Micro Altoids EDC Fire Survival Kit

[@LIBERTYVIEWS]

Altoids also makes their tiny tin that opens like the big ones, if you wanted to make an even smaller fire kit. Advantage to that style is it's easier to find things when the lid opens up exposing the entire width of the tin, rather than opening at the end where you have to empty things out to get to the bottom items. Having said that, those are cool new tins though.

[@Adavis1993.]

That is amazing I have a normal altoid tin but I have never seen a micro tin

[@footofjuniper8212]

I sought out this video because I just watched your 206 piece EDC kit video, and was like, "Guitar picks?!? Okay, that's something I haven't seen before." I was racking my brain as to what they would contribute to a fire kit; the best I could come up with was that they were some sort of stick-whittling device. I had no idea they were flammable. Thanks for teaching me something new!

[@Emiliapocalypse]

Dang. I just threw away a tiny tin from some Raw rolling papers that would have been perfect for this. So inspired to try this that I’m about to go diving headfirst into my recycle in to retrieve it!

[@kassemmansour534]

I made my own Altoids First Aid Kits, I keep it in my pocket all time in case of emergency, because it’ll saves my life someday.

[@mitchcoleman1238]

I love your mini Alford’s fire kit!! I’m still gathering ideas to put mine together!! So thanks for the insight!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@DropForgedSurvival]

This was a fun build back in the day.

[@redhood453]

I just came across them and I had so many ideas

[@knightlight8088]

Awesome little fire kit. I've already searched for the spark wheel flint striker. Thanks for posting!

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Wow thanks for using our links and supporting the channel! Means alot!

[@36reapergrim]

Very cool kit! I'll have to utilize some of your ideas when I craft mine. Thanks for the video!

[@jackg.7745]

Great kit and video. It's scary how much we think alike. I build all of my mini kits out of (I call it) the vertical Altoids tins. I also do survival, fishing and snare kits with this tin. The main reason I like this tin over the usual Altoids tin is that I also wrap Gorilla Tape around the tin. I started using this style tin is because it would fit in a pouch on my first real survival knife sheath. The regular tin wouldn't fit. Any how, you might want to add tape. Thanks for the info.

[@grouch314]

I'd swap the scalpel blade for a vic escort or maybe the classic. Smaller, stronger, safer and better edge retention

[@scottblevins4114]

Chris, not sure if you're still doing the Altoids Article Fire Kit challenge, but as a fellow Texas (Dallas) I can't believe you put a birthday candle in your kit. One hour in your car in the Summer, and that candle is a melted blob of wax (I know personally). Anyhow, something you should add to yours that takes up zero space is a 2-3" long piece of a carbon steel hacksaw blade. Throws good sparks with quartz or flint (which there's plenty of in San Antonio).

[@scottblevins4114]

'Altoids Arctic', I mean.

[@danbeidler2066]

Nice kit! The guitar pick is new to me! Thanks

[@sa345nva46usasog2010]

I think that the micro tin would make a good small first aid kit that you can fit in your pocket

[@jeffmauldin2841]

Something I do with all of my lighters is wrap duct tape around the striking trigger, that way there is no. Hence it will get pushed in and the fluid leak out plus that gives me a small amount of duct tape which is flammable or can be used for small repairs. I also wrap a snare cord or some fishing line around the lighters sometimes, never hurts to have a way to catch something to cook over it and takes up almost no space.

[@whip4160]

This is actually pretty cool micro kit... 👍

[@allanpeterson2364]

chuck the Q-tips and add 2 or 3 wider and longer jute strands, more tinder than 2 Q-tips. dump the flint holder and just duct tape them to the indent in the lid to save space. Add another trick candle, will help dry out marginal/wet tinders by having a longer burning flame source. ditch the scalpel and add a 3' x 1/8th " ferro rod and a striker blade. JMHO ;)

[@WarGrrl3]

I was just about to say guitar picks and then your pulled them out...lol I can't come out w a better idea; yours is perfect. ty

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Thanks... I dont think its perfect..Im always exploring building and trying to find better ways to do things!

[@theshanester9823]

Crest kit. Thinking outside the box. Keep up the great work

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Thank you sir. I try to be as creative as possible.

[@michaelcanning2815]

Nice kit! I need to get one (or two) of those flint wheels!

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Its totally Worth it!

[@MrRoman-lo6ih]

U can use a discarded lighter and cut it to fit.

