Vulcan Fire Piston

Sensible Survival Reviews Presents: The Vulcan Fire Piston by Numyth avaliable at GoingGear.com. Having the ability to produce fire is extremely important in a survival situation and the Fire Piston is a way to do it without modern technology.
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[@kimnielsenthewordyvikingett159]

I've noticed most have opted for the char cloth but you can use other sources to shove into the combustion chamber diesel soaked cotton or Vaseline and cotton. But char cloth is excellent don't get me wrong but it's not always easy to make if you have no fire 🔥 to begin with!!

[@TimothyRyanFisher]

Keep in mind this replaces a bow drill, not a Bic and when I think of the skill required for a bow drill this is a major improvement, especially when you consider this was used in jungles where it was wet. There might be times when a Bic, or ferro rod won't do the job that creating an ember will do. i love these pistons for the shear longevity of their usefulness, and harnessing the power of knowledge.

[@DavZZee]

I"ll continue to recommend going with the Ultimate Survival Technology Blast Match. It will light your cigar Sootch.

[@samadler9253]

I've have used a fire piston in the past and they work very well.

[@outbackdigital]

Just for interest sake the checkering is called Knurling

[@nutmegger1957]

P.S.: That "checkering" is called "Knurling" in machinist's lingo. (FYI)

[@OkieOrganix]

I’ve had a v2 since 2013. They were awesome and too bad they aren’t made anymore. Miss you Marshall!

[@vegasvato55]

THE WACKY O-RINGS WORK PERFECTLY ON A FIRE PISTON

[@joesphx19]

Nothing beats a good cigar in camp. The piston is really slick, thanks for posting.

[@TheGrayman1234]

Good stuff sootch. Always wanted one of the fire pistons. If for nothing else just to have yet another nostalgic way of starting a fire. Really $35 is not bad for that quality and durability. Thanks for the look.

[@MegaWillyxxx]

Just got mine in mail today and man am I impressed!! Love it.

[@jntroisi]

I agree Sootch. My friends always get on me about taking several types of fire starters when camping out in the bush. However, if one fails, such as a lighter or matches getting wet, I have a ferrocerium rod, fire piston and magnifying glass as well as petroleum soaked cotton balls and a maya stick. Everything fits into a small pouch and weighs very little. Besides a quality fixed blade, I consider my fire kit to be the most important piece of gear in my bag.

[@outbackdigital]

another way of fire starting that not many people talk of is keeping a small water proof tin with match heads scraped of matches and igniting them with a small magnifier glass or use your glasses( I keep it on my keyring )

[@JohnnyWishbone85]

It needs some sort of charred material. Charred cloth is easy to make and use, but you can use anything from a mullein leaf to mushroom caps, and you only need a little bit of it.

[@dannygarden464]

THANKS, you got me pump and took them out and did your technic, took 3 times and voila!!! Retry and work first time, my problem was not the force but the timing and after hit keep pressing to give little more time for amber to form, all this time, well now I can pass to something else. ;)

[@dhughes1969]

Yes, although Rudolph Diesel actually got the idea for the diesel engine from this device, the fire piston which was invented by native people from south Asia only they used bamboo tubes instead of metal of course. They also created blow pipes too a similar idea. Both have been used for thousands of years.

[@azzym312]

I understand now why my wife complains of a burning sensation.

[@charger121212]

😂

[@darrellfilyaw7255]

Well, just a thought it could be an STD

[@robhutton6916]

KY

[@JohnnyWishbone85]

A novelty that WORKS. Magnesium is great, and works, of course, in the rain, but once its gone, it's gone. The nice thing about a fire piston (or any other traditional fire-making method) is that you only need a bit of charcoal to make it work, and, if you know your business, you can make more charcoal every time you start a fire.

[@inyeusi]

Those are really cool, would love to get one.. even though I already have a bic lighter, water-proof matches and a magnesium stick/sparker in my BOB.

[@Phantom_T.]

i think i learned a lil bit about the universe from your video. compression of molecules can create sparks.

[@RichardBuckerCodes]

Lighters run out of fuel, matches get wet, run out of dry matches, and now O-Rings wear. If you gotta bring spare O-rings into the bush then why not a spare lighter or firesteel? Lube? Frankly I've seen firesteel demos doing more with less.

