The Firesteel is a handy thing to have should you find yourself lighter-less in the bush, or even in the backyard trying to light a barbie. Scrape the firesteel and (3000°C) sparks will fly onto whatever combustable material you've assembled. It even works when wet. The Firesteel comes in two sizes, the Scout model ($30), which is claimed to be good for 3000 strikes, and the Army model ($40), which is said to deliver 12 000 fires.

Developed for the Swedish Department of Defense, the Firesteel is standard issue for a worldwide armies. It's a favourite of survival experts, hunters, fishermen, campers and gadget-hounds.

The FireSteel is included in a choice survival knife, the SL3 Fire ($100), which features a three inch blade with serrations perfectly designed for scraping the FireSteel and a tough Zytel handel. It also has a whistle, should you be panicked or wish to call some friends to a nice, warm fire.

See www.lightmyfire.com.au

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