[@cantrell0817]

Interesting ideas. I'd replace the flint wheel and spare flint with a small fire steel and striker.

[@dgriffin9638]

The Bic is all you need, if you have a knife to cut shavings off any wood. Don't have wood? Don't have fire. Freeze to death in the dark, my friend. That said, I'm going to put one of your kits in my trunk, and in my backpack if I go off the beaten-path. Thanks!

[@ModernSurvivalSense]

You could save space by putting the extra flints in a different ziplock baggie or in with the char cloth. Good kit, overall though!

[@howtobeawesomeatsucking.4265]

I keep one of those scalpels in my wallet with a few bandaids, matches(with strike strip), slingshot pouch, and 2 paperclips and a Bobby pin for lock picking. And a small plastic baggie for water collection. Overall great kit! Gonna get one to replace my full EDc Altoids tin.

[@Club_vibes69]

The only thing that I would add to this kit is tow trick candles instead of one

[@smallwaterfishing22]

awesome kit. very interesting , now i know what to build with my altoids mini tins

[@outdoorsurvivalshop8986]

Awesome video! Challenge accepted! I think I have some other ideas you might like! I enjoy making fire kits!

[@renegade7493]

only thing i see if your stuck and frozen its a pain to get out of small can esp if fingers frozen...but always love your videos...God bless.

[@DropForgedSurvival]

This kit is specifically designed around my environment which is South Central texas. We dont exactly freeze. also its something available via Front Pocket Carry. Is it perfect.. heck on.. Hence the Challenge! Thanks a bunch.. Means alot

[@renegade7493]

sorry thinking out loud...

[@DropForgedSurvival]

El Lobo oh.. No problem at all. Never bad to see and think of different angles and scenarios.

[@PrioritySurvival]

Very nice kit, I will have to take on this challenge also!

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Nice! Cant wait for the VR! and Thank you!

[@valhernandez8980]

DropForgedSurvival can Use a really small altoids box

[@PreparedWolf34]

Now that's a very cool kit.

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Thanks man!

[@thorin693]

with that flint wheel you need some waxed jute twine,just fluff up one end and light.

[@neddmoulton1]

That's a great micro kit.

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Thank you! Means alot

[@LatinMatrixCrew]

I like your idea on this. Will make my own thx

[@texaslonestarrider]

Very Cool Fire kit!

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Thank you sir. I put alot of though into this build!

[@blakebaker7432]

That was amazing. Challenge excepted

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Thanks Blake

[@nikkogutierrez5393]

Great fire kit will accept the challenge can you post the link to the larger one.

[@ryanphillips4975]

your kit kicks ass

[@DropForgedSurvival]

haha thanks

[@gtbirdleg]

i love this and i will build my mini altoid fire kit. great kit!

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Awesome! Glad I could help with some ideas.

[@ClaudiuMunteanu]

amazing kit bro

[@anthonygomez446]

impressive kit sir very cool...

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Thank you! I love how it came together!

[@iiisetssurvival674]

good kit! would be great attached to a knife sheath

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Definitely

[@richshawver2130]

