Originally posted by Mudd: I own one but just use it to show off what one can do with compression. or maybe just to show off..lolIt's fun to make a fire with as is a magnifying glass,flint and steel,batteries and steel wool,fire bow and/or matches..lol I like fire!!! I think I've always enjoyed burning stuff. My favorite thing to burn the last 10 years or so is bamboo.Sorry, I rattle on! Bottom line is fire pistons work!God bless,MuddPS:If you want to know the why of burning bamboo just send me a pm.
Originally posted by 4est trekker: I make and use them all the time. When I do a woodland/primitive skills seminar I always drop the fire piston into a clear jar of water at the beginning. Then, at the end of the presentation I take it out and start a fire with it. Mine are made of brass tubing, so I would suggest that with a porous material like wood. However, the point is that they work, are weatherproof, and reliable IF you practice with them and know how to maintain and/or replace the gasket.