[@128redskinz1]

i have a vulcan...i take the upper (top) "o" ring off and keep as xtra spare to have a total of 3 spares instead of 1 set of spares,it works just as well with 1 "o" ring as it does with 2,...to each as own.....the vulcan is a nice fire starting tool,i recomend it for sure.

[@azbcaz]

After watching this video, I went online & bought one from you. I'll be using Stone Tinder instead of Char Cloth as suggested by some other commenters. I'll put a piece of Stone Tinder at the end of the piston & leave it there. When I want to create an ember, All I'll have to do is pull the piston out & push it in. I'm thinking in cold cold weather when a person loses fine motor skills that it may be tricky trying to get the ember into the tinder bundle which will include magnesium shavings.

[@RobertELee420]

That design looks like it could be used to draw out venom in a pinch. Neat piece of kit.

[@thetopicala]

I love these guys, they do everything for us in these remarkable videos. Nice. Thanks.

[@gunreviewer910]

great product to have for emergencies. I think our children should hone this skill as well as the men and women who practice being a survivalist.

[@renegss]

Is the plastic bag it came with water proof?. I'll just use that to keep 2 of my $1.25Bic lighters from getting wet. Hell I'll just use Ziploc bags.....

[@aircaptain9]

A good way to make your own char cloth is from an old pair of jeans. Cut them up into squares and place the squares into an altoids can or something similar. Put a small hole in the top of the can. Place the can into a fire, and watch as the gasses from the hole ignite. Once it stops, pull out the can and then cover the hole until it cools. Open, and you now have char cloth! Don't do too much per batch or it won't work too well

[@Satchmoeddie]

My father used to keep a hip flask filled with kerosene. I saw him start fires in some of the wettest weather you can imagine. Whether he used flint and steel, or toilet paper and the cigar lighter from the car, kerosene works great. Pitch was and is always coveted for fire starting in the wet too. A big ball of pitch can ruin a brand new wood stove. Don't ask how I know this.

[@EmergencyChannel]

@Jorod Troo You can use dry wood, although char cloth is easy to make even in a survival situation and is much easier.

[@DennyRec]

I have never heard of this. I am truly interested in it and using it. Thank you again for bring a product to our attention. Have a great day.

[@RichardAmmo1]

Very nice video; this would make an excellant addition to the "other" fire starters in your kit. You shouldn't have only "one or two" methods to start a fire. Again, this would be excellant addition to the total kit! Thank you for the most excellant reviews on such a wide variety of inovative products avaliable to us today!

[@WanderingBeast]

I really enjoy mine, its a great tool to keep around

[@BHShaman]

For that much space; firesteel and vaseline-cottonballs. cottonballs and vaseline catch and burn (flame). Works very well.

[@TimothyRyanFisher]

The fail potential of the fire piston is the O rings which are very cheap. My plan is to spent a few dollars, buy shit load of all the sizes I need, and be done with that issue, and have a way to make fire forever.

[@richardpeterson3753]

I'm struggling to find one fairly cheap. not exactly affordable on most sites lol. I feel this, along with a Flint and steel will make a good fall back. I primarily use ferro, and made my own fire cord optimized for use with ferro, but that will run out eventually. I think I found one and hope to order soon. still looking around. it's been on my hit list for a long time now

[@mazadan]

nice looking fire piston. havent used one as yet

[@timlipinski2571]

Maybe include a Fresnel Lens to read the micro print on the info sheet for the Fire Piston ! And the lens can be used to start a fire in the sunshine ! This is a good backup for the BIC lighter or the Stormproof Matches. Thank you for a Great Video ! tjl

[@tikkidaddy]

Get one of those 8.5 by 11 lenses...that'll get it smoking quick!!

[@AdDiCtEdToWiNd]

Hey :-) little correction of your comment. Carbon isn't a metal...but I'm sure you know that. Carbon is lightweight, but not very tough when sand comes into game...it abrases very fast. And if carbon bursts, there is a risk of injuring yourself

[@jimmorgan8688]

Live long and prosper!

[@pixiesmate]

Did anyone else spot the change in tinder at 5.53 The dry grass suddenly changed into dried leaves

[@sootch00]

And I added a huge piece of dryer lint.... it is to demonstrate adding more tender. The grass burns fast and needs heavier tender.