I typically carry 3 ignition sources. A Bic lighter the mini is capable of starting hundreds of fires and the full sized thousands. A ferro rod and strikes as a backup. Finally a credit card fresnel lens as a last resort solar lighter or as a renewable source under the right conditions. I also include a pencil sharpener. It can grind out a huge pile of paper thin shavings in next to no time. Even if the wood is wet this leaves only the outer edge damp on the shavings with the rest dry. Take your flints out of the package it wastes space. You could wrap them in tape or better align them on the sparker and tape in place. But better yet take a straw piece pinch one end with needle nose pliers and melt the plastic. Pack the flints inside trim pinch and melt. It makes a much smaller package. Fat wood is a buzz word type substance not worth the space it takes or even worth the carry weight. Vaseline or paraffin infused cotton balls catch easier and burn longer. A birthday candle is a good flame extender but the trick ones are not worth the extra cost. I went to the expense to test the effectiveness. As per the package they need to burn 30 seconds to reliably relight. Under 10 seconds they act like a normal candle. At around 20 seconds call it a 50-50 chance of relight. After 30 they work as advertized. If you can’t get the candle into your tinder in far less time what is it worth the added expense? Use regular candles they work fine but with both types in high heat conditions can melt and make a real mess. Use the sealed plastic straw trick as a packaging method. The average straw will hold 2 candles. You can also pack 2 strike anywhere matches facing in opposite directions if you desire them. Just be careful heat sealing them. While I typically do not use fire starters I consider them an emergency item. I would rather build a proper fire lay. I do carry a couple of them for those few fires that have to be kindled right now. There are many great commercial starters out there and it appears you carry most of them. I much prefer to make my own. Mine work as well and cost a great deal less. I am frugal by nature but I had to learn to be because I have never had an over abundance of cash available so have had to learn to make do. All the fire starters I make are packaged in heat sealed straws. They are waterproof, contain any potential messes, are discreet packages and the straws being plastic add to the burn time. I find about a 2 inch section works best. Most will burn for several minutes. Everyone has heard of Vaseline coated cotton balls. While Vaseline seems to be optimum any flammable oil can work. Conversely wax can be used instead. This can be paraffin, used candle wax or even beeswax. I tend to shy away from beeswax it simply costs too much. A possible substitute for the cotton balls is saw dust. Pine is excellent because of the resin it contains just like fat wood. These are your long burn fuel. To make seal the first end of the straw. Start filling the first 1/3 of the straw with the fuel compound of your choice. Pack it as tight as possible. A match stick or something similar works. The fuel does not catch as well especially from a spark. Therefore the center 1/3 needs something that is easy to light. An untreated cotton ball will work. To increase the performance some powdered magnesium mixed in will cause it to catch and burn hotter. Char clothe is probably the best spark catcher. The first 2 will quickly light from a ferro rod and maybe from a lighter type spark. If you are reduced to old fashioned flint and steel or worse yet a spark from banging 2 rocks together or maybe the coal from a fire drill you need something like char clothe to increase the odds of starting. A little magnesium in the char clothe couldn’t hurt. Pack the rest with more fuel and seal. To use slit the straw fluff the center portion and light. For a source of magnesium is to use a fine toothed file and a Coglan’s ferro rod with the big block of magnesium. A bit of work and I have a pile of powder. I do build and carry one super starter. I fill a straw with thermite mixed with some magnesium powder. It burns hot enough to thaw out frozen and dry out wet wood. This is a last resort for the most adverse conditions. An excellent source of tinder I have found while in the woods is dried bark. But to use it does need a bit of processing. Using 2 rocks grind it into a powder. Being dark it absorbs the heat from lens focused sunlight better. The bark dust can be placed under the board of a fire drill to increase the coal you make. A separate slab of bark can function as a dish to hold the powder and transfer it to the tinder bundle. I have also learned a better way to make fire by friction. Hand spinning a spindle can lead to exhaustion and blistered hands. The problem I found with the standard bow drill is it also requires a lot of effort. The sideways torque of sawing back and forth with the bow will often break or displace the spindle at about the point where the coal is generated. Meaning you practically have to starting over. What I do is I build a quick and dirty primitive drill. I take 4 sticks an inch or so in diameter around a foot long. I put 2 on either side of the spindle and the other 2 on either side at 90 degrees to the first 2. Then lash them fast. This forms a fly wheel to keep the spindle spinning. Take your cordage place it in a notch at the top of the spindle. And tie the ends of the cord to the ends of a stick like a bow drill. Twist the spindle to wind up the cord. Now you push down which causes the spindle to spin. The momentum from the fly wheel will keep it spinning and rewind the cord. Repeating the pumping keeps it spinning faster and easier than with a bow drill. Since the force is straight down it is less likely to break or pop the spindle out of the notch in the fire board. If the sticks alone don’t provide enough momentum 4 equal sized rock can be lashed to the arms.

[@CreativeRedundancy]

This is cool man :D Well if i had the tin i would make one. I made a mini one( palm size.) and yes i do have others larger tins/waterproof depending what im doing for the day.

[@PoorMansPreparing]

Nice kit man.

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Thank you. I put alot of Work into my DIY Kits

[@djscorpio0966]

Wow! Awesome fire kit! Subbed!

[@dustin7562]

Awesome kit! I want you to do a survival kit using that tin

[@DropForgedSurvival]

The Micro Tin? Im planning on it Already..

[@dustin7562]

DropForgedSurvival I just made me one your video got me in the mood for it

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Make a video! Take pictures... Show me! I want to see it! Ill at worst make a video of all the Kits built out of inspiration to this one!

