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.
I have carried storm matches for many years and never had to use them. It just occurred to me the other day that the several times that I have tested them, I never have been able to get them to light. You have to use the striker that comes with the box or bottle that they come in. But the only way I have ever been able to light one is with a regular kitchen match. Kind of defeats the purpose, huh? The magnesium bar and striker works and that is what I will carry from now on. I do start fires with a magnifying glass and I carry one of those as a back-up.
Apr 24, 2009 Rating
Options by: Keith
Magnesium works great to start char cloth also. If you hold your knife or scraper steady and pull the magnesium strip away from the knife or scraper, you have a better chance of getting the sparks to fall where you want them to, instead of the other way around.
Apr 07, 2009 Rating
good by: Anonymous
I have used this mehod before and it works. good idea.
Feb 01, 2009 Rating
Magnesium match blade by: Anonymous
I keep a prep razor blade (you could use a paint scraper razor blade or drywall knife blade) with my magnesium firestarter. I actually keep two-one for practice, since it does dull quickly, and one in case I ever REALLY need it. Of course, you could probably fit two containers of lifeboat matches in the same space as one magnesium match!
Dec 10, 2008 Rating
think about it by: Anonymous
Good idea. never used it before, but sounds like it will work.
Dec 10, 2008 Rating
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 Rating
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 Rating
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 Rating
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.
