Tortoise Gear Firefly and Fireant Review

[@timsummers870]

It's a nice kit to have when outdoors. I think Victorinox should make a fire steel of its own.

[@FittoSurvive]

They really should.

[@rahuldoes]

They have!

[@totallyfrozen]

They do make one of their own

[@FittoSurvive]

@@totallyfrozen They actually recently bought tortoise gear's as I understand

[@timsummers870]

@@totallyfrozen They're now buying from this company, but only the fire ant, not the firefly.

[@steveb1972]

2:40 That’s exactly the setup I have on my Huntsman, as I need the mini driver for my glasses. I have the Firefly in my Rambler too 👍🏼

[@FittoSurvive]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@233kosta]

Felix Immler suggests the inverse striking technique, where the saw blade is held static right next to the fuel and the rod is pulled backwards across the top. Seems to work better for me with the fireant.

[@jooky5]

Love the tortoise gear stuff. I use heat shrink tubing on the tinder to prevent the wax from chipping off

[@FittoSurvive]

It really is great. The heat shrink is a great idea.

[@fitzjount]

What size heat shrink?

[@jooky5]

@@fitzjount 10mm

[@Thirsty_Fox]

If you want to keep the toothpick, you can open up the hidden 3rd slot on the plus scales (you can see it in the translucent scales here) and keep a shorter one there.

[@FittoSurvive]

Yes, you are correct. Although the third slot is intended for short tweezers, but you can modify the tip of the pick to fit.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Great video review, but, these very small strikers would work best with the "Immler Technique". Hold the saw on the tinder and pull with the striker !

[@FittoSurvive]

Thank you. Yeah, I saw his video. That is a very good technique. I saw his video only after my review.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

@@FittoSurvive I know, I was adding this info for people watching in the future to benefit.

[@FittoSurvive]

@@edwardfletcher7790 I appreciate that. 👍🏻

[@johnossendorf9979]

I just got the FireFly and Fire Ant. Had to cut about a mm off the Firefly for it to fit in my 36 year old Swiss Champ, but it did fit nicely in my 5 year old Huntsman Light. I got the short Fire Ant because I regularly use the mini screwdriver to tighten the tiny screws in my cheep reading glasses.

[@FittoSurvive]

That's interesting that it doesn't fit in the older SAKs. I cut down own of the fireflies with a dremel cutting disk... And it really sparks a lot. 🤣

[@johnossendorf9979]

@@FittoSurvive I cut it with toe nail clippers and it sparked. No damage or marks on the clippers.

[@FittoSurvive]

@@johnossendorf9979 I didn't even think about trying that.

[@steveb1972]

I tend to use the wire stripper on both my knives as a striker

[@FittoSurvive]

Sounds like it would work.

[@steveb1972]

@@FittoSurvive it does well. Remember you’re meant to use the edge of the steel.

[@txtoolcrib]

Nice! I didn’t know about the Fire Ant. Excellent demo!

[@FittoSurvive]

Cool! This SAK add on really deserves some attention.

[@matteblack5805]

Any advice on striking a ferro rod without a saw?

[@FittoSurvive]

Any sharp edge should work just fine. The awl would work great.

[@rahuldoes]

I bought Firefly in 2019 and am still waiting waiting for it to arrive in India through a friend due to all these super-effective """lockdowns"""! Hoping to get it this July. Great demonstration of both. #LoveFromIndia!

[@FittoSurvive]

Oh wow... Yeah Covid has really messed things up. 😬

[@totallyfrozen]

Uh…I’d follow up on that. There are no conditions that should take over 2 years to get it. Someone simply forgot your order.

[@FittoSurvive]

@@totallyfrozen Sounds like he is waiting for his buddy to travel to India.

[@rahuldoes]

@@totallyfrozen , no please! They are lying at a friend's place and he shall bring them.

[@cruachan1191]

Victorinox are now selling the FireAnt kit, but not (as yet) the Firefly that I can see. Wish they would, my preferred outdoor knife is the Walker which doesn't have a corkscrew. Prices are very high shipped to UK as well, so would be nice if Victorinox sold them.

[@FittoSurvive]

I saw that Victorinox started selling them. They must have bought them out. They really overpriced IMHO.

[@cruachan1191]

@@FittoSurvive Conflicting reports. I've heard some suggestions that they bought them out and others that they're just reselling in Europe, either way though price needs to come down!

[@FittoSurvive]

@@cruachan1191 Interesting... Yeah, I definitely agree.

[@Wiwih79]

Great video. And you are right, it can be done with way less tinder.

[@FittoSurvive]

Thank you. I'm sure. The amount I used burned really well.

