Introducing the new Fire Mats from Forest Fundamentals™! Handmade from high-quality cowhide leather and treated with Martexin Original Wax for additional waterproofing and flame protection. This versatile mat has a range of fire-lighting applications and can also be used as a padded seat, and protective leg guard when whittling or flint knapping.FIRE LIGHTING | USING FERRO RODS: Using Ferro Rods on unstable ground or with limited fire-lighting tinders can be challenging. I've experienced numerous instances where my tinder was either scattered by the wind or absorbed moisture from the ground during ignition. The mats provide a stable and insulated base for igniting the tinder using Ferro Rods. Typically, you ignite the tinder on the mat and then transfer the flame into the tinder bundle.PROCESSING TINDER SHAVINGS: The mats also provide a stable base for processing tinder shavings, protecting them from damp ground. The mats are also useful for collecting the shavings, ensuring none are lost or scattered during the process! After processing, the shavings are easily collected into a small pile, ready for ignition.THE MATERIALS: We handmade the mats from thick, 2mm genuine leather. The mats have also been treated with Martexin Original Wax for additional waterproofing and flame protection. The mats will not be damaged by exposure to flames. Includes genuine brass eyelets.OTHER USES: The mat also provides great leg and knee protection when whittling and flint-knapping. The mat also performs well as a great seat or kneeling pad, and even provides a base for cutting food! The thick leather is also extremely ridged and will stand on its side. It also works as a wind-guard for small stoves. Let us know if you find any other uses for the mats!THE LANYARD: We have chosen to use 550 'Survival' paracord for the lanyard. This cord includes materials including copper wire, fishing line, waxed jute, and parachute cord. These materials serve a multitude of purposes in the field, including repairing shoelaces, fishing, constructing snares, building shelters, and more. The lanyard is long enough so the mat can be rolled and secured.MAKING PROCESSES: Our mats have been tanned without artificial additives. Where possible, we source leather off-cuts to reduce wastage. Embossed logo and genuine Brass eyelets were used.DISCLAIMERS: The mats are resistant to flames. However, we recommend transferring the flame into your tinder bundle as quickly as possible. When folding and using the mat, some creases will appear due to the infused wax.