The connection between man and fire is a strong bond. On a ancestral and evolutionary level we are connected all by the warmth, comfort and security fire brings. Often having an emergency fire kit is overlooked for the average person however it can prove to be a very important tool given the right circumstances. I do think that a means to start fire should be a part of everyones EDC or Every Day carry kit. Meaning you carry it everywhere all the time, some means to create fire. This is a review and test of the Zippo branded EFK or Emergency Fire Kit and my experience with it.
*Note: I am not endorsed by Zippo or any of it's affiliates. I am just a guy who likes to be out in the woods and test gear. I test these things so you dont have to.
On a recent fishing trip while bank fishing with a friend after a few hours of being unsuccessful we started to slow our roll casting and started talking. We had a little gear with us some of which we have never tested and probably should. One piece of equipment was a Zippo EFK. Surprisingly I have never seen something from Zippo like this. At least not the survival or camping variety from Zippo. This practice of using and becoming familiar with your gear is an essential part of success and confidence with outdoor endevors and survival. I highly suggest testing gear multiple times before deploying it in the field when you need it most. Fire starting gear is not one to skimp on. Test your fire gear. Test it often and change what doesn't work. Being able to start a fire could be a
At first glance the Zippo EFK came of as a little gimmicky. Its plastic and light. Simple design but it seemed practical. Watertight and had a lanyard hole for mounting anywhere, including on military MOLLE style gear. The cap comes off and inside is what looks like the guts from the top of a Traditional Zippo lighter striker but its open and not shrouded. In the other lower compartment which is also air tight was 5 cotton based, oil/accelerant starter coated tinder blocks. All of which fit conveniently around the tube that holds flints for the striker. It appeared as the design was well thought out. That is it. straight and to the point. A means to create spark and tinder that can hold it for a few minutes. But the primary concern was "does this thing work".
To give it a fair trial we started a small fire on the bank just to see if we could. We have labored over other methods of fire starting that lots use as back up methods such as magnesium bars and strikers. Some of these were unsuccessful probably because of imitation and cheap materials used in cheaper imported sale options online. It had rained a few days prior to the test so some sticks and twigs were still damp. I walked only 10-15 yards from the area we wanted to use it and found more than enough dry sticks, a variety of all sizes to start a decent sized fire. We took one of the wax coated blocks and opened it up making it fluffy. Hit it one time with the striker and boom, we had fire. Just like that it worked. Building from small twigs to larger sticks it worked perfectly. Much better than we expected. Whole process only took a few minutes for set up and to have a fire going. We didn't even break a sweat.
Pros:
Easy to use.
Cheap.
Air tight and waterproof.
Easily mountable anywhere.
Cheaper than some other similar options.
Can reload with flints and tinder blocks.
Effective.
Made in the USA.
True one hand fire starting option.
Light then place control. Instead of place then light.
Cons:
Zippo branded tinder blocks are a little pricey and you can only carry 5 at a time.
Not available in stores locally.
As noted the tinder blocks were available online as well as the EFK. Check availability on Amazon or Ebay if you don't have a Zippo retailer. Price is $10-$12 per kit and it comes with 5 tinder blocks to get started. However, the reload kits cost nearly as much as a new kit does. I highly suggest buying some cotton balls and making your own soaking with wax if you need more.
When it comes to fire use what works. From this test alone I can say I am swayed to get one. Reason being the other options I have used have been difficult to control and use. For instance a typical magnesium bar and striker is tedious sometimes to use. Scraping enough magnesium shavings to start a decent fire may prove difficult for someone who injured an arm or the functionality of one of their hands. This would be no problem for the Zippo EFK. Its better to use what you know will work in a time of need. Fire is not something to try and chance when it comes to cooking food, boiling water for safe drinking, or if you just need a the light, warmth and protection of a big bonfire in the wild. This is core survival. Do not go cheap on fire related gear.
As Asatruar, our ties with fire are strong. The ancestral and spiritual connection is woven into who we are. The bonfire is the center of our rituals and was the gathering point for all of our communal and holiday events. Fire ties us together on an evolutionary level just a much as a religious level. Whether its for blot or sumble, or for just making smores with the neighbors after a BBQ, fire ties all people together on a deeper level. For heathens though this is a major link to our Pagan Germanic peoples, our loved ones with us physically and spiritually, and our Gods.
Hail the Old Gods!
Hail the Folk!
Hail the Ancestors!
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