Just found this link for thermite fire starters...
 

Are these practical for emergencies, and can anyone purchase these? My first impression is that I'm surprised that it looks like anyone can buy these:

http://www.dbcpyrotechnics.com/servl...r--dsh-/Detail

Re: Just found this link for thermite fire starters...
 

You can also use magnesium. They have it (and a ton of other really cool stuff) at www.unitednuclear.com

Re: Just found this link for thermite fire starters...
 

$8.95 is an awfully high price. You can mix your own thermite and save about $8.00 apiece. If you are worried about starting a fire in rain or snow, use a piece of bicycle inner tube. Cut the tube at an angle so you get rings of various sizes and use them to hold things together in your pack. That way you'll always have them with you.

Re: Just found this link for thermite fire starters...
 

Another source for thermite type material are electrical supply shops. There's a copper welding powder that is thermite based. It's used for fusing ground connections on tower grounding systems. It may be pricey but it's readily available. I'm not sure about shelf life.

Re: Just found this link for thermite fire starters...
 

$8.95 EACH !!!! . . . . . not in my lifetime

i don't care how hot it burns or how long it lasts, you're still paying $9 to get one campfire going

how much is a book of matches ?
how many campfires you get out of a book of matches is up to you


but i'm just a cheap bastard