First Impressions of Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace White
The Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace White promises fire-starting capability in a discreet, wearable package. As an experienced outdoorsman, I’m always on the lookout for compact and reliable survival tools. This necklace, made by Wazoo Survival Gear, blends a firesteel, scraper, tinder, and paracord into something that looks like a piece of modern jewelry. It piqued my interest because it offers a backup fire-starting solution without taking up valuable pack space.
I was searching for a truly minimalist fire-starting option that I could wear daily. Bulky survival kits are great, but sometimes you need something low-profile for everyday carry or shorter trips. Many similar products felt either too bulky or relied on gimmicky designs.
Upon unboxing, the Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace White appeared sleek and well-constructed. The white zirconia ceramic scraper stood out against the black paracord. It felt surprisingly lightweight, which is crucial for something you’re meant to wear around your neck. I was initially impressed with how discreet the design was.
Compared to a standard ferro rod and striker setup, this necklace is much smaller and more convenient to carry. I also considered carrying a lighter, but those can fail in wet or cold conditions. The Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace White seemed to offer a more reliable alternative.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The concept is fantastic, but the real test would be how well it performs in the field. I was excited to see if this necklace could live up to its promise of being a truly reliable and convenient fire-starting tool.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace White to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace White during a weekend backpacking trip in the Allegheny National Forest. The weather was damp, with occasional light rain, providing a good test of its fire-starting capabilities in challenging conditions. I wore the necklace throughout the hike, and it remained comfortable and unobtrusive.
Starting a fire required a bit of practice. The short length of the firesteel made it slightly awkward to hold and strike initially. With some patience and adjusting my technique, I was able to generate sparks, eventually igniting the tinder. The damp conditions made the tinder burn slower, but it still caught a flame with some coaxing.
The only issue I encountered during the first use was the need to adjust the necklace length. The cord initially felt too tight. Fortunately, the resizable design allowed me to find a more comfortable fit.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of wearing and using the Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace White, it has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the paracord or ceramic scraper. The firesteel has obviously been used, but it still has plenty of life left.
Maintenance is simple; I occasionally wipe down the ceramic scraper to remove any residue. I also try to keep the tinder dry when possible. Compared to carrying a separate firesteel and tinder, the necklace is significantly more convenient and requires less fuss.
The Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace White has outperformed my initial expectations. It provides reliable fire-starting capabilities in a compact and wearable design. It’s become a permanent part of my everyday carry, providing peace of mind knowing I have a backup fire source readily available.
Breaking Down the Features of Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace White
Specifications
The Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace White boasts several key specifications that contribute to its functionality. It features a White Zirconia (ZrO2) Ceramic “Scraper”, which is crucial for generating sparks from the firesteel. The necklace incorporates a Firesteel for reliable spark generation in various conditions. It includes 550 FireCord, offering a strong and versatile cordage option that also contains additional tinder. There is also 30″ of firestarting tinder tied with an Alpine Butterfly knot. The product weight is listed at 0.04 lb.
These specifications directly impact the user experience. The ceramic scraper is harder and more durable than traditional steel strikers. The firesteel provides a consistent spark source, even when wet. The paracord offers utility beyond fire-starting, and the added tinder ensures you have something to ignite even in challenging environments.
Performance & Functionality
The Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace White performs its primary function – fire-starting – quite well. The firesteel throws a good shower of sparks when struck with the ceramic scraper. The included tinder is easily ignited and burns hot, providing a reliable flame source.
The primary strength lies in its compact and wearable design. It ensures you always have a fire-starting tool readily available. The main weakness is the small size of the firesteel. It makes it slightly more difficult to generate sparks compared to a larger ferro rod.
Overall, the Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace White meets my expectations for a compact survival tool. It’s not a replacement for a full-sized fire kit, but it’s an excellent backup option.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace White is excellent. The materials feel durable and well-assembled. Its light weight of just 0.04 lb ensures comfortable wear around the neck. The breakaway safety clasp is a thoughtful addition, preventing choking hazards.
The necklace is relatively user-friendly. However, it does require some practice to master the technique of striking the firesteel effectively. The resizable cord allows for a customized fit, enhancing comfort.
Durability & Maintenance
The Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace White appears to be quite durable. The ceramic scraper is resistant to wear, and the paracord is strong and abrasion-resistant. With proper care, it should last for a long time.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove debris. The firesteel can be used repeatedly without significant degradation.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace White comes with the essential components needed for fire-starting. This includes the firesteel, ceramic scraper, tinder, and paracord. There are limited customization options available directly from Wazoo Survival Gear.
Users can potentially replace the paracord with a different color or type. They could also add small charms or beads to personalize the necklace. The product is designed as a self-contained unit, and it’s fully functional right out of the box.
Pros and Cons of Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace White
Pros
- Compact and Wearable: Provides a convenient fire-starting solution that’s always accessible.
- Durable Materials: The ceramic scraper and 550 FireCord are built to last.
- Reliable Fire-Starting: The firesteel throws a good shower of sparks, even in damp conditions.
- Breakaway Safety Clasp: Adds a layer of safety, preventing choking hazards.
- Includes Tinder: Ensures you have readily available fuel to ignite.
Cons
- Small Firesteel: Can be slightly awkward to use compared to a larger ferro rod.
- Learning Curve: Requires some practice to master the striking technique.
Who Should Buy Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace White?
The Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace White is perfect for hikers, backpackers, campers, survivalists, and anyone who wants a reliable backup fire-starting tool. It’s also ideal for everyday carry, providing peace of mind in emergency situations. This is also suitable for bushcrafters and preppers.
Individuals who rely on a large, dedicated fire kit or prefer using lighters might not find this product as appealing. Those with limited dexterity may find the small firesteel challenging to use.
A must-have accessory would be a small knife or multi-tool for preparing additional tinder and kindling. Familiarity with different fire-starting techniques will enhance the necklace’s effectiveness.
Conclusion on Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace White
The Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace White is a well-designed and functional survival tool that offers convenience and reliability. It provides a compact and wearable fire-starting solution for outdoor enthusiasts and everyday carry users.
At $24.00, the price is justified given the quality of materials, thoughtful design, and peace of mind it provides. The ability to have a readily available fire-starting method that doesn’t add bulk to your gear is worth the cost.
I would personally recommend the Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace White to anyone looking for a discreet and reliable backup fire source. It’s a valuable addition to any survival kit or everyday carry setup. Get yours today and be prepared for any situation!