[@name5949]

I'm really interested in this but I've got a little problem most of my EDC Swiss army knifes has the driver because I like the driver over the corkscrew but that's just me but I really like the idea of this 💭 👌

[@FittoSurvive]

I never had a use for the corkscrew before either because I don't drink, but I do like the ability to carry the mini tools and tinder.

[@johnbauman4005]

@@FittoSurvive I don't drink either, but there are other uses for the corkscrew such as working staples out of wood, using the knife as a hook for coat or other item and so forth. Felix Immler has several nice hacks for various tools on YT. This is really great review/demo of these firestarters! Especially like that you got the tinder wet before trying it. Buying through your links & subscribed!

[@FittoSurvive]

@@johnbauman4005 Yeah, there really are several uses for the corkscrew. I've seen several videos from Felix Immlers channel. He has some really good content.

[@Daka12s]

Cork screw is not used to open bottles. It's used to untie knots. 🪢

[@hawkknight4564]

I carry three of the fire flies and the three Swiss Army knife that I carry. EDC. But I’ve never tried the fire ant. I’ll have to look into that. Thank you. God bless you. PS. I generally just carry cotton balls with Vaseline wrapped up in tinfoil in my wallet. Although that would not do much for water resistant.

[@FittoSurvive]

That's cool. I was really impressed by how well these worked for how small they are.

[@hawkknight4564]

@@FittoSurvive indeed. I carry an SAKhuntsman (on my keys) and an SAK Tinker(in my smoke pouch) and an SAK camper(on my spare key on a lanyard) so it will only work on two of them. But that would be something I would definitely consider. I live in very high humidity areas. Missouri in the Midwest. And I work construction so I sweat constantly. Having a more waterproof tinder would definitely be advantageous. I carry a couple small pieces of fat wood in the bottom of my smoke pouch. But that’s about it for waterproof tender. PS. I also carry two cold steel as my standard blades. folders. Out of curiosity have you ever had experience with the trakker or one-handed trakker.? I’ve been thinking about upgrading. And I love your channel.

[@dinger-b2z561]

Under not-ideal conditions with varying quality of kindling I find it kinda hard to use the firefly due to the small head to hold on to. Does this make sense to you and did you find the fireant rod to be easier to use?

[@FittoSurvive]

The firefly was a bit harder to use in my opinion because of the shortness of the ferro rod. Both options take some getting used to and will never be able to compete with a large, long ferro rod. 😅

[@lonnieharrison6380]

Where can order this firestarter kit?

[@FittoSurvive]

amzn.to/3uSQCAZ

[@scenicdriveways6708]

Nice review. I'm thinking of adding these to my Victorinox Huntsman. JT

[@FittoSurvive]

Thanks. 👍🏻 I am sure that you will enjoy them.

[@RaphaeLoh01]

Where has this been all my life! I've always loved the Swiss Army knife, since I watched Macgyver... I never understood the purpose of the toothpick, a fire rod is so much more useful. I would've just used the base of the knife though, instead of the back of a saw that doesn't lock...

[@FittoSurvive]

It really is a handy accessory!

[@tikkidaddy]

One thing to consider. First, are these cool as all get out? Hell yes! But remember that Ferro rods do corrode due to damp or wet conditions if not protected after the coating is removed. Corrosion means its gonna be more likely to break the thinner it gets... Smallest I would consider serious 😝is the LMF ARMY series. Felix Immler lit over 100 tiny fires with the Fire ant. Expensive but once again...very very cool

[@FittoSurvive]

Good point about the corrosion. 👍🏻

[@nvskorpio]

Glad to see these in action

[@FittoSurvive]

👍🏻

[@cujimmy1366]

Would it be too impractical to put a edge on a fire Ant so you would still have a small screwdriver.

[@FittoSurvive]

The Ferrocium rod is too brittle. I think it would break off immediately.

[@peterdutton3602]

What's your experience on the Firefly retention? I have found that it tends to fall out of the knife after only slight use.

[@FittoSurvive]

I often have problems with them falling out and Tortoise gear apparently knows about it because in the instructions they recommend adding a drop of super glue to the back to help the retention. Works pretty well for me.

[@peterdutton3602]

@@FittoSurvive thanks so much for the tip, I had missed that! Will give it a try :-)

[@FittoSurvive]

@@peterdutton3602 You are welcome, hope it helps.

[@popsforgeblacksmithing4793]

Tortoise gear recommends only striking it from the side and not the flat part. They use the flat part to hold it in place

[@bobtail1200]

I use the fire fly on my gold tooth , sparks ok . I can also pick my tooth.