[@Scarekrow24]

+Exterminence You better believe it will burn, add some Vaseline to extend the burn time.

[@albertramsay847]

Yeah! Put it into our little nest (THAT WENT OUT SO I'LL JUST EDIT IN THE ONE THAT WORKED) You need to hone your fire making skills. No shit! You have honed yours before you made this video. You could have used a match to have lit that for all we know.

[@ConesOfDunshire]

I think a bunch of you are kinda missing the point of the fire piston. It shouldn't replace any fire making method and shouldn't be your only source of fire. It is simply an ADDITION to your fire kit. I usually take a lighter, firesteel, matches, and this fire piston.

[@MadSmokerBBQ]

Looks a lot like mini mag lite. Think I'll try making one out of wood just for kicks. Wonder what material would be a decent sub for o-rings.

[@bowins7895]

seems like a good product, well machined and thought out. I am however very leary of cut scenes though. I prefer uncut start to finish scenes, movie magic is too easy to make happen. but I like the product and I know that the physics is sound of the process.

[@Bo24Yfz]

Bo Wins this man is legit and is honest i would believe what he says even with out a video

[@beepster991]

Let me get this straight. We shouldn't rely on a very cheap disposable lighters or waterproof matches, but we should on an expensive gadget with parts that can break or run out? There are far better and more affordable fire starters on the market. The good old magnesium bar and fire starting rods are cheaper and easier to use,those are also maintenance free.

[@GeorgeGiann]

My thoughts exactly.

[@chtomlin]

what you seem to fail to realize, is that money is not always the primary driving issue in tools or hobbies. There are many more factors that go into preference.

[@beepster991]

C Tomlin You also "fail to realize" that this is suppose to be a survival tool. If it's expensive, requires regular maintenance and hard to use, it makes it pretty useless when you really need it. If you need a hobby or a challenge, rub two sticks together! It will cost less and will provide more in return.

[@chtomlin]

Steve Beepster well I guess an AR15 would be totally lost on you if this is too hard to use and maintain?

[@beepster991]

C Tomlin This is one of the dumbest thing I ever read. If the AR15 was a lighter, it would be a disposable one. The AR15 is one of the easiest firearm to use and maintain, and the prime reason why it's the top pick of mentally challenged mass killers. It takes less than 5 minutes to learn how to use it and deal with the common jams. And another 5 to learn how to take out the bolt carrier and clean it. As for the fire piston, it's a pain to use in ideal conditions, so one could imagine how challenging it would be to use it in damp,cold and windy conditions. For those who don't like matches and lighters, there are far more reliable and easy ways to start a fire.

[@ElizabethPowe11]

that checking that you refer to is called KNURLING

[@themistoklisanastasiadis]

it will NOT create a spark. what happens is that the air molecules hit the surface of the charcloth you put inside and that friction makes the temperature go higher. so you have a lit charcloth

[@racetrucks10]

When doing a review don't cut away. For all we know u started it another way.

[@keystoneprepper]

Seems like a neat product but to many areas for failure..would be neat for practicing ember fires though.

[@advance9572]

I'm going to have to apologize for the comments I made on the Vulcan fire piston. It does indeed work very well when I substituted the included lubricant for pure vasoline petroleum jelly. It ignites the char almost every time now. I can see how this would be a problem giving the fact that not enough compression was created. It works well now.

[@kareemofkorn]

Man your Great for information and keeping to the point most people go off topic and just make a mess out of a simple review but yours is perfect would like to see some about hand guns or a survival complete kit ( Home Made )

[@U2Belle]

Hey C.Wright, I believe he was adding more solid tinder as the infant fire grew larger and hungrier.

[@rickholmwood2000]

Sootch, do you still have you're Vulcan fire piston? I have wanted one since this video but have put it off so long numyth have come out with version 2 and I hate it. Can not seem to find an original (version 1)

[@jimbo5635]

Because 260 year old technology is what is needed?? Just because it's old does not mean it's better.

[@aaronm184]

Just for your info: compressed air (gases) don't create a spark (1:48 on video) they create heat. Basic physics.

[@texflyguy]

That checkering on the metal is known as knurling.

[@doobiecanoobie7707]

Charred Levi's work excellent.

[@ericwhitlow7364]

Nice. Good looking device.

