At some point over the last year I picked up a couple of packs of Exotc's tinderZips. I honestly don't remember where I got them, just that they were in a bargain bin and I think I paid like $3 per pack. http://www.exotac.com/tinderzip/ These are paracord zipper pulls with flammable inner fibers ala Firecord (or whatever the stuff is called). The orange ones use reflective strand paracord so you can spot them easily at night with a light. I opened one and tried it after I got them and then stuck them on knives and rainshells. I haven't used one since. While prepping the grill for steaks this evening I thought I'd do a short review. The product on a SAK. They are a good size and the reflectivity and bright color help you spot your knife if you drop it or lose track of it in camp or on the trail. I much prefer to just put my knife back in my pocket if I'm moving from one spot to another but stuff happens. The tinderZip opened up.
Tools used: Vic Camper and a small firesteel that I discovered years ago in the NW Georgia woods where a Hobo had stashed a pipe bomb. I was going to call the cops, but the Hobo was a cop so... I cutoff a small section of the inner cord and tried to light it without any further effort. The spark ignited the odd loose hairs, but quickly went out. I pulled the strands apart a little with my fingers and they caught sparks pretty easily. I like using this method to unravel tinder, including a lot of natural stuff I find in the woods. Press it onto one of the saw's teeth and pull. The "teeth" on the inside of the tab that holds onto the cord would also work for this. As would any rock, etc. Safety tip: remove any leftover material from the saw teeth before using the firesteel on the saw. Because fire burns and you want the fire to start where you are aiming, not under your thumb. Much better. The cord burns faster than you would think so be aware of time and have your nest of other tinder ready. My thoughts on the tinderZip? They work and if you take the time to prep everything and it's not pouring down raining and your fingers are numb or raw or whatever then it's probably suitable. If it's all you have then it's all you have. If you find them cheap they make good knife lanyards and zipper pulls. Of course, you could buy reflective firecord and make your on and probably easily improve on the idea. They weigh nothing. So do cotton balls with petroleum jelly stuffed in a piece of a drinking straw, tinder quick fire tabs, etc.
