$2.50 Magnesium Fire Starter - A Good Survival Kit Item?

[@mr.zardoz3344]

A great tip that comes from Les shroud was to put the shavings on a piece of duc tape. That way, in high winds or snow or whatever, they stay in one place as you strike the fero rod. Neat trick!

[@simmsman413]

Take fatwood and baton. Drive FW into stump, ignite from the bottom. Turns FW into a slow burning torch. Uses less FW and gives off taller flame!

[@ingav2283]

Love this Les Stroud tip. Thanks for sharing!

[@khizarabid8414]

Lovely Video! Sorry for the intrusion, I would appreciate your opinion. Have you heard about - Proutklarton Incredible Match Plan (erm, check it on google should be there)? It is a smashing one off guide for getting an understanding of how to survive in a disaster and make your own survival food minus the hard work. Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my good mate called Gray finally got great results with it.

[@Gastonbutavand]

Appreciate Video clip! Apologies for butting in, I would love your opinion. Have you considered - Proutklarton Incredible Match Plan (search on google)? It is an awesome exclusive guide for getting an understanding of how to survive in a disaster and make your own survival food minus the normal expense. Ive heard some super things about it and my work buddy after a lifetime of fighting got excellent results with it.

[@outdoorsurvival7730]

Excellent tip

[@henryvandeventer2457]

Been carrying these for years, got my first one when I was a kid growing up on a farm and camping/hunting with my dad. They do take a bit more effort in prep than a standard fero rod, but work great with damp materials and tinder. Another use for them is scraping the magnesium off and using that dust when I am making cotton pad and vaseline fire starters. I add the dust into it and dab the cotton in it and it works perfectly.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Cool idea

[@BoilingDietCoke]

You scrape into a pile the correct way I hope. Unlike this human, correct?

[@jerseydevil7895]

I got a few of these and made 3 modifications: Bought a couple feet of that beaded chain ( key making section - hardware store) and made longer chains, so I don't have to take the striker off and risk losing it in SHTF situation. I also wrapped the whole thing with Gorilla Tape, so I have tinder, even in wet conditions. Since the only thing that can go wrong with these is to lose the ferro rod, I ran a bead of Super Glue down both sides the rods.

[@createvideo561]

Magnesium burns even while wet infact even better due to its chemical activity and the evolution of hydrogen

[@stuarthamilton5112]

For kindling pencil shavings work great. A few pencils and a cheap kid’s pencil sharpener will keep you in tinder for a good long while, and they pack super easy.

[@dannydenham8141]

Magnesium pencil sharpeners are available on Amazon

[@markadams7597]

I've used magnesium fire starters since the 1970s (on the trail, and in the backyard grill). I've used magnesium to start fires on wet wood in the snow (in the Rockies, S. Nevadas, Appalachians, Sonorans, and Alps). They work, and $2.50 is an excellent prices. Great review. Ty!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks. I appreciate it.

[@thomasgarrison3949]

Thanks for letting me know about the Magnesium Fire Starter at HFT, they are still $2.49 @ Harbor Freight Tools, I was getting them @ Walmart for $4.46.

[@therugburnz]

A fiver is still a fare price for something that might be needed to save lives. After your teenage son empties your bic™, that cost $3, while trying to smoke grass you'll be happier than if you forgot to take with you.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

That's a CRAZY price 👍 This is the original Vietnam war style mag fire 🔥 block.

[@ralphmitchell3435]

Bought one today at harbor freight for $1.99

[@Lachin037]

I just got mine today for $1.69 they are really a hidden gem with a bargain like this

[@Mojo32]

I got one for 1.39. ...how long are we gonna keep this up 😆

[@kurtmckenney7662]

They work well, I just used one 15 minutes ago t ostart a fire. One thing to keep in mind, in the wind it is hard to light anything, especially magnesium shavings.

[@stormpoet76]

I’d like to add that in a survival situation....resources are key .....get used to minimalism. Just enough finite resource magnesium quarter sized flat is just as effective as the half dollar amount you stacked.....keep in mind as you scrape start from one side to evenly to the other otherwise you’ll end up breaking the ferro rod on day 3

[@dennisjj6529]

Hey..hi. About 10 years ago, I got completely stranded on my snow machine during an ongoing winter storm, in the back country in Eastern Canada,... by myself. Heavy winds, probably -20 degrees and windy, and at least 12 miles from ANYBODY. I crashed, ...and there I was, sprained ankle, pitch black, alone, and freeking cold.. I thought that I had everything on my machine that I would need, in order to survive a situation like that. You can never make wilderness feel like home. I'm alive. I realized that people have to REALLY THINK about a lot of stuff if they decide to hit the trails by themselves..... especially at night.. I'm lucky to be alive. I missed some shit, but I managed to get enough right that I was found the next day. If I didn't have a decent LED light, a fairly good hatchet for cutting down some branches, a way, and the knowledge to start a fire during a blizzard, a length of cheap plastic rope to string a bed on a fallen tree, and a cheap mylar body blanket to keep me from freezing to death, I would have died. Just be thoughtful. Sone stuff doesn't take up that much room..... just think about what you would need. I was more prepared than most would have been. Lucky.

[@bobashmore6442]

I've been carrying these in my fire kits since I was in the Boy Scouts. I have no idea why folks think they don't work, I've started fires in pouring down rain with fairly marginal and wet material with these things. One thing that I figured out pretty quickly is that even a fairly light wind will blow away the shavings pretty quickly so I make sure I am between the shavings and the wind, or I find another kind of wind break, whatever works.

[@btm380]

I saw an episode of Naked & Afraid. Guy wasn't scraping the magnesium so only threw sparks at tinder. He failed at fire.

[@Caintuckee64]

*As long as you have time (when you are stranded you may be fighting cold/freezing conditions), take time to prepare your fire well!*

[@Charlielizard]

All about preparation.

[@aphroditestan]

Im wondering if you could store the shavings in a little satchel or maybe even like a little plastic bag u could slip in your wallet, just in case u were ever in a situation u might need to just light a fire ASAP ? Would they keep or would it be dