Hi All, I'm new to the stove section of the forum but have been at the lantern section for some time. I think it is fair to say that it is a slippery slope from kerosene lanterns to stoves. I'm now at the stoves. I'm now thinking of getting an Optimus 8R or a Primus 8R. Optimus acquired Primus as I learned from here. I need to understand the story and the pros/cons between the metal key and the plastic knob on a shaft for flame control. The plastic knob seems farther from the flame thus may be cooler? While the metal has no chance of cracking? Please tell me your opinions on which is more desirable from a user and a collector's standpoint. Thank you.
Would be best to get at least one of each and then take a look at the optimus 111 family. It is not a good thing to have money burning a hole in ones pocket. Being a wonderful group _______ (insert word here) we will try to get you pointed in one direction or another,hopefully the right one. john Don't forget the russian cult stove clone. Hopefully someone older or more experienced will wander along with some useful pointers.
I have a number of 8/8R's and 111's, there does not appear to be any issue with the plastic knob as you describe. They are nice to just leave on the spindle as they don't get hot, whereas the key will get pretty hot. Even my old 22B's are in good shape. I highly believe you need more than one. Duane
I do not take my store bought stove keys out doors unless it is absolutely necessary. Instead, I use a home made stove key on any of my stoves with a square operating shaft. To make a key, get a piece of 1/4 inch O.D. copper tubing. File a 16 penny nail shaft or something similar into a square the same size as your stove shaft. Then run your copper tubing over the squared nail and thump it with a hammer to shape. Bend the tubing into a 90 degree curve and shape the other end. Now you have two keys. The home made key will work as well as the store bought key and if you loose it a replacement is easily made. Ken H.
I tried out both types of key on an 8R I used to have. I prefered the Bakelite wheel as it allowed finer control. I found the key a bit clunky and more prone to scratch the paint around the slot that it pokes through in the tin.
The metal key gets very hot if you leave it in place so I use a spare control rod from a 111. Can't say its any better at flame control but it does stop you burning your fingers.
Knob. My original 8R had the key and for two decades I thought it was fine, but I didn't know any better.
I've never cared much for the #8 series of stoves. I do like the 123's though, preferring the non R types. I've also never had much trouble with the key, not after my first and so far only 123 thumb incident. On some things I'm a fast learner. I've only got one 111, a 111B, actually. It came with the knob type control, but no spanner. I kludged a spanner from a bit of 3/32" sheet steel. It was not particularly difficult and does the job. Too many people allow the perfect to be the enemy of good enough, don't be one of those. Gerry
+1 for the Russian 'Touristy' 8R clone. They are great users, although probably less interesting to the collector.
The bakelite knob is better in my opinion for sure, you won't burn your fingers like you would with the metal key. As far as anyone worrying about losing one...thats impossible if the chain is on
I second the plastic knob preference. I have owned my 8R since 1968 with the red plastic knob. It has gone for many campouts and backpacks and has never shown any tendency to crack the knob. I suppose if I dropped the knob off a cliff it might crack but otherwise, no cracks, no discoloration and no burned fingers. I suppose the key would have the advantage of being more durable and lighter in weight, but my plastic knob has endured for over 40 years. And, the 8R isn't really a lightweight in any case. I never knew about key burns until I read about them on this web site. Since I had the plastic knob I had no experience with burns. By the way, the knob is large and easy to handle in mittens and it is far enough away from the burner that most pots don't cover the knob and prevent flame adjustment. Just my experiences, Jim Henderson
I like the plastic knob. I'm not sure why they went to the key but I suspect it was slightly cheaper.
