First Impressions of Wazoo Survival Gear Bushcraft Firestarter Necklace WSG001W
The Wazoo Survival Gear Bushcraft Firestarter Necklace WSG001W is an intriguing piece of kit that caught my eye while browsing for compact survival tools. Wazoo Survival Gear promises a two-part fire-starting pendant that combines practicality with everyday wearability. This necklace boasts a natural-dyed leather lanyard, a black Zirconia ceramic scraper, and a black Ferrocerium barrel toggle.
I was specifically looking for a reliable, hands-free fire starter that wouldn’t take up valuable pocket space during my backcountry trips. I’ve tried carrying ferro rods in pouches and lanyards before, but they always seemed bulky or inconvenient to access quickly. The appeal of having a readily available fire starter around my neck was strong.
Upon receiving the Wazoo Survival Gear Bushcraft Firestarter Necklace WSG001W, I was immediately impressed by its simple, yet robust design. The leather lanyard feels substantial, and the ceramic scraper and Ferrocerium toggle have a quality weight to them. It’s definitely more stylish than a standard ferro rod attached to a piece of paracord.
Compared to other fire-starting necklaces I’ve seen, the Wazoo Survival Gear offering appeared to be more durable and aesthetically pleasing. Some competing products use cheaper materials or have flimsy connections. The Wazoo Survival Gear Bushcraft Firestarter Necklace WSG001W struck me as a well-thought-out piece of survival gear.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to test its fire-starting capabilities and see how it held up to real-world use. The initial quality seemed excellent, but the true test would be in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wazoo Survival Gear Bushcraft Firestarter Necklace WSG001W to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Wazoo Survival Gear Bushcraft Firestarter Necklace WSG001W during a weekend backpacking trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The conditions were slightly damp, with a persistent drizzle in the air. This presented a realistic challenge for the fire starter.
Despite the dampness, the Wazoo Survival Gear Bushcraft Firestarter Necklace WSG001W performed admirably. The ceramic scraper produced a shower of hot sparks with relative ease, and I was able to ignite some dry tinder I had prepared. The convenience of having the fire starter readily accessible around my neck was immediately apparent.
The learning curve was minimal; the design is intuitive. After a couple of practice strikes, I was consistently producing sparks. I did notice that keeping the lanyard out of the way while striking was important to avoid accidentally setting it alight.
After the first use, the black coating on the Ferrocerium barrel toggle began to wear off, which is expected. However, the leather lanyard showed no signs of wear and remained comfortable around my neck.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use on various camping and hiking trips, the Wazoo Survival Gear Bushcraft Firestarter Necklace WSG001W continues to impress. It’s become a trusted part of my essential gear. The lanyard and connections remain strong, with no signs of fraying or loosening.
The Ferrocerium rod has, of course, shortened with repeated use, but still produces a reliable shower of sparks. I anticipate it lasting for a significant amount of time before needing replacement. Cleaning is simple, requiring only an occasional wipe down to remove dirt and grime.
Compared to my previous experiences with carrying separate ferro rods and strikers, the Wazoo Survival Gear Bushcraft Firestarter Necklace WSG001W offers a significant improvement in convenience and accessibility. It’s always ready when I need it, and the necklace design eliminates the risk of losing either the rod or the striker. It definitely outperforms my previous solutions.
Breaking Down the Features of Wazoo Survival Gear Bushcraft Firestarter Necklace WSG001W
Specifications
The Wazoo Survival Gear Bushcraft Firestarter Necklace WSG001W consists of a two-part fire-starting pendant. The lanyard is crafted from natural-dyed cowhide leather and hand-tied with classic mountaineering knots. A black Zirconia (ZrO2) Ceramic “Scraper” serves as the striking tool, and the Ferrocerium barrel toggle creates the sparks.
The necklace fits up to a 26″ neck, making it suitable for a wide range of users. The entire assembly weighs only 0.04 lb, adding minimal weight to your gear. The Manufacturer is Wazoo Survival Gear, and the color is listed as White (referring to the natural leather color).
