First Impressions of Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace Black
The Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace Black isn’t just another piece of jewelry; it’s a wearable insurance policy. Wazoo Survival Gear has taken the concept of survival gear and cleverly integrated it into a discreet and stylish necklace, offering peace of mind without screaming “prepper.” This immediately grabbed my attention, as I’m always seeking ways to minimize bulk while maximizing preparedness in the backcountry.
For years, I’ve stuffed fire starters into every nook and cranny of my packs, from ferro rods taped to knife sheaths to tinder tucked into first-aid kits. The Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace Black promised a more streamlined approach, consolidating essential fire-starting tools into something I could wear every day. My primary goal was to find a reliable, accessible, and unobtrusive way to carry fire-starting essentials, something that wouldn’t add significant weight or bulk to my existing gear.
Upon receiving the Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace Black, I was immediately impressed by its compact size and sleek design. The black paracord feels durable, and the ceramic scraper has a solid, weighty feel. Compared to carrying a separate ferro rod, tinder, and scraper, this necklace is a significant space saver. While there are other survival necklaces on the market, the Wazoo Survival Gear stood out due to its use of a ceramic scraper, which seemed more durable than many of the metal options I’ve seen.
I was cautiously optimistic; it looked good, but would it actually perform when needed? My initial excitement was tempered by a bit of skepticism, eager to see how it held up in real-world conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace Black during a weekend backpacking trip in the Ouachita National Forest. The weather was damp and drizzly, typical for that region, presenting a perfect opportunity to assess its performance in less-than-ideal conditions. I specifically wanted to test its ability to ignite damp tinder.
Using the included firesteel and ceramic scraper, I was able to produce a shower of sparks relatively easily. Igniting the tinder from the necklace was straightforward, even with slightly damp conditions; the Alpine Butterfly knot made it easy to access and fluff the fibers. The necklace proved surprisingly easy to use, requiring minimal practice to get a decent spark going, much better than my usual fumbling with standalone ferro rods in the cold. No major issues arose during the initial use, but I did find that the small size of the firesteel required a slightly different striking technique than larger rods.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple camping trips, hunting excursions, and even everyday wear, the Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace Black has proven to be remarkably durable. The paracord shows no signs of fraying, and the ceramic scraper remains sharp and effective. I’ve worn it while hiking through dense brush, fishing in rivers, and even during some light yard work, and it has held up without any issues.
The necklace requires minimal maintenance; I occasionally wipe down the firesteel and scraper to remove any debris, but that’s about it. Compared to my previous habit of carrying separate fire-starting components that often got lost or damaged, the Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace Black has been a significant improvement in terms of reliability and convenience. It consistently outperforms my expectations for such a small, wearable tool.
Breaking Down the Features of Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace Black
Specifications
The Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace Black features a black Zirconia (ZrO2) Ceramic “Scraper”. This provides a durable and effective striking surface for the firesteel.
It includes a high-quality Firesteel, designed to produce hot sparks even in damp conditions.
The necklace utilizes 550 FireCord, which contains an inner strand of tinder. This adds an extra layer of fire-starting capability.
It includes approximately 30″ of firestarting tinder tied with an Alpine Butterfly knot, making it easy to access and use.
A breakaway safety clasp enhances safety by preventing the necklace from becoming a choking hazard.
The necklace is resizable, allowing for a comfortable and secure fit for various neck sizes.
The color is, as the name suggests, Black.
The entire package weighs just 0.04 lb, making it incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear. These specifications are important because they directly impact the necklace’s usability, durability, and overall effectiveness as a survival tool.
Performance & Functionality
The Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace Black performs its job exceptionally well. The firesteel consistently produces a robust shower of sparks, and the ceramic scraper provides a reliable striking surface. The integrated tinder is easily accessible and ignites readily, even in damp conditions.
The main strength lies in its compact, all-in-one design, providing essential fire-starting tools in an easily accessible format. The small size of the firesteel does require a slightly more deliberate striking technique. It meets my expectations and, in many ways, exceeds them by offering a high level of functionality in such a small and discreet package.
Design & Ergonomics
The Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace Black features a well-thought-out design that balances functionality and aesthetics. The use of durable materials, like the ceramic scraper and 550 paracord, contributes to its overall build quality. The necklace is lightweight and comfortable to wear, even for extended periods.
The design is user-friendly, requiring minimal familiarization. The Alpine Butterfly knot makes accessing the tinder easy, and the breakaway clasp adds a crucial safety element.
Durability & Maintenance
The Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace Black is built to last. The materials used are resistant to wear and tear, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris.
With proper care, this necklace should provide years of reliable service. The quality construction speaks volumes about its longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace Black comes with the core components needed for fire starting: the firesteel, ceramic scraper, and tinder. While there are no officially offered customization options directly from Wazoo Survival Gear, the paracord can be easily replaced with different colors or patterns to personalize the necklace.
The firesteel could potentially be swapped out for a different size or material, although this would require some modification. Due to its design, it is not particularly suited for 3rd party accessories.
Pros and Cons of Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace BlackPros
- Compact and Lightweight: The necklace is incredibly lightweight and easy to wear, making it a convenient addition to any outdoor gear setup.
- All-in-One Fire Starting Solution: Combines a firesteel, ceramic scraper, and tinder into a single, easily accessible package.
- Durable Construction: Uses high-quality materials like ceramic and 550 paracord for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to Use: Requires minimal practice to generate sparks and ignite the tinder.
- Breakaway Safety Clasp: Enhances safety by preventing the necklace from becoming a choking hazard.
Cons
- The firesteel is relatively small, which may require a slightly different striking technique than larger ferro rods.
- The tinder supply is limited to the 30″ of cord included; additional tinder may be needed for extended trips.
Who Should Buy Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace Black?
Pros
- Compact and Lightweight: The necklace is incredibly lightweight and easy to wear, making it a convenient addition to any outdoor gear setup.
- All-in-One Fire Starting Solution: Combines a firesteel, ceramic scraper, and tinder into a single, easily accessible package.
- Durable Construction: Uses high-quality materials like ceramic and 550 paracord for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to Use: Requires minimal practice to generate sparks and ignite the tinder.
- Breakaway Safety Clasp: Enhances safety by preventing the necklace from becoming a choking hazard.
Cons
- The firesteel is relatively small, which may require a slightly different striking technique than larger ferro rods.
- The tinder supply is limited to the 30″ of cord included; additional tinder may be needed for extended trips.
The Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace Black is perfect for hikers, campers, backpackers, survivalists, and anyone who spends time outdoors and values preparedness. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a compact, lightweight, and reliable fire-starting solution that is always within reach. It’s also great for casual campers who want a simple and stylish way to carry emergency fire-starting equipment.
Those who might want to skip this product are individuals who prefer larger, more traditional fire-starting tools or those who require a very large supply of tinder for extended wilderness trips. If you need to build fires every day for warmth and cooking in a survival situation, this is more of a backup.
A must-have addition would be a small, waterproof container of additional tinder, like cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly, to supplement the included tinder in prolonged wet conditions.
Conclusion on Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace Black
Overall, the Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace Black is an intelligently designed and well-executed piece of survival gear. It effectively combines essential fire-starting tools into a discreet and wearable format. The price of $29.00 is more than justified, considering the quality of materials, functionality, and peace of mind it provides.
I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and unobtrusive way to carry fire-starting essentials. It’s a valuable addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s gear collection. Add the Wazoo Survival Gear Firecraft Necklace Black to your kit; you will be ready to spark a flame whenever and wherever needed!