[@FittoSurvive]

🤣👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Great one.

[@Daka12s]

Which of the two do you recommend? 🤔

[@FittoSurvive]

I would recommend the Firefly, it is easier to use IMHO. Plus losing the pick is no major loss for me.

[@southernstacker7315]

I use my toothpick more than anything. I have the corkscrew fireAnt. It works great. I would recommend. Subbed and liked.

[@FittoSurvive]

Nice! Thanks a bunch!

[@southernstacker7315]

@@FittoSurvive Yes Sir.

[@mikebritt8934]

Will the smaller fire sticks fit your knife also or do you have to have a smaller sak for those to fit properly?

[@FittoSurvive]

The shorter ones are made for the smaller (58mm - 74mm) SAKs. The plastic tips are shaped differently, so without modifying them they are not compatible.

[@tbobmann229]

That is slick!.. This is a must for the swiss army knives!

[@FittoSurvive]

Yes, for sure. 👍🏻👍🏻🔥

[@totallyfrozen]

Unless I go somewhere where all knives are prohibited, I always carry a SAK. Always. I could see putting this in one that I’d take hiking. I don’t see the need for this EDC for me. I use the screwdriver more than I’d ever use a ferro rod.

[@FittoSurvive]

Yeah, that makes sense. There's not much use for a ferro rod in an urban or city EDC.

[@louel9272]

Nice review! Although u lost an opportunity to test it out "real world" by not going out into the cold. Trying to light a fire outside is very different from inside the house, wish you'd done the test outside.

[@FittoSurvive]

Thanks! I didn't think about that. Good point. 👍🏻

[@MartinBrabi]

great add-ons

[@FittoSurvive]

Thank you!

[@Messerjocke90]

It's great, but you gotta be careful and really make sure you are screwing the ferro rod in entirely. I tried to fit two tinders on the cork screw plus the rod. Didn't fit of course, but I closed it and the ferro rod broke

[@FittoSurvive]

Oh yeah, the ferro rod is actually very brittle.

[@dominadormiro8472]

Very nice improvements from victorinox, now i will buy those... tnx...

[@FittoSurvive]

Yeah, they really are a nice upgrade. 👍🏻

[@michaelkeller5008]

...just what Mike was looking for :) Love how there's a big customisation-community in the states, with all these wonderfull usefull add-ons/rplacement tools one has no chance to get in Switzerland (....you should see my evergrowing list of "if i should ever be able to afford a vacation in the states, this is going to end up in my luggage-items" EDIT: btw the cable-demantler of the multitool works almost better than the saw, since it is smaller, you'll not end up pushing the sparks from the tinder

[@FittoSurvive]

Strange that you can not source them in Switzerland. Definitely a good reason to visit the States. 👍🏻🤣

[@michaelkeller5008]

@@FittoSurvive yeah - found two shops in europe for the firefly (plenty for the ants) - but ended up ordering in the states, eventough the shipping-fee is about half of the order (have to remain below a certain amount or custom-fees and shipping would exceed the product-price...) one shop is in the UK (heinnie) and one in switzerland asking 40 chf (about 43usd atm) for 3 fireants.... not even going to mention that shop)

[@FittoSurvive]

@@michaelkeller5008 Insane... So, the shops that do carry them are price gouging because they have a monopoly in Europe.

[@michaelkeller5008]

@@FittoSurvive as a former commercial clark myself i am not so sure about that, i guess it has to do with the exorbitant fees that apply as soon you order in the states; eg my case: doubling my order (to try to sell the fireflys one by one via "bay") would have almost doubled the shipping-fee (as much as one 8pack cost) AND would have caused me that many customs fees (not counting local VAT! which in comparison is ridiculus) that the amount of shipping and customs would have been the same price as the two 8packs would have cost... funfact - even with all the embargos and sanctions, it's almost easier to import something from russia than the states... then again - i can understand the shops not going all in on the fireant, since the firefly (4 minirods and 4 tinder) can be bought - for about 30 francs (prices are very stable all over europe)... guess most people take the hit losing the mini-screwdriver for an emergency-lighter, not even knowing the most useless tool on a SAK can be replaced with something usefull and/or - just don't need it (there's not much green area left in europe, and or matches work, too) tl;dr: lowish demand + hard to import = not many offers

[@thelifeofjools8384]

Nice thorough review, thanks ! Just ordered the fireflies.... 🤞 I don't get screwed too much by UK customs :)

[@FittoSurvive]

Glad you enjoyed! Good luck with the customs... 😬

[@sksx9269]

Can confirm

[@MethodOverRide]

Great demonstration 👍

[@FittoSurvive]

Thank you!

