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Magnesium match

by Luke
(Zanesville, Ohio, United States of America)

You can use a magnesium match. Shave the magnesium into a small pile on some dry tinder and strike the flint on the other side. When the spark hits the shaven magnesium it will ignite. Make sure you have plenty of kindling and wood, 3 times more than what you think will be enough.

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Magnesium match

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Dec 10, 2008
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think about it
by: Anonymous

Good idea. never used it before, but sounds like it will work.

Dec 10, 2008
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good one
by: Anonymous

Great suggestion. i have personally used this before. it does take practice to master, but when you do, you have a sure "fire" way to make a fire.

Dec 10, 2008
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magnesium match
by: expert

To add to brian's comment this comes with its own peice of metal that is attached to the chain. You use that and not your knife. If you loose that you use the back of your knife not the sharp end. If you are as skilled as you say you are, you would understand that, and as always you have to practice using it before you have to use it in a survival situation. I have used this multiple times and it has proven worthy to have. I can start a fire with it in less than a minute. Practice with it when you can. It is hard to use in a pinch, if you have never used it before. Good suggestion.

Dec 01, 2008
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A Perfect Addition to the Magnesium Match
by: Anonymous

Add to your kit an old pill bottle full of cotton balls with petroleum jelly on them. Stick just one cotton ball (with petroleum jelly) on your firewood, then use the magnesium match... Instant fire.
Sam

Dec 01, 2008
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Frustrating
by: Brian

These devices do work but take alot of effort and most likely are going to dull your knife when trying to pain stakingly remove enough of the bar to start a fire. These devices are great if you have all day to wittle and it's a hot summer night. But for a survival situation stay away and go with something alot easier to operate.

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