[@-EchoesIntoEternity-]

did they recently change the micro altoid tins? i thought you meant to really tiny version of the normal altoid tin with the teeny mini altoids in it. what do you think about soaking the q-tips in vaseline stored in those mini baggies? would double as minor emergency lip balm for cold weather just in case. great kit, enjoyed watching!

[@DropForgedSurvival]

That is something to look into.. Maybe some "Cling Wrap" to save space

[@Twoht1]

DropForgedSurvival

[@nathanaelor]

What is your philosophy or methodology for this kit? It seems like spreading out your fire making ability would be a good protection against loss, damage, or theft. Also, why do you need a 5 year supply of fire for an EDC kit? It seems like one good waterproof tinder source with a ferro rod and a lighter would be a pretty good kit. 3 of those kits spread around your gear makes more sense to me than such a showcase of fire starting products in one container. This seems more like the stuff you'd put in an INCH bag. Perhaps you like fire more than me ;)

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Having a small ultra compact kit for fire starting. Spreading it out where exactly? Different pockets or pouches in a pack.. if we go "hypothetical" you have your backpack... it gets raided, destroyed, lost, etc..... this is small enough to be a pocket friendly backpack on your person at all times in case that happens.

[@nathanaelor]

My bad. I meant to post that comment under the "MY 200 Piece FIRE STARTING Survival Kit" video. It just seemed like overkill. I personally would split the 200pc kit into several altoid type/size kits instead, and wondered your reasoning for going with such a large, varied, and thorough kit dedicated to just fire making.

[@Prepping2endure]

Sweet Kit. whats you thoughts of putting some of the smalls in another plastic bag to easily pull from the tin? i.e ( zippo starters, cut down a tad more the q tips)

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Check out my Glove Box Fire Kit and my Bug out Bag video! We go into more depth there

[@projectprepper4263]

awesome! I love these tins

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Thanks. So do I

[@harmonykeys1777]

Very good

[@elvinamillaneam]

awesome in a small can...

[@DropForgedSurvival]

A very very small can!

[@survivalgear1017]

DropForgedSurvival they made a more smaller altoids can

[@allanmartin7898]

I like using a white Bic lighter in my kits because you can see how much fuel is in it and don't have to guess like other dark colored bics

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Historically I use the see through white ones..

[@grouch314]

Allan Martin with a bright flashlight, you can usually see through the other ones too

[@reeceambridge1096]

I made an okay one from a vape pen tin

[@DropForgedSurvival]

If it works for you.. Go for it!

[@cristiansanchez3048]

Great video keep it up

[@crerar01]

What brand of flint wheel is that?

[@MrSunshine1206]

Great vid! Great kit!

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Thank you!

[@Anlushac11]

Is the micro almonds tin waterproof?

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Nope. You can could ranger band it and make it resistant.

[@Bune80]

That Flint starter was in that zippo kit then?

[@poppopscarvinshop]

That's a Cool Kit! But, I have a Question. What is the blade for? Great Video, Thanks Much & Have Fun!

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Tinder..... In case I need an Emergency Striker or Back back of tinder shavings.. not ideal.. but 2 is 1 and 1 is none

[@lakrabid]

If two is one and one is none does not two also equal none? That saying is very dumb. Its a catchphrase though and I understand its purpose.

[@magicshon]

wish i had those containers to try it out

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Its alot of fun to tinker with!

[@dantoti657]

that's a great kit. how many fires do you think it carries? great video!

[@DropForgedSurvival]

If i ration it out 25-30... if I gather tinder like a big boy.. More

[@ryanphillips4975]

love it bad ass kit

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Thank you sir.

[@kevinfalco5882]

very nice like it alot

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Thanks! Means alot!

[@CCumby007]

Where did you get that flint wheel from?

[@dirtyscoundrel2013]

I'd repack the spare Flint's. That holder takes up too much room.

[@psycholocke4090]

my personal approach would be different. under the viewpoint of a challenge it might make sense to put a hell lot of small stuff into it. but under survival circumstances that is questionable. you have essentially 2 methods of fire making in there and a lot of small fire starters that will make it more ease to get a fire going. ask yourself "what would happen if you and your kit will fall into cold water?" your lighter won't work and your sparking rod might as well be out of use. additionally all your stuff is very small and with freezing fingers hard to use. I'm not saying your kid isn't good or anything, but might not be usefull under difficult circumstances.

