Fresnel lenses are named after the French physicist who invented them sometime around 1818 for use in lighthouses. Today they are also used in car headlights and traffic lights. The great thing about a Fresnel lens is that it is a series of concentric sections, greatly reducing the amount of material required. I have one that is credit card sized and really light weight; it’s stated purpose is as a reading aid but it makes an effective fire lighter.
In this video I show how to use a Fresnel lens to light a King Alfred’s cake.
We teach how to use a Fresnel lense, magnifying glasses and mirrors, as well as a host of other methods of ignition, on our 1 Day Fire Lighting Course, our as well as on our 2 Day & 5 Day Bushcraft Courses, the IOL Bushcraft Competency Course and also our 2 Day & 5 Day Survival Courses.
You can see plenty of photos from all of our courses on our Facebook page.