These specifications are crucial for a survival tool. The low weight ensures comfort during extended wear. The durable materials ensure reliability in harsh conditions. The 26″ length is a good balance, providing enough slack without being overly cumbersome.
Performance & Functionality
The Wazoo Survival Gear Bushcraft Firestarter Necklace WSG001W performs its primary function—starting fires—exceptionally well. The ceramic scraper effectively removes material from the Ferrocerium rod, creating a hot shower of sparks. This makes it easy to ignite tinder, even in moderately damp conditions.
The main strength is its accessibility and ease of use. It’s far more convenient than digging through a pack for a separate fire starter. The main weakness is that the ferro rod is relatively small, so it won’t last forever, requiring eventual replacement.
It meets and exceeds my expectations for a compact, wearable fire starter. It’s a reliable tool that I trust to perform when needed.
Design & Ergonomics
The Wazoo Survival Gear Bushcraft Firestarter Necklace WSG001W boasts a well-thought-out design that prioritizes both functionality and aesthetics. The natural leather lanyard is comfortable to wear for extended periods and adds a touch of style. The ceramic scraper is ergonomically shaped for a secure grip, and the Ferrocerium toggle is easy to manipulate.
The necklace is user-friendly, requiring minimal practice to master. The only slight learning curve involves learning the best striking angle and pressure for optimal spark production.
Durability & Maintenance
The materials used in the Wazoo Survival Gear Bushcraft Firestarter Necklace WSG001W are selected for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. The leather lanyard is treated to resist moisture, and the ceramic scraper is incredibly hard and unlikely to break. The Ferrocerium rod, while consumable, is dense and long-lasting.
Maintenance is simple; occasional cleaning is all that’s required. The robust construction suggests that this necklace will last for many years with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Wazoo Survival Gear Bushcraft Firestarter Necklace WSG001W doesn’t come with any additional accessories. However, the lanyard can be easily customized with different beads or charms to personalize its appearance.
While not officially supported, the Ferrocerium rod could potentially be replaced with a similar-sized rod from another manufacturer once the original is depleted. This extends the life of the necklace.
Pros and Cons of Wazoo Survival Gear Bushcraft Firestarter Necklace WSG001W
Pros
- Convenient and accessible: Always ready for immediate use, eliminating the need to search through a pack.
- Durable construction: High-quality materials ensure longevity and reliability in harsh conditions.
- Easy to use: Minimal learning curve, suitable for users of all skill levels.
- Stylish design: The leather lanyard and ceramic scraper provide a unique and appealing aesthetic.
- Lightweight: Adds minimal weight to your gear, ensuring comfort during extended wear.
Cons
- Ferrocerium rod is consumable and will eventually need replacement.
- Leather lanyard requires occasional cleaning and conditioning to maintain its appearance.
Who Should Buy Wazoo Survival Gear Bushcraft Firestarter Necklace WSG001W?
The Wazoo Survival Gear Bushcraft Firestarter Necklace WSG001W is perfect for hikers, campers, survivalists, and anyone who values preparedness and self-reliance. It’s especially well-suited for those who prioritize lightweight and compact gear. It also makes a great gift for outdoor enthusiasts.
This product may not be ideal for individuals who prefer larger, more traditional fire starters. It’s also not recommended for children due to the small parts and potential fire hazard.
A must-have addition would be a small waterproof container of tinder carried separately. Pre-prepared tinder greatly enhances fire-starting success in challenging conditions.
Conclusion on Wazoo Survival Gear Bushcraft Firestarter Necklace WSG001W
The Wazoo Survival Gear Bushcraft Firestarter Necklace WSG001W is a well-designed and highly functional piece of survival gear. Its combination of convenience, durability, and ease of use makes it an excellent addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s kit. It performs its core function effectively and looks good while doing it.
At $24.00, the price is justified by the quality of the materials and the overall design. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone who values preparedness and self-reliance in the outdoors.
I would personally recommend the Wazoo Survival Gear Bushcraft Firestarter Necklace WSG001W to anyone looking for a reliable and convenient fire starter. If you want to be prepared for anything the wilderness throws your way, this is it. Add this to your kit and be ready to spark adventure!