Works as advertised.
I found the easiest way to open the wax starters is to twist them.
Have your tinder stacked on top of the starter, I was able to lite the starter on the first or second try each time.
I have already ordered replacement wax starters, and you will need them if you plan to try this out before hand.
If there is one drawback to the device it is that the o-ring only seals with some effort.
I have some concern that it would remain closed and waterproof.
This little thing rocks. I have a full collection of fire-steels and tinders, fire-starting materials, etc. I have probably 20+ different ways to start fires, and this is one of my favorites. The tinder sticks light easily when fluffed, and burn plenty long enough to ignite your sticks and what-not. The case is very solid very Zippo. Its weight feels slightly heavier than a regular zippo lighter. There is an o-ring type gasket around the opening where the lid closes snugly.
Compared to the spark lite kit i'd say this has a higher quality feel to it, and the container seems more water-proof. On the downside, it is considerably heavier than the spark lite kit, and less 'modular' One can achieve a more compact and lightweight kit with the spark lite by putting just one or two tinders in a small baggie with the striker. The zippo's striker does come out, but it's not really meant to be carried around that way.
This is a solid, reliable product and i would recommend it to anyone.
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It is a flint sparker with a storage area for some fire-starters. That's all there really is to it.
Surprisingly heavy with a sturdy feeling a little more so than the regular Zippo lighters. There is a flipper there, just like the Zippo lighters and you can get the familar opening sound.
However, when closing, the o-ring deadens the sound and prevents full closure of the lid, until you actually press down properly. A good thing as it indicates that the o-ring is squeezing on the lid, which should keep the innards water-tight. I threw it in a sink of water and didn't notice any water ingress.
Having said that, I would recommend using a wide rubber band (like the type made from bicycle inner tubes) to ensure that the lid remains closed, but even if it were to open and flood the insides, the tinder would not be affected and you can quickly dry out the sparker by shaking or blowing out the excess water, followed by quickly striking it a few times.
The sparker is just as you would find on any Zippo lighter, except that it is turned 90 degrees so that the sparks fly out the front (i.e. the wide face) of the device. You pull it straight out and replace the flint by unscrewing the bottom, just like a typical Zippo. However, the screw does not have knurling on it to aid in grip, so you may have to use a coin or screw driver to loosen it. There isn't anywhere to store a spare flint, but each one should be good for quite a lot of strikes.
Replacing the sparker, you must note the direction of the wheel. You can accidentally insert it such that the wheel would throw the sparks on to the tinder.
I don't seem to be able to remove the black parts of the innards and I don't think you are meant to.
The tinder is pretty standard waxed cotton wool. It lights easily once you have frayed it and burns well. Twisting it seems to be the easiest way to fray it. They can be replaced with home-made versions if you don't want to shell out for the original stuff.
All round it is a good, sturdy, fire-lighting device, which can pretty much be operated with only 1 hand. It is too heavy for ultralight hikers, but should be alright for bug-out-bags, daily use (if you have a fire-place), multi-member expeditions (like a scouts camp), vehicular camping, etc.
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Ordered this as an item to be included in my BOB (bug out bag). Quality does not live up to my expectation of Zippo products. Lid will not seat completely on the o-ring thus negating the waterproof aspect. Quality control on the tolerances could be improved.
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It's very easy to start a fire with this kit. I had never started a fire from a spark before and it was very easy to do with this kit. I followed the instructions regarding opening up the tinder and spreading it out. That made it easy to catch a spark after only a few attempts. Once the tinder caught a spark, it burst into flames very quickly. The tinder itself doesn't burn as long as other larger firestarters, but using proper fire building techniques, this would be great in an emergency situation and much easier than using a match or a regular lighter. I'm using it as part of the emergency gear I have in my RV so I can "pack and forget" and have no worries about stale matches or evaporated lighter fluid.
I like that it's packaged in a Zippo case the familiar Zippo "click" when you open it. I recommend buying a refill kit with it Zippo Tinder Sticks For Emergency Fire Starter so that you can test it out when you first get it. The kit itself only comes with four tinders.
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This belt is soft but sturdy. It is large enough to accommodate a plus size person. The buckle is a little difficult for my mom to undo herself but I can open it just fine.