[@dracobushcraft3523]

Why did you cut the camera away before it caught fire? I also noted more material in the way too tiny tinder bundle. Still as fire pistons go this one looks pretty good.

[@krycer123]

it is probs more like a fallback fire lighting device. also this technique is a south east asian one typically done with bamboo.

[@Masowai]

9:06 As of March 22, 2012 the price is has been raised on the website to $39.95! You should reflect that price hike with an annotation!

[@AdDiCtEdToWiNd]

First thought of a WWII-grenade when I saw the shape of the Vulcan fire piston. And my opinion is, that swedish fire steel is way better than this Vulcan fire piston, because it consists of just one piece and it does not need any cleaning. Anyway...nice design!!!

[@dannygarden464]

Did you just did it in 1 try, man like I said on others I have 2 of them and NEVER had an amber, really angry now, I will try again without breaking my hand. ;)

[@nutmegger1957]

How do thiese tools (in your opinion) stack up against fire sticks (various types) for starting fires? What would YOU prefer to take in the woods with you, and why?

[@Solanum20]

@aircaptain9 cool, I didn't know that technique worked with clothes too, I only knew that you could naturally make char cloth by busting open a cat tail, and putting the fluff into a small tin w/ the hole in it.

[@azbcaz]

Lint from a dryer is better than trying to make or use Char Cloth

[@knownaigm]

May not be the best in a survival situation but that is not the point. Not every single outdoor tool needs to be relied on for living in the woods for a month. This "bushcraft" / "survival" trend, like everything else, gets way too up its own ass sometimes and assumes every knife, fire starter, hatchet, tent, cook set etc. has to be the perfect solution for a disaster situation or it's garbage. The fire piston is fantastic for day hikes or weekend camping trips. My ferro rod works great, a lighter is obviously nice, matches are good too, but in leisure outings the fire piston is a great tool. I've also found that in windy situations the fire piston is actually easier than my ferro rod because the ember is being lit in a chamber and is unaffected by wind and with the right tinder the wind only helps to keep the ember going once removed whereas my ferro rod is very difficult to light tinder in a windy situation. Also, again, when using in leisure situations, the fire piston is also just a fun way to make fire. Furthermore, that fact that it doesn't really weigh that much or take up much space, it's a perfectly fine pre-backup to use when you can to save your other fire sources.

[@asedcopf]

FIRE BRINGS HEAT AND COOKS FOOD??!?!?!? SORCERY!! MADNESS!!!

[@shinli00]

This is cool and all; but I'm sticking with my metal match(magnesium bar with a flint). You still need the char cloth- while I need nothing except my metal match.

[@903lew]

It's always nice to see a well made product and it's great that your boy has a cool business. BUT...lube, o-rings, the need for prepared tinder? I get your point about redundancy but I never saw the problem with a good-quality sparkthrowing ferro-rod and the back of a knife. Nu, maybe I'm primitive. For me, it seems both cheaper and better.

[@ndrthrdr1]

For forty dollars I got 25 pounds (12 kilos) of fatwood. That will make a lot of Maya dust. Along with my ferrocerium rod and hacksaw blade scraper, I'm set.

[@Duane77able]

Nice peice of equipment. I like it. But, sam's club has 56 bic lighters for about the same price. Vac pak'em up one or two at a time to keep'em dry.

[@iixslashxii]

nice add... but the O ring in the cap will wear out and it will lose the vacuum eventually... ill stick to my magnesium fire starter...

[@user-gv9uw7sr2x]

I dont see a need for it. When there are so many other ways to start fire.

[@monelfunkawitz3966]

+RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 I would never carry a fire piston as a survival tool. You need char cloth to use it (Run out, get lost, wet, etc) and if the o rings are dry rotted or break from the cold, you are screwed. Magnesium fire rod is fail proof. Only use of a fire piston I can see is for wow factor.

[@WAFFENSS69]

Works on same principal as a diesel engine. I.E. Compression ignition.

[@Solanum20]

Hey sootch, how long did it take you to coax that ember into the full fledged fire we saw at the beginning of the vid?

[@armadaink]

It's a vacuum when you purge the oxygen and try to remove the piston, not when you compress the molecules inside the piston... ??

[@zrig1]

No spark. Heat of compression is how these wonderful devices work.

