How to Make Fire Without Matches or a Lighter
October 20th, 2009 Posted in Camping
Firemaking is a forgotten skill that everybody should have. The ability to make fire without resorting to matches or a lighter. Here are some tried and tested techniques that can be fun to try
Using Friction.
We all know that rubbing things together makes them warm up and if you have ever watched any of the excellent Ray Mears Bushcraft TV series you will have seen Ray use a variety of friction based techniques. But be warned, the friction based technique can be enormously hard work. But you’ll find that making fire using these basic bushcraft techniques can be enormously satisfying.
You will need two pieces of wood, one long straight piece for a spindle and another flat piece as the fireboard. It is essential that the wood is completely bone dry. You will need to make a tinder nest using dry grass, wood shavings or other material, like cotton wool.
Cut a V shaped notch into the edge of your board and place a piece of bark underneath to catch the burning ember. Carve another little indentation into your board at the point of the V for the tip of your spindle. You can use a bow to spin your spindle nice and fast to create a lot of friction. By wrapping the bow string around the spindle and putting light pressure on the end you can make the spindle spin really fast, creating a lot of friction. Hopefully you will soon see wisps of smoke coming from your fireboard as it heats up due to friction. Once you see a glowing ember push this onto a piece of bark and transfer to your tinder nest. Then gently blow onto your tinder nest to turn the embers into fire.
Fire Sticks
Once upon a time people would carry a piece of high carbon steel and flint to make fire. The flint would be used to strike the steel, creating a spark. These days you can find excellent firesteels consisting of a high carbon steel rod and hardened steel striker. Its also possibel to use the steel blade of a knife.
As for other fire-making methods you need a nice dry tinder nest for your spark, but this method is much easier than the friction based method described above.
Using the Suns Rays
We’ve all used magnifying glasses to scorch things as children. This is another well known and effective way to create fire, but you’ll need some sunshine for this to work. But of course we don’t always have a hand magnifying glass in our pockets. You might have a pair of spectacles that you could use, or even a condom filled with water.
Electricity
This is a great way to demonstrate to children the power and the danger of electricity. To try this you will need a battery and some steel wool. The best batteries to use are the 9V, rectangular variety. By rubbing the battery contacts on the steel wool it will heat up and begin to burn. Transfer your burning steel wool to your bone dry tinder nest and blow to start the fire. Hey presto, you’ve got a fire!
These techniques are great to try when you are next on a family camping trip. Why not include a few fire-making tools with your camping equipment and let your children have a go. But be sure to take plenty of warm outdoor clothing because you might be a little chilly without a fire.