This Firesteel Technique can Save your Life

This Firesteel Technique can Save your Life
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[@SurvivalLilly]

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[@harryfire411]

I have been camping for 10 years I use a propane torch to start the campfire

[@joyce7892]

@@harryfire411 My son does the same!

[@dl8619]

2:27 how often do you find cotton in nature. Me looking out my back window to a 200 acre field of cotton in Georgia the American Georgia not that other one in the Baltics. Lol

[@doubleblessings-royalcrowr1669]

Survival usually doesn't include a propane torch. idget. Nor a field of cotton.

[@user-zq9xh4rc3c]

Please stop giving bad advice. We do it the correct way is so it allows our tool to last as long as possible. Striker should always follow all the way through, so a worn fire steel should have a tip to it, not a flat spot in the middle so it could break off later... Please learn how to properly use a fire steel. You are giving poor advice.

[@robinj.9329]

Very interesting! I first learned the "Pinching Down" method in the Boy Scouts at age 12 ! And I've used it for nearly 60 years! Keep up the good work!

[@fcacace0211]

Exactly, same here. Surprised more outdoors folks aren’t aware of this.

[@user-zq9xh4rc3c]

very interesting. i was trained that this specifically was an incorrect way for it destroys the life of your rod. Wearing only the middle down could cause it to break in the middle later. Striker should always follow all the way through, so an old worn fire steel should have a tip to it, like a sharpened pencil, not a flat spot in the middle so it could break off later... you follow all the way through to the end of the rod. never wear down only the middle like she is doing. Try slowly scraping off a bit of metal, making a pile, then striking that. its how the actual pros do it.

[@charlesfinance1897]

Glad to see you are still at it, Lilly. Some of your "fire steel" videos are teaching young teenagers in Idaho, United States how to enjoy camping in this beautiful region with simple and proven techniques. Thank you for great content!

[@77Matt]

This is a great survival hack. It always looks easy on YT, but believe Lilly: it is not. Moreover, with the 'flying' technique not only do the sparks have to travel further, they also are aimed much less accurately.

[@savage22bolt32]

Exactly what I was going to say!

[@user-zq9xh4rc3c]

She did it wrong. Striker should always follow all the way through, so an old worn fire steel should have a tip to it, like a sharpened pencil, not a flat spot in the middle so it could break off later... you follow all the way through to the end of the rod. never wear down only the middle like she is doing. Try slowly scraping off a bit of metal then striking that.

[@spencerscott9460]

I am 70 years old and did 16 and a half years in the Army. We were taught to turn our knife over as Lily did, but, we used the knife to pinch and hold the tinder in place. We then pulled the steel up as if starting a lawn mower. This way all the sparks go in one direction and the result is the tinder catches fire quicker because of the concentration of the sparks. Good Job Lily!

[@Georgiaonmymind862]

Thank you , Lilly! This is a lot better method to save equipment and start a fire quicker!

[@CampfireKodiak]

I use that technique too most of the time. I like to make my feather sticks flat on each side so the rod will easily hold it in place. You did a great job with the shavings. I tend to scatter them to the wind.

[@ReelCoast79]

You can also shave some of the magnesium into your tinder when damp. I use this method along with the “pinch down” when tinder isn’t dry completely.

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

A ferro rod isn’t magnesium. If you get one of the original magnesium block sets you’ll see it has a separate ferro rod embedded in it.

[@Hy-jg8ow]

@@bob_the_bomb4508 I am a total noob so, would you be able to use any iron bar with a similar shape and size to generate these sparks?

[@Hy-jg8ow]

@UCIJqyUnZacRvOjuYpEdB3sg Thanks!

[@wintersnowwintersnow1815]

@@Hy-jg8ow Hi friend i think no because you need a metal which is soft enough to produce sparks when you use it. You can try with there ferroceriums or if you want to look like a pioneer you can use a flint stone you can find in nature, it makes sparks even if it's more difficult to use than the ferro rods.

[@Hy-jg8ow]

@@wintersnowwintersnow1815 Flint stones are those white ones?

[@divadonna5670]

Love these demos & teaching skills videos-you sold me on the pinching down method

[@jerryshortt2479]

Lilly, what a great demo. Nice job!

[@erolkavlakverizon6112]

Miss Lilly, thank you for explaining the flying firesteel. I have seen it like that and the pull toward you method and never understood why the don't strike the steel into the tinder bundle instead of onto it. Thanks again. Your technique is exactly what I do.

