fire straws!

[Briar Wabbit]

Well,
I got some tiny ziploc bead & jewel bags, from Hobby Lobby, so I could store some Iodine (H2O purification) tablets in my Altoids kits ...
... But this method would be at least as good, for storing water tablets ... Salt, electrolytes, spices, etc.
... The little hobby bead bags are VERY inexpensive, BTW, and you get tons in a $1~$2 package ... They are re-sealable, as well and I stick labels in them ... "Aspirin", etc.
... The bead bags also come in several sizes ... I got 4 different sizes and they are really coming in handy for "subbing" lots of pills, with labels ...
... Also ... The tiny ziplocs are good for Button Cell (CR2032), AAA, AA lithium and rechargable batteries ... keeps the contacts apart and adds moisture protection.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

For Matt (the fire guru)
Another great way to carry waterproof fire starting tender.
http://www.knivesshipfree.com/pages.php?CDpath=2&pID=41

I showed 2 hunters this today and did a demo. Both are buying firesteels and kept the extras I made them for their packs. I hope they don't "need" them but I did a little seed planting too!

[Sech]

Out of the BOX, yes! But I use that idea for something else....

I cut the straws 1 1/2 inches, seal the end, the same.

then I ~scoop~ up Golden Seal Root, from a good Herb store.

to seal the other end, I bend it over, first, then seal. I use these, in my first aid kits. If you have more than a minor cut, a small bleeder, Clean it first * then open the straw, and pour the Golden seal on, it will instantly cause congealing of the blood, even on small arteries.

The longest cut I have sealed the way, was on a chef, with no Medical Insurance. cut nearly to the bone, I cleaned the cut, used the Golden Seal, and the waited for all blood flow to stop.... then "dry" cleaned the area, so I could add on butterfly Bandages, OVER the Golden Seal. I finished it off with an aluminum Finger Splint, so he could not bend his finger reopening the cut.

His finger was covered with a ~finger cot~ during work. total healing in ten days, It could of, or ~should~ have had at least four, maybe five stitches.

* On reviewing that "emergency first aid", I reconsidered HOW to clean, for portability. This was done in his house, plenty of water.... What about NO water, or little water????

I realized that Generic Eye Drops, not designed for special needs like allergies, etc. is MOSTLY just a sterile saline solution, the thought came to me to keep a couple of cheaper brands Just For The Purpose of Flush Cleaning. A squirt of eye solution will ~hose out~ a cut, so you can see any debris, that is, any still left. It is easier on the patient to Flush it out, if you do not have Analgesics for pain control.

BTW, this was the first time I used it on a NON Family person. I have carried Golden Seal since 1977 for JUST this use!

Hope that helps some one!

In Him,
philip

If you have the room.....contact solution would work as well......plus the off brand is cheaper and you can do some serious flushing with the 16 oz bottle....

[WiseOwl]

How did I just discover this thread? Dang it, when I go by the Quack Trip tomorrow I am "borrowing" some straws and comin home to fill'r up.....

Great idea and I can cut them down to my fire kits size and maybe even make small "1 inchers" for various spots in my bags.....maybe put some crushed red pepper in one for the 1st Aid....and I like the bleach idea...wonder if the bleach would eat through?

The can of red wigglers have been opened

Just Pure Tee Awesome....

[Urban Survivalist]

I was reading this post and thought wow I have to do this. Then My wife called me and told me she was picking up some food from a fast food place to bring home. (fast food I know, not good, its like a once a week if that thing) I told her to grab some extra straws, Once she gets home and after I eat of course, Fire straws will be made. Good post.

[andyn1976]

Great idea! Will put it to use, thanks.