[@turtled4202]

The flint wheel? Where to get?

[@christian_t_g_1928]

Ok I have a stupid question, what is the purpose of ranger bands?

[@DropForgedSurvival]

They burn really well and shock absorption if it drops or falls as well help keep it closed

[@Jaybird196]

They can also be used, hypothetivally, be used to create crude tension-release-type weaponry (slingshots, and such).

[@blindsurvival8570]

Where can I get that metal flint wheel?

[@Wysiwyg101]

I just don't see the need to carry something like that in my everyday travels. I live in suburbia and I work in an urban area. I've never had a need to start a fire in anything that I do in everyday life. However, just in case, I do have an Exotac NanoStriker XL attached to my key ring which is almost always with me. That, couple with my Kershaw tango Blur which can be used for feathering if need be, are all the fire starting capability that I feel I need on an everyday basis. Now, the get home bag in my car does have a fire kit in it that is more along the lines of your Plano kit. In fact, I've been a fan of those Plano boxes for a while. My BoB has one. My camping kit has one. Each of the BoB's that I've created for my adult kids has one. Those are fantastic. But, this little one, while it does have that cool factor, I just don't see a need or use for. I do like the components that you have in them and I might add those to the Plano kits though. Also, you do have me wondering what I could use those little Altoid tins for regarding other small kits. Maybe a great little sewing kit....hmmm, now there's an idea. Or, a tiny little fishing kit. Well, thanks for sharing the video. I did learn a lot from it even if I don't adopt the actual idea you are proposing.

[@DropForgedSurvival]

I dont think anyone is straight mimic my kits.. They are just that.. ideas... food for thought. To get the Brain Juices turning.. From your comment. I did just that! Have a great day!

[@Wysiwyg101]

Yupp...you sure did. And, I was thinking the same thing. About getting the brain juices flowing that is. Well, that is, if I had any to get going...lol. Hope you have an awesome day as well.

[@jasonb4520]

Love it

[@cosmicyeti3233]

whats the surgical blade for?

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Its a blade. Very useful

[@budgetsurvival1981]

where i can buy that flint firestarter?

[@VAMobMember]

I have never seen that tin, does Amazon carry it today?

[@DropForgedSurvival]

I built this kit.. links in the video description

[@Wysiwyg101]

I saw some at Walmart just yesterday. Target probably has them as well.

[@blakebaker7432]

And btw nice kit

[@theoutdoorsmans1557]

where can I get a flint wheel??

[@DropForgedSurvival]

The zippo Emergency Firestarter. I have an amazon buy link in this video. "Thanks in advance for supporting the channel"

[@fredluden2298]

Where do you get your ranger bands?

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Amazon.. as always.. links to support us and your preps in the description box

[@2012Viking]

If you have an old unused bike, cut up the tire inner tubes, or go to any bike repair place, they usually throw out the tubes... free ranger bands

[@twiggantt5350]

Anyone ever post any vids?

[@txlilstar63safenotsorry]

GOOD LIL KIT CHANGE OUT THE GUITAR PIC FOR FREE PLASTIC BREAD TIES.

[@victortheiguana8315]

Well I've seen altoids tens and thousands of times

[@georgiagunner4782]

challenge accepted 👌🇺🇸

[@VAMobMember]

I have never found that tin

[@Jonasjohannes145]

Put a Clipper lighter in the fire kit

[@grandmasterautistwizard4291]

Kartoffel Kopf Oh those things are great, I have two or three flint wheels out of those.

[@Wyatt_Ali]

No

[@davidtrajan95]

will you give that box to me

[@davidtrajan95]

i need small

[@davidtrajan95]

i will give my address

[@atlas1916]

HELLO KZbin !!! why tf do you have to scream so loud

[@DropForgedSurvival]

I was talking to your neighbors, 3 doors down.

[@jpgr8937]

my micro tin is full of pine sap

[@DropForgedSurvival]

That doesnt seem good...

[@jpgr8937]

I just cut a little out and light it with a lighter sometimes, but really I didn't have a Ziploc bag when a white pine was puking some SAP so I just filled the Altoids tin with it😂😋😏

[@DropForgedSurvival]

sweet

[@Anlushac11]

Curse spell correction...Altoids

[@anthonygomez446]

magnesium tabs? wtf. cheater! lol...

[@DropForgedSurvival]

Id like to think more along the lines of...... well.. Cheating! lol