I bought some firesteels on eBay on the cheap and combined it with a Cohglan's match case using JB Weld epoxy. I added some tinder and a hacksaw blade section for a striker. Cost is less that $3. I think they would be perfect for Scouts.

Nicely done, Dale! I'm gonna try this.

Todd

Cool idea Dale! What did you seach for on eBay? "firesteel"? And how does it come? I one long rod that you have to cut or smaller pieces? Also, what's the weight of everything with the waterproof case?

Edited by jasonklass on 01/27/2008 13:52:35 MST.

Those match safes usually come with one already glued to
the bottom!

David Olsen wrote: "Those match safes usually come with one already glued to the bottom!"

I'm not betting my life on that little thing on the bottom-- worse than useless, IMHO.

Jason asked, "Cool idea Dale! What did you seach for on eBay? "firesteel"? And how does it come? I one long rod that you have to cut or smaller pieces? Also, what's the weight of everything with the waterproof case?"

The case with firesteel and striker weighs 1.2oz.

Search on ferrocerium, firesteel, fire flint, or just go to http://www.ferrocerium.com/main.sc

This guy has some deals and bulk too:
http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZmegaphoneplus

Here's my next stage of evolution on the matchcase with a firesteel. I had my K&M match case sitting on the bench next to the matchcase with the firesteel epoxied to the side and the idea light went on. I had some Brunton compass capsules and just epoxied one to the lid. Voila!

Edited by dwambaugh on 02/12/2008 14:04:07 MST.

I'm sure I have seen the orange match case with the flint and the compass on the side for sale in the shops. In fact, I think I had one. Little mirror inside. Possibly Coghlans again?

Cheers

Edited by rcaffin on 02/12/2008 16:01:54 MST.

I thought you were supposed to keep your compass away from metal because it caused interferance. Does the firesteel or scraper mess with the compass' ability to work accurately?

> I thought you were supposed to keep your compass away from metal because it caused interferance. Does the firesteel or scraper mess with the compass' ability to work accurately?

As far as I know, the flint stuck on the side of the canister is not metal and not magnetic - so no worries.
The steel on the other hand will probably end up quite magnetised.

Does the firesteel ... mess with the compass' ability to work accurately?

Apparently not, although I WAS able to get a small deflection by waving the firesteel very close (<1/4 inch) over the end of the needle (<5 degrees) but not enough to be an issue for a button compass.