The tinderbox is used to prepare plant tinders. Tinder material is charred directly in the fire & then placed in the tinderbox to smother it. When you want to make fire you simply strike sparks into the tinderbox, hold some dry grass kindling against the smouldering tinder & blow into flame.
If you do this with the Hudson Bay tobacco tin, you will smoke up the burning glass in the lid, & in winter it may crack from the heat of the smouldering tinder. Better I think to carry a seperate reading glass or use specticles if you wear them.
The Hudson Bay Tobacco Tin.
Author's reading glass and case.
Author's tinderbox with tinder and a musket flint.
Reading Glass Fire Lighting Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvveEG5yDXc
