What do you folks think these stoves and fuel tabs are?
All five:
close up of one, open (note rust on top of bottom right upright thingie):
top layer of fuel tabs, lifted
close up of label on fuel tabs:
beside a soda can (for scale):
beside a SPAM Single:
beside an authentic Esbit stove:
Note that the two "top" opening halves slide out, before opening. If you look closely at the second last picture, you can see the channels (as opposed to hinged hole of the Esbit).
I keep the authentic Esbit in a gallon freezer bag (in my main car emergency kit), and left it out overnight inside after taking the photos. The next morning, the Esbit fuel tabs smelled distinctly fishy. I have not noticed any particular smell from the unknown (circular) fuel tabs.
My guess is that these are East German surplus, and perhaps somewhat old (mainly based on the paper labels). All have a bit of rust.
I have not yet tried any, but did briefly inspect the contents of each and confirmed that all have 12 fuel tabs (some are in somewhat cloudier plastic).
It appears (to me) that these fuel tabs are a much better deal than the claimed pack of Trioxane.
What do you think?