[@MichaelMantion]

its 39.95 now. I think fire pistons are awesome but its really easy to just make your own for like 5 bucks.

[@del_boy_trotter]

$40 bucks!! Jeez man, I could buy a few hundred boxes of matches, and cache them across the known world!!

[@FatDaddy4Fun]

Another great review Sootch. Thanks again pal. ~Wolf

[@MrLongboarder87]

Great price! but Ive used a fire piston a few times and to me its kind of a gimmick. It has moving parts and rubber o-rings, you have to have the right kind of tinder for it to work properly, and for $5 i can buy a flint fire starter. Great price and cool gadget but Ill stick with flint and the spine of a knife for now.

[@pangolin9]

looks like a mag lite in shape------kubotan tech for defense also

[@LiviuMelioth]

Sir, I respect your content and your sharing will, but please, avoid nonsense like ''modern luxuries'' given that a fire piston is really hard to make without those modern luxuries you refer to. (and even less with that good cuality)

[@jharwood5586]

what is the "char cloth"? and could you do a video on making the nest and ligthing fires from them?

[@bigchiefnowashietribe9657]

LOL, I use a piece of black flint with a 2" piece of a broken file for a striker. Most times it only takes one or two strikes to start my charcloth. I sell fatwood and have buckets full of dust and shavings from cutting it into strips.. I sell tins with flint, a piece of file and charcloth along with a little bag of sawdust for 6 bucks. ( the waterproof tins cost me 2.35 ) I get old files at flea markets for a dollar or two and can make 3-4 strikers from each. I shoe-goo a piece of thin leather along 1/2 the width of the striker. I'm not really making any $$$ but it's fun to do on rainy days and kool to watch people learn to use it. People are dumbfounded when my 5 year old grandson whips out his kit and has a fire going in less than a minute. LOL

[@tikkidaddy]

And that's the best part about it!! You taught your grandson something he will remember for the rest of his life, and just maybe one day will save his hide! It's stuff like this that makes outdoor family time wonderful and most memorable. I salute you sir!!

[@airmojo]

I just bought one of these... haven't tried it yet,... but curious to know what the lubricant is and the recommended commercially available lube is ? It is probably silicone based lube, but not the same as the plumber's silicone grease which is "thicker" and "stickier"... it might work, but I would really like to know what to use once the supplied lube is all gone... ?

[@TheEltopian]

That's an impressive little tool! I need to get one. Ah, but can you light your pipe or cigar with it? LOL

[@MidwestMiddleClass]

Thank you brother, that was some great information

[@teufelhunde666]

that is cool it starts just like a diesel engine through compression!

[@Tux3d0]

Sootch stop making videos.... YOUR MAKING ME GO BROKE I NEED THIS NOW LOL!

[@ConesOfDunshire]

@WAFFLES081 Having a store front means utility bills and rent. We are not a web only based store out of some warehouse in the middle of nowhere. Our prices are comparable to competitors, along with our customer service and fast shipping.

[@100101100]

what is the best fire-starter that does not include rubber (which can dry and crack)?

[@aisotton]

While I think that the technology behind the fire piston is pretty neat, and I agree that this particular one is very well made, I still think that it is a very poor choice for outdoor or wilderness use. Same as a lighter, you can't fix it if it's broken; you can't make one from sticks and stones when you lose it. But it is much harder to use than a lighter - you need special tinder, for example - and much heavier and more expensive. I'll take a bic in a zip-loc bag over this any time.

[@kigabuma]

Isn't it easier to use lighter or matches?

[@RamSkirata]

do you prefer a firesteel or the fire piston ?

[@cobrar85]

I would like to think of myself as somewhat of a camper and outdoorsman... but i have NEVER heard of a fire piston.

[@111gate]

The checking you refered to is called knurling in machinist lingo.

[@jimbo5635]

Doan Magnesium fire starters is all you ever need. These fire pistons are neat and well but when get down to it, these are a novelity.

[@gooberclese]

Until it's all you have and need a fire to survive....then not so much novelty and more life saver.

[@Renocasa]

Has anyone else noticed that sootch's videos have been getting a little off topic?

[@tolarusin]

The Vulcan Fire Piston is awsome and great for last resort survival but for me i prefer the FastStrike Maxx Fire Steel work way faster in my opignion.