Tinder tube, sometimes called a Fire Wick, have been used for centuries. They were used in Colonial times, and are a useful tool for getting a fire started. Basically they are a tube, usually copper such as plumbing pipe, maybe 4" in length, with a length of hemp or cotton rope strung through it. One end of the rope is charred and thus will catch a spark and ignite a hot ember or can be blown into flame to help start a camp or cook fire. When done, you pull the cordage back into the tube and it smothers if for the next use.
There are lots of "How-To" videos on making and using these, as well as materials that folks use and recommend. There are also some very nice commercial models, some of which use a ferocerium rod that is incorporates into the tube body's construction.
In this video, I show how I make mine and how I use it.
I have spiked the wick with Mineral [Baby] Oil to produce a hot flame. The tube portion is constructed from harvested Blue Elderberry branch. Unlike metal, the wood does not retain or transfer heat.It;s a fun project I think you will enjoy!
Cheers!
GOBLIN RANGER
[Bushcraft Woods Devil]
