Quote:
Originally Posted by SameOldStory
Swedish firesteel
Thanks Stitchawl and DG. Beats my old magnesium fire starter!
I'll be ordering one of each From Amazon
 
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Actually, in many cases I really do prefer the magnesium block fire starters, especially if tinder is a problem. The mishmetal ferro rod on them (if you use the 'Doan's' brand and not the 'Coghlan's,') throws enough spark and the magnesium burns hot enough to light wet kindling. The problems occur when you are in windy conditions and the magnesium shavings blow away before you can ignite them. You need to scrape them onto a piece of duct tape, which in itself will prolong the burn. Using PJ-soaked cotton balls solves that problem, as well as reducing the size of the ferro rod needed. The 'Swedish Fire Steel' throws a very hot shower of sparks, again, much better than the 'Coghlan's' brand of ferro rod.
Truth be told, I really prefer a piece of real flint and a steel striker used with char cloth and unraveled jute, but not for emergency use as too easy to wind up with damp or wet tinder. I forged my striker from an old file. I wanted something shaped a little fancier than this one.
I have a nice fire piston but the size of the tinder cup makes for a very, very small ember. It's good for starting fires when camping, but I wouldn't want to rely on it in a survival situation. Fun, but not as reliable in all conditions as a fire steel or flint and striker.
Stitchawl