Fatwood
Reviewed by
Doug Bright
+6
February 15, 2017
Note, the following is a commentary on store-bought fatwood options, like the Light My Fire Tinder-on-a-Rope. There are other better options.
Pros
- Shop bought
- Convenient
- A cost when other things are available and cheaper
Cons
- Still requires work to prepare
- Bulky
I work in survival training. Light My Fire's Tinder-on-a-Rope is another fine idea, but it still requires prep work and is bulky and you have to pay for it.
I've used BBQ firelighters for years. I cut a few to an appropriate small size and wrap them in gladwrap and alfoil to carry in my EDC and other kits.
The best ones are compressed fibre blocks that are impregnated with a flammable liquid or petroleum wax. They are waterproof, ready to use, can be cut to any size you like, don't crumble or degrade and can be fluffed up at one corner with a fingernail for easier lighting with a Ferrocerium rod and light instantly, and certainly no need for magnesium (for which one needs to be very careful about brand selection, as some simply won't light).
Vaseline-impregnated cottonballs work well too but don't burn as long.
And you can make your own fatwood from any softwood and soak it in turps or kero or diesel and wrap it up as above. Use that as the initial kindling, not as tinder. There is a distinction.
Hope this helps.
