I started a thread on this subject in awhile back. Since then, I've settled on my favorite kit and improved it a bit. For newcomers, the idea was to turn the sheath's hone pocket into a small, but effective, survival kit. The pocket contains basic items for fire-starting and navigation. Kit includes a firesteel, striker, fatwood, and compass. All items are waterproof.

Upgrades include:

- More effective striker made from a larger hacksaw blade
- Nail notch in firesteel for easy removal
- Leather pouch to protect compass

Nice wrist thong! Nice set up on the neccessary traveling companions!!

Awsome setup. I went with a combat style nylon sheath and was able to add a leatherman, sharpener and fire starter in the pouch. It is back in Idaho or I would post a picture.

Pap

Tom

Great ideas. Please explain "fatwood" to me.

Rod, down here in the South, we have what we call "Pitch" which is a real sappy, usually pine wood that really helps a fire takes off. I am interested as well if it is similiar.

Thanks Steve. I am in your part of the world, as I type this. I am familiar with the your term Pitch. I use that as well describing the sap that comes from pine.

Steve, fatwood and pitch is the same thing. Oldguy

Rod,

Oldguy is correct. Essentially, it is tinder that ignites fairly easily with a firesteel spark. The fatwood block in the photo will last a long time and is capable of starting many fires. All you do is shave off tiny pieces with your knife (RMKs work best ), make a pile about the size of a quarter, and scrap a spark into it.

Fatwood is man's best friend that doesn't have a tail.

Link.

Buddy of mine that still trails out a lot gave some stuff called Maya Dust. Works real well too. Sawdust from the "Pino de Ocote" It's a high resin pine from the Highlands of Mexico.

Also will post a pic this weekend of a starter picked up at the Orlando show few years back. @3 inch long wood handle(cheap) wrist thong, compass, with @2 inch magnesium rod w/ 4-5 3 inch pieces of hacksaw blade on the wrist thong. Perfect for around camp.

Yep, same stuff. Difference is, no knife required.



Would love to see a photo. Thanks!