[@Moe-ge6vv]

Love your channel Lilly. Learning so much from you! 😊~a Canadian friend

[@metaldetectingbrooklyn9896]

Excellent technique Lilly, thank you for another great tip.

[@neiloler]

I had to learnt his thorough rough experience and practice, pinching down method is generally a more sure thing to light most kinds of tinder.

[@davidguerrero9270]

Incredibly clever, thanks for posting!!

[@corsicaexplorationmysteres9965]

Really good techniques always good to recall, good work Lilly.

[@sirgalahad3574]

I saw this once before. It made sense, and I've never used the "flying" method since. Plus, if you do pack cotton, rub it around in some Vaseline before packing it. Amazing results.

[@tahoemike5828]

If you are prepared enough to have pre-made tinder, that's camping not survival. Most people don't carry Vaseline (petroleum jelly) with them, but many do carry a first aid kit. Antibiotic ointment (not cream) is mostly petroleum jelly, and can be used the same way on dodgy tinder you find in the field. A small cut that gets infected can kill you in a survival situation as quickly as anything else in the wild, so a tube of antibiotic is worth its weight in gold in your kit, especially if you think of it as a multi use item.

[@warden1969]

Tried this method and, of course, it works, so obvious once you see it being done. I just assumed that I’d bought crappy firesteels, thanks Lily.

[@everready19373]

Cotton balls or dryer lint slathered in Vaseline makes a great fire starter. I keep mine in an old 35mm film canister. I've had it for nearly 40 years.

[@SCSlimBoiseID]

Film cannisters - one more thing that technology has (or soon will) rob us of. They are virtually unparalleled for keeping things dry that need to stay that way. A fairly decent (but basic) survival kit can be made with one.

[@everready19373]

@@SCSlimBoiseID Prescription bottles work pretty well too.

[@SCSlimBoiseID]

@@everready19373 Indeed they do. 😎👍

[@Wildwestwrangler]

I use empty pull bottles for my cotton swab dipped in petroleum jelly

[@SCSlimBoiseID]

@@Wildwestwrangler See there? Another cool repurposing for pill bottles.

[@michaelcapeless3268]

Really good, Lilly. I appreciate this demonstration. Thank you.

[@dianewalker9154]

Valuable info! Thanks not only for sharing, but also for demonstrating.

[@rodneybetts6086]

You have it right that the "Pinching Down" method is the better way to use a Fire Steel. Thank you for another Great Video Lilly.

[@howdydavis9016]

LOVE HOW YOU GET TO THE POINT. GREAT JOB. KEEP IT GOING. KEN

[@aaronm9478]

I used the "flying" method for a long time and i always HATED using a firesteel. Then I watched Survival Lilly and started using her "pinch down" method and I don't hate firesteel so much. LoL! It's just a good way to do it. Thank you, Lilly!

[@andreasachtner652]

Besten Dank für Deine Ausführungen. Dein Video kam genau zur richtigen Zeit für mich. Mein Feuerstahl ist am Freitag angekommen und das Video wurde mir Heute am Sonntag vorgeschlagen :-). Dir einen schönen Sonntag, Beste Grüße aus Niederbayern.

[@ispysaidmylittleeye3489]

I've never seen anyone like you before. You have such great knowledge and expertise in so many things survival related Lily. You're quite an amazing person. Keep up the good work and kisses to Amy!

[@user-zq9xh4rc3c]

She did it wrong. Striker should always follow all the way through, so an old worn fire steel should have a tip to it, like a sharpened pencil, not a flat spot in the middle so it could break off later... you follow all the way through to the end of the rod. never wear down only the middle like she is doing. Try slowly scraping off a bit of metal then striking that. its how the actual pros do it.

[@ryanlake7603]

More great info again. Love what you do.

[@stevenkreitlow8349]

Lily, what you say makes a lot of sense. I learned something that will prove useful. Thank you.

[@randallstrozier7097]

I learn more from you and Venessa than anyone else. Thank you for being there.

[@chrislonsberry1974]

Thanks for the lesson! You convinced me!

[@pasta759]

Great video. Good to see a technique comparison. Very informative. Cheers

[@derekmartin8498]

Thank you Lilly I’m going to try this method I sometimes struggle with using the fire steel and I think this might be why. Have you heard anything from the producers of naked and afraid? I think you will kick arse on that show hope you get on would be fantastic to watch.

[@stacywilliams1710]

Thank You Survival Lilly. Good Job

[@49mrbassman]

My fire starters are a piece of cast iron as a striker and an ordinary piece of knapped flint. Primitive but has served me well for 65 years.

