Camping
Strike Master, Strikes Again
I picked up this tool at the Self Reliance Expo a few weeks ago, and then saw it again being displayed at the NRA Conference in Houston.
I finally got a chance to give the Strike Master fire starter a good testing on my own and see how it stands up.
I’m pretty impressed with it but before we get to that check out the video I shot using it outside the office (They were not happy that I was starting fires outside… but I mean I was doing it in the smoking area :)…)
H-25 Strike Master Fire Starter
The Good:
I picked up the “XL” version of this fire starter which only boasts 25,000 strikes… and with how much magnesium is on this beast I wouldn’t doubt it.
The magnesium is incredibly soft and shaves of with very little effort. Compared to most magnesium fire starters that I have used this one is almost as different as using a butter knife to shave versus using a razor
The wooden handle on the strike master is the key thing that really sets it apart from all of the other fire starters that I have worked with. The handle is hefty but pulls double duty as a great source of tinder when you need to give the magnesium shavings a little more longevity. Simply take the striking plate and rub it against the handle to knock off a few shavings.
The Bad:
Not really much to say bad about the Strike Master.
I wish that the ferro rod was a bit longer as the handle does get in the way a bit but nothing too terrible.
The leather strap that they use to secure the striker plate to the handle gets in the way and I tend to untie it when I am trying to get a fire started but that’s just a personal preference as well.
The Bottom Line:
At under 15 bucks this is one of the most versatile fire starters that I have found and I think the pure amount of strikes that this allows you is more than enough to earn it a place in any camping gear or bug out bag. That being said, this isn’t a BIC lighter, it is still a primitive fire starter and requires skill, patience and above all practice to use it effectively.
If you are looking to get your first magnesium fire starter, want to replace a worn out one, or simply want a better one that actually works, I would highly recommend the Strike Master Fire Starter
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GRACE WORTH
May 16, 2013 at 7:56 PM
I also picked up two of these at the Expo~Cheaper if you buy two~anyhoo, I like the fact that the handle can be used as tinder also~all in one. I got the donut light to attach to the leather tie, just in case I drop it in the dark.
Kim Curtis
May 16, 2013 at 8:55 PM
You’re right, this is a really good fire starter!! Frequently, one can also find good deals on the more common ferro-rod/magnesium fire starters in places like Harbor Freight where I’ve found them as low as 99 cents each. At that price you can have extras. Also, I bought a pair of military surplus magnesium snowshoes. They work fairly well as a supplementary supply of magnesium. I’ve tried it and it works!
Len
May 17, 2013 at 8:56 PM
I found a great magnesium fire starter, complete with striker and serrated blade piece for making the magnesium shavings, at Harbor Freight for $2.49 with coupon. Coupons are everywhere –In-Fisherman Mag., Field&Stream, etc. And the price without the coupon is $4.49 if memory serves correctly. At that price, I bought a dozen (6 on one trip and 6 on another), some to keep and the rest to give as gifts to family. The lanyard is pull-chain material, but I replaced it with a longer length of paracord. What a buy!