To build a fire challenge

[BrianS]

Seven of my friends and myself set up a little fire making challenge for ourselves. These guys are good Woodsmen and many are Members of the PA Community. Over the next 7 days, each of us will start a fire outside regardless of the weather each day using a different method each time. We set a couple of rules for the challenge. Any method (primitive or modern) is acceptable, the fire must be made in 10 minutes or less each time and no method can be successfully used more than once. Sounds simple right. With all the methods available it should be easy? Time will tell. We have a prize which will go to the person who makes the most campfires (honor system). If there is a tie, We will draw a name. The first day should be easy as the weather forecast is calling for a sunny day. I have my methods all planned out in my head and can't wait to see how it goes and what the other guys come up with. Stay tuned.
Take care,
Brian

[Pat B]

Sounds interesting and fun. I hope you'll document the fun.      

[Hawkdancer]

Sounds like fun!  Are you looking for a full flame fire "ready to roast hot dogs" or just a good flame?
Hawkdancer

[Chief RID]

Do you have to gather materials or can some staging be done before hand?

[BrianS]

Pat - Should be plenty of pictures by the time it is over
Hawk Dancer - Just a good flame
Chief RID - Materials can be staged before hand

[Hawkdancer]

Good timing!  A friend and I are planning to sponsor a monthly shoot fro the Buckhorn Skinners Mountain Man club and we're looking for ideas of non- shooting primitive skills.  I did see one of our members get a flame in 21 seconds with flint and steel!  We may use your idea!
Hawkdancer

[Stoker]

Cool project. Be fun to follow along
Thanks Leroy

[BrianS]

The method I chose for day one was flint and steel. Weather was clear. I did it at night so I could film it for a video I am making. Did it two times, once with a traditional flint and steel and then another time using my flintlock. Both times worked well.
The method I chose for day two was a small magnify glass. This morning had bright sunshine at 8 am. I could not get a ember in the allotted 10 minute limit so it was a failed attempt. I have used a magnify glass in the past but it was in the spring and summer. Maybe the January sun is not strong enough in the morning.
So far one win / one loss.
One more day of clear weather and then snow and sleet is predicted so it should be fun.

[bjrogg]

Just the kinda weather that fire feels really good in.
Bjrogg

[BrianS]

Here is a link to a video I made of various methods of starting a campfire. I am not a expert nor am I endorsing any method etc. I think I came about 10 ways (modern and primitive) with a couple of variations, I am sure there are some that I missed. I think I filmed 14 methods or variations of a method. I failed on two ways but still included them in the video. Quality is so so as I filmed most of it alone as I was making fire. Thanks to Dino, I learned a new method which I call the fire roll (wood ash rolled in cotton under pressure). I had fun making the video and trying all the methods. This video is not about our contest as that is still on going. Some of the methods in my video will probably show up in our contest. Right now Everyone is pretty close in our contest, I should know the Winner on Tuesday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqqHjd6HplI&t=7s
Take care,
Brian

[BrianS]

This morning's weather was a damp wet snow. A real test of skills. Not sure how the other guys are doing. Should know the Winner after Tuesday. Right now I have more successes than failures so I am happy. Stay tuned.

[mullet]

Don't forget the battery and steel wool on the wet days.

[chamookman]

Dump the powder from Ur Pan into the tinder bundle works well  ! Bob

[Pappy]

I like diesel fuel and torch. Look forward to see the winners Brian.
 Pappy

[Deerhunter21]

the only way i can start a fire is if i have napalm