[@marthamartha9449]

Lilly, thanks for the info. I never really knew which was best.

[@chopstx4u207]

Awesome video Lilly! My daughter just started Cub Scout and we go camping a lot, I will teach here this method on our next trip. Thank you :)

[@douglasnewlands47]

Bang on Lilly. Always concentrate the energy.

[@johnmoco3684]

I'm huge on pre made tinders just because of the wet wood problem. If I only have natural tinder available, I try to use a magnesium capsule to get it going. That powder will just about burn through a 2x4!

[@gregcook7883]

Very good advice, good job!

[@janetenglish8019]

Lilly, I always enjoy your videos, regardless of the subject. Your personality draws people in.

[@808maxstone]

Hi Lilly. Very useful info, thanks. You are really close to 1 mil. subs!! That is awesome! Take care.

[@michaelzimmerman8959]

Thanks for the video Lily, it makes sense and looks right.

[@bullynhoney]

Great Video. Thank you Lilly. 🙏 🙏🙏🙏

[@mickeybartlett1274]

You are a real pro Lilly!

[@frankdorman5056]

Excellent points, agree with you. Thank you for sharing once again.

[@therightisright9146]

Good advice, THANK YOU 😃👍

[@kcarsonphoto]

Nice take on these methods 💜

[@LumberjackPa]

Awesome tutorial Lilly. I like your technique. Thanks for sharing.

[@ole-db409]

You're going to save many lives in the near future with this video. God bless you. Well done! 🙏👀👆

[@DoctorHayduke]

That is one foreboding comment.

[@frankenstein588]

@@DoctorHayduke ahahahahahaha

[@DoctorHayduke]

@Gary Wilkinson Rest easy, knowing that the ferro rod tinder pin down will save you.

[@MidnightMaker]

Hey Lilly, thanks for making this important point. I just taught this method to my 7 year old son and it made it much easier for him to start a fire in birch bark.

[@markpoore3260]

Your tinder has a lot to do with you fire getting started the more surface area and how much you process it down gives you a fire with less strikes which ever method you use and it depends on the size of the ferro rod you are using in my experience. great video like always

[@mikesavoie3142]

Thank you for the great information!

[@the1andonly]

Great video. We tried it with the flying sparks and never got the fire going. Thanks for the tip. This should help next bicycle camping trip 👍

[@blackperl6677]

I have yet to see anyone teach this, thank you Lilly!

[@johna5040]

Cool video, thanks Lilly

[@Karla-Flr]

Super Tipps! Danke 🙏 hab so ein set mit deinem Messer bekommen !

[@darryllabine2750]

Excellent method! I appreciate you sharing that with us! Thank you.

[@FuyangLiu]

Nice tips, thanks for sharing 👍

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Yep, good advise and an efficient use of the ferrorods. Thanks and take care.

[@tammygagnon996]

Thank you. I have never had the opportunity of ding something like this. Going to get one and practice your method.

[@jamescooper2618]

Great tip Lilly!!

[@williamakers7539]

Thank you for the lesson!

[@conradwoodiwiss7936]

This method will save a lot of frustration for inexperienced people, your vids help so many ,keep up the great work, like they say work smarter not harder

[@tonyjohnson1840]

Pinching Down method is Awesome! Thank you Lilly

[@katiedid713926]

Very informative. Like the way you explained with demonstrations. I really enjoy watching your videos. Thanks

[@mushinginspanish1199]

Very practical and useful one. Thanks:)

[@smacpost3]

Pinching down makes perfect sense. Thank you for your insight.

[@briananderson8204]

Great advice lily.

[@johnottomanelli1114]

Lilly you are 100% correct.The pinching down method is always the best way to start a fire. Awesome video as always along with a great education for all that is watching your video. Please keep these wonderful videos coming. Take care of yourself and be safe. From John

[@adventuredogs8773]

Great as always Lilly. I once saw a clip by Paul Kirtley or Ray Mears using a similar technique, pinched down like you, but with the end of the blade (still the spine but not so high up), using his thumb to control and slow the strike. This throws really big sparks and prevents the flurry of strikes blowing out some small flames that were starting. Nice to give it a go anyway 🙂 👍

[@benoitgevry1482]

Thanks Lilly, good job, bon travail merci 😊

[@peteralexander8584]

Thanks for the usefull info !

