Most of you know Zippo as the maker of quality lighters.  But this nifty little gadget – ‘though in the same general category – is a new concept altogether.  It’s an emergency fire starter.  Now, with emergency preparedness becoming more and more popular, you may know someone who’d like to receive one of these on that basis.  But, honestly, how many people would not appreciate getting one of these in a stocking just because it’s fun?  (Come on, it’s fire!  Or maybe that’s just me?)

The idea behind this is that it does not contain lighter fluid or anything of that nature.  (This would be a bit safer to carry in a backpack, I think.)  Rather, it contains a flint with a striker.  It also has a space to hold several of these waxed tinder sticks.  The tinder sticks are a little like giant wicks; the insides are cotton (or at least something cottony), and then the outsides are wrapped in wax.

When you’re ready to start a fire, you pull out one of the tinder sticks and sort of “shred apart” the exposed-cotton end.  (That way it will catch more easily.)  Then you hold it next to the striker and strike the flint.  You want the sparks from the flint to catch the cotton.  Once they do, these things will burn for a surprisingly long time.  (Definitely longer than a match!)  This should allow you to catch something else – like, say, your kindling – on fire.

(Obviously, use common sense safety precautions, don’t just start a fire in any old place, etc.  It’s fire, people!)

Don’t forget to include an extra package of tinder sticks so your recipient can start more than a couple of fires.

$9.95 (starter)
$4.95 (tinder sticks)

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Disclosure: I was provided by the manufacturer with a fire starter and refill pack of tinder sticks to facilitate my review.  As always, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.