Being a Model 18 fan, I thought I would start a thread listing sources for some neat survival items that are on the market today. These all fit nicely in the hollow handle. Because items like fishing gear, needles, thread, etc. are readily available, I'm focusing on fire starting, compasses, and handle wrap.

FIRE STARTERS:
Ferro Rods - Fox Firesteel is a good size: http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=4
Survival Spark - Quality brass construction compliments the 18s brass hardware: http://www.tripleaughtdesign.com/Equipment/Tools/Survival-Spark
Spark Lite - Less expensive alternative to the Survival Spark: http://www.bestglide.com/Spark_Lite_Info.html
Fire Tabs - These work well as stuffing to prevent all items from rattling: http://www.bestglide.com/Tinder_Quik_Info.html
NATO Matches - Mini flares: http://www.bestglide.com/Lifeboat_Matches_Info.html
Stormproof Matches - More mini flares: http://www.rei.com/product/617046

COMPASSES:
NATO Compass - High quality dry compass, but expensive: http://www.bestglide.com/FB1605_Info.html
Compass capsules - Liquid filled compasses. The 14mm - Grade AA compass is the current Randall compass: http://www.suncompany.net/prodList.php?subCat=20
Aluminum compass - Dry compass. Not sure about the quality of these, but they have an old fashion look and come in two sizes. Read on another forum that they are accurate.: http://www.stanleylondon.com/smcomp.htm

HANDLE WRAP:
Nylon Cord - Small diameter nylon cord in 13 colors. Scroll down to Size "5": http://www.paragear.com/templates/parachutes.asp?group=33&level=2&parent=193

Needless to say, there are a lot more items out there, but this will give you a start especially those getting their first 18. Feel free to add to the list.

Great idea Tom. This would also fit nicely in the Outdoor forums (Tents-N-Trails)...
Thanks, Capt. Chris

Water purification tablets

Potable Aqua

Aquatabs

Katadyn Micropur

Aquamira

These can be purchased online, but WalMart carries some too.

Great thread! Thank you guys...
Best,

Another neat idea is to take a large diameter, clear plastic straw and cut it to desired length. Use a lighter to heat/melt/seal one end closed. Fill straw with your favorite tinder (i.e. fatwood shavings, cotton ball material, etc.) and heat/melt/seal the other end. This makes a lightweight, waterproof container that just needs to be cut open for use.

The best survival cord I've found so far. Seriously expensive, but worth it.
http://www.shomer-tec.com/product/ultimate-survival-cord-1494.cfm

WHOA! ... Wrap THAT around the handle of you #18 and you're good to go!
... to say the least.
Tony

These look interesting for those who prefer a lighter for a fire starter.





http://www.countycomm.com/splitpea.htm

Good idea Tom!

I like these little lighters. One nice thing about them is that they will stand up and stay lit, so like a candle they can be used hands-free (unlike a Bic) as a light source, or they can be placed under a pile of tender to start a fire.

With the mechanism removed they make good waterproof containers for pills or purification tablets. They can also be used as zipper pulls if your #18's handle is already full.

Check out the videos on the website.

Triple Aught Design has some of the best stuff around!

Other wise known as Tadgear