In the information below, you will find over a dozen tinders from a
large range of climates and environments that can be found and
used in your fire piston around the world.
Charcloth and Amadou are traditionally used with the flint &
steel through the ages.  Such as the flint & steel, 100% cotton rags
soaked in Salt Peter were a popular choice in Europe. Amadou
was also soaked in Salt Peter to provide the owner a more reliable
tinder.

Here are some tinders that are native in a variety of climates that
have worked for us and others.
Chaga: True Tinder Fungus

Chaga true tinder fungus is very reliable.  The orange corky interior is the best part.  Cut a thin slice and lay it on the
edge of your flint just as you would char cloth.  It is very easy to light and the coal does not extinguish easily.
Amadou; Shelf Fungus, Horse Fungus, False Tinder Fungus

There are different species of shelf fungus that work  with your flint and steel.  Horse Hoof Fungus is easy to identify
and is very reliable.  Although I have not tested all shelf fungus’ from all environments, I know that this one is easy to
use.  If you can find one dying that is dry, the leathery interior should work right off the tree for you, otherwise it
needs to be dried first.  Prepared as Amadou it is also very reliable.  Again, thin slice on your flint works very well.
Cramp Ball Fungus
Mullien Plant  

Mullein is a tinder that is found widely throughout the world. It comes naturally from Europe and Asia and grows in
North America from Mexico to Canada. It likes alkaline soil and is found in disturbed soils, along roadsides, fields, near
seashores. In the United States, it is found in all 48 contiguous states and Hawaii. There are over 250 distinct species of
mullein (and many other subspecies) that grow between 2 and 9 feet tall.  A thin slice of the pith will hold a spark for
you well.  The feathery bark, if cut very carefully, will also catch a spark. Unlike wood punk, you do not need to have
"just the right" mullein to work in your fire piston, just make sure it is a brown stalk.  It takes little preparation and
works extremely reliably and can be found in a variety of climates.  One last tinder that you can get from Mullein is from
charring the Pith much like Charcloth.  It makes the pith much more reliable.
Milkweed

Milkweed offers another tinder for your flint and steel.  Various species of Milkweed are widely distributed in tropical
and subtropical regions, including Africa and India.  Some of them grow in rocky environments and some in a swampy
habitat.  I see them here in Minnesota in my backyard and different species are found in Canada and Mexico.  The
distribution of this plant is widespread.  They like sun and moist soil.  The tinder this plant offersis the ovum. The ovum
is VERY reliable.  Lay a small piece on the edge of your flint and it will catch easily.
Wood Punk  

Wood punk is another tinder that works with your flint and steel, although not as reliably as the other tinders
mentioned.  I have created a coal many times but with varying results. The wood punk has to be in just the right stage of
rot and dry.   I found that even though the punt felt dry, it always seemed to have hidden dampness or simply would not
light. Although I have made wood punk work, I would recommend trying to find one of the other tinders mentioned first.
Wood punk is one to use if there are no other tinders available. While some swear by it, my experience, as well as others,
tells the truth. (The photo is only a representation of wood punk. I would recommend that you choose it from standing trees.)
Yucca

As you can see, there are many tinders that work with your flint and steel.  We
suggest experimenting with different natural materials from your environment and
trying the others mentioned to see what works best for you.  If you discover a new
tinder, please let us know and we will put the information here for all to share.