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In case of emergency, there is one thing above all that boosts morale and the possibility of survival: Fire. Now we civilized people know that fire comes from the socket, and if not from there, then at least from the lighter. That has gas or gasoline - and will soon be empty (or maybe it already is, as is the case with things that are urgently needed). Then there are other tools to get what man and wilderness desire. A firesteel is something like that, with which everyone can improvise making fire. Helikon-Tex has just introduced its Firespark, which we took with us into the mountains last week. All natural things come with packaging, like the one from the Firespark. The firesteel in the cardboard is part of the Bushcraft Line by Helikon-Tex.

So that our big and small explorers know what to do with the thing, there is a useful description of the purpose of the Firespark on the back. We immediately recognize that we need the firesteel as a spark generator and a knife for rubbing. The first method - assuming good fuel - involves simply producing sparks with the back of the knife. The second method involves scraping material beforehand to enhance ignition, followed by step one.

There is the good piece, the fingers provide a practical size comparison. The Firespark consists of two parts: the rear handle made of aluminum. The front part is the sparking area. Although the term "firesteel" is somewhat misleading, this minimalist fire starter consists of "rare earth metals" that produce sparks when rubbed. If you want to know more about this mixed metal, HERE are some information.

The handle can be split. Conveniently, there is paracord at the head capsule, so the Firespark can be securely attached or pulled. At the same time, a sealing ring is visible on the thread, which helps to seal the whole thing waterproof.

In the small, waterproof container, you can put tinder, for example, to always have the ideal, dry igniter. Getting wet is no fun, and making fire in wet conditions is top-class. Here we have already prepared everything for the practical text. The very good knife we are working with here is the MAT II-MD by Enforcer, which we will introduce separately next week.

The core of a good fire is first and foremost a nest of the finest material into which sparks can strike directly. It then starts to burn - and off you go.

With this nest here, we didn't have much luck. Rain the day before. The moss and fine tree bark are still damp. That won't work. Second attempt: the core of the new nest is the fluff from the thistles. They are in the sun, allow themselves to dry in the wind, and are therefore ideal. They immediately take the tree bark after the first spark hit and then the smallest wood immediately goes onto the reviving fire. Burn, mutherfucker, burn... No big deal with the Firespark. Just play and experiment a bit with the materials used. Then it's the beginning of a nice campfire.

CONCLUSION: Yes, technically it's a fire lighter, but one that is operated with a knife. The advantage is that the firesteel lasts much longer than a lighter. It also takes up little space and is practical to have on hand when needed. This one is a particularly pretty specimen that sparks excellently.

You can find the Helikon-Tex Firespark wherever Helikon-Tex is available - among others at Camostore and TacOpsGear. Here on Helikon-Tex directly it costs 18.40 Euros.

HELICON-TEX on the internet: www.helikon-tex.com Here is the whole thing again.