I keep a lighter in every pocket and have them in sanwich bags in all my packs. Spend a month at a time in the bush and never had a problem yet

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

That is good that you have never had a problem. I too have been in the woods since my childhood with over 4 decades of that time being in Alaska. I have experienced bic butane lighter failure many times. I never will trust my life to lighters because of the experiences I have had with them. I will continue to use them faithfully but am wise enough to carry alternative fire lighting methods. In a survival situation I will probably reach for my lighter first (depending on the situation) but if it fails me, I will be prepared to adapt. I recommended others do the same especially if they live in cold climates.