[@RimeoftheAncientGamer]

Great point with your pinch technique. It's not uncommon for people to put petroleum jelly in the cotton (or Vix Vap-o-rub if you want to have multi-purpose fire starters). You don't use much and you work it through the cotton when you add it. It helps make the cotton more weather resistant, it makes it burn longer, and , in a pinch, you have something to put on chapped lips. I usually carry as many as I can fit into a small pill or altoids container. When you pack them in, it's quite a lot of material, at a light weight, and you do not have to use a full cotton ball to start a fire. Use a combination of a small piece of saturated cotton and dry grasses/birch bark and you have an easy quick start and you can conserve your resources.

[@SCSlimBoiseID]

My favorite? The "Pinching Down Technique" by far, for most tinders. For my alcohol burners, propane/butane stoves, or Coleman-style "white gas" or dual-fuel camp stoves or lanterns, the "Flying Firesteel Technique" for the reason you stated - don't want to get burned. Of course, if I had dry/waterproof matches or a butane lighter handy, I surely would use them! Awesome tutorial. Stay safe out there.

[@Dave-oh2sv]

Well stated. Great demo.

[@rayduke7433]

Thank You Lilly

[@EarthyBlendPOV]

Excellent! Makes total sense.

[@johnashton3603]

Thank you for this video - very helpful

[@akannejrettets2145]

This is very helpful. Thank you:)

[@DEBSTAH29]

Thanks for the tip lilly

[@LittleUrbanPrepper]

Great insight into various techniques. 👌👌

[@jonbrown853]

Almost a 1,000,000 subscribers. Wow. You deserve it.

[@debbiecurtis4021]

Excellent advice

[@bobscar327]

Another useful video. Thanks.

[@roamingnomadoutdoors2554]

Hi Lilly I have been watching your videos for a few years now and been enjoying your content ever since, and yes the pinch down method I also believe is the best technique although i do recommend a larger ferro rod with a handle especially in the winter 🥶for dexterity . It’s all good information for teaching especially for the new adventures outdoors people. Keep the videos coming love your stuff,

[@globyois]

Wow, excellent job, you proved your point. I’ll be using that, thanks.

[@kekoamaunakea4473]

I love this video Lilly , very informative and life saving.-ML&Aloha Your Boy Kekoa&Ohana.🤙🏾🤎💪🏾🍻🤟😉

[@davidburroughs2244]

Thank you, Ms Lily - excellent instruction. This explains my troubles fifty years ago when back packing on the John Muir trail above Tuolome Meadows with my first magnesium fire starter. Sucker cost me five bucks and was to be a key part of my two week adventure. Failing to understand the minimal instructions I did not understand why I was so poor at using it. Seems I was supposed to first put some magnesium powder down and then scrape some sparks, but I was leaving out the _have some more tinder down and ready to take up the resultant mini fire that would be going on_. Long story story short, if yt had existed back then, I would have had a better clue. 🤣

[@damaj6222]

Really like the pinching down technique! Thank you!

[@richardbrown9920]

The pinch down method is great .. also dryer lint can be stored in a zip lock bag or vacuum sealed .. its better than cotton and cost nothing to collect.. Good job Lilly. :)

[@grnsmoke3307]

Great tip will be trying that soon.

[@shahrahman904]

Wow! What a video 📹 lily thanks 😊

[@Thundercat68]

Excellent advice. I am. Guilty of holding the steel in the air while striking it. Won’t be doing that anymore. Thanks Lilly 🙂

[@horstszibulski19]

Pinching the tinder down also creates something like a "crater" or "bowl" where the firesteel dives in and there the sparks will be collected. Thx for demonstrating this "striking" difference! :-D

[@Belznis]

Because I did not do much camping back in the day, I have used both methods for making bbq fire. I bought a firesteel to use for camping trips, but so far it has seen only bbq fire. The above method only when liquid has been used on the coals. These days I use the other method, because I found out that the organic tinder is so much better to start a fire. Meat taste is more natural. I have seen people who scrape the firesteel stick, gathering shavings, and only then they do a final firesteel strike.

[@billy348]

Thankyou for your knowledge.

[@chrismeloche2910]

I love watching your videos l do learn something new of each one.keep up the great work.

[@juangarza7732]

Excellent information, your a great teacher keep safe

[@Brabbit1974]

Very similar to my method, only difference is that I pinch the tinder bundle with the blade of my knife and drag the firesteel across the back of the knife. As you show, the sparks will be right down in the tender, even closer than the method you are using to pinch the tinder. The bonus with this method is you use your entire firesteel, the firesteel tip will actually wear down to a point, which means no wasted fire steel. I also seem to get less "washboard" or all those little bumps that show up on the firesteel. Thanks for the great content!

[@colheg3113]

Hats off to you Lilly your a clever woman !!!