[@MrWmburr7]

These packs are not cheap! That said, I couldn't resist getting one to trick out the corkscrews on all my Swiss Army knives. Some things you just have to have! :-)

[@FittoSurvive]

For sure, they are quite pricey... But yeah, too cool to turn up. 🤣

[@nigeace]

I personally carry some tumble dryer fluff in a pocket with a striking rod off eBay. A damn site cheaper. Old man’s beard, resin off a tree, make wood feathers…..can all take a spark.

[@FittoSurvive]

Yeah, these ferro rods awe definitely overpriced. I agree about that.

[@jamieedwards1781]

Hell it costs more then then my whole Swiss Army Tinker knife !

[@FittoSurvive]

🤣 That is true.

[@danielcharrie7125]

Ty, great! Long live SAK MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄🥶

[@FittoSurvive]

"Long live SAK" 👍🏻👍🏻😂😂😂 MERRY CHRISTMAS to you too!

[@maksimtitov1148]

Теперь сделаю себя Victorinox для выживания с блекжеком и клинками от Spyderco

[@FittoSurvive]

Классно! 👍🏻

[@jenharvey3397]

It's a great idea. Unfortunately, they sent me a Firefly packet that had been opened and there was only one of the ferro rods left in it. Since I do not live in the USA and had to cross the border to pick it up, and also the place that accepts packages for me charges $10 per package, it would cost too much to try to get them to send a replacement. I would not recommend dealing with this company for that reason.

[@FittoSurvive]

Wow... That is super unfortunate. 😬

[@formygalaxy]

Here's an idea. Why not make the fire ant also a mini screwdriver by sharpening the tip? So you will not give up anything.

[@FittoSurvive]

Interesting idea. But, the ferrocium rod is actually brittle. The tip would easily break off.

[@DilbertMuc]

You probably haven't seen the genius and dirt cheap firesteel ideas for the Swiss knifes here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZq1eoWMgMiXqKs

[@FittoSurvive]

I hadn't seen that before. Definitely a much cheaper alternative as long as you are ready to do the DIY work.

[@MANIFACO]

Top

[@FittoSurvive]

Thank you!

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

You could also do two full tinders and a firefly

[@FittoSurvive]

Yes, you could do that too.

[@maurolimaok]

Nice!

[@FittoSurvive]

Thanks!

[@gledsonbezerra7326]

Amazing!

[@FittoSurvive]

Thanks!

[@LilasTools]

Awesome!

[@FittoSurvive]

Thank you!

[@paulback6415]

i love it !!

[@FittoSurvive]

👍🏻👍🏻 Great!

[@marcinkadlubiec7774]

i love it

[@FittoSurvive]

Cool! 👍🏻😎

[@DilbertMuc]

U$ 36.00 for a few wax-soaked cotton tinders and some small firesteel? Seriously? Why not use cotton balls and soft candle wax to make your own FireAnt tinder using the FireFly?

[@FittoSurvive]

They are definitely overpriced! I agree with that.

[@spectermad9180]

It's alot of money for just a small pieces...I know its for emergencies and it's made for a small kit or knife but it still very expensive...20$ would be a good price...

[@FittoSurvive]

I totally agree! These are quite expensive for what they are.

[@texasfarmer3367]

I use the toothpick much more than the tweezers. Too bad.

[@FittoSurvive]

Yeah, you'd have to stick to the Fireant then, unless you didn't have the corkscrew.

[@michaelbrunner6654]

Those are nice but too rich for me.

[@FittoSurvive]

They really are expensive.

[@charlessalmond7076]

Algorithm comment

[@FittoSurvive]

Thanks a bunch!

[@ministryoftruth8588]

Did you make enough money from this video to cover the $85 you spent on these 2 packages? Talk about Price Gouging!!!

[@FittoSurvive]

It really is over priced. But no... I have not made enough money on this video yet. 🤣 Maybe some day soon.

[@P226nut]

That noise in your back ground is awful

[@FittoSurvive]

Yeah... I had crickets back then... 😬 I asked them to be quiet, but they have no respect. 😂😂😂

[@InFltSvc]

junk! They fall apart in your pocket

[@FittoSurvive]

The ferro rod is brittle. Gotta make sure that you keep them safely stored in the pick slot of your SAK. And when striking them, you need to strike against the side of the ferro rod, not the flatter surface.

[@bbtb785]

Too expensive - accessories should not cost more than the SAK. The price point needs to be around $5.99.

[@FittoSurvive]

Definitely on the pricier side! I agree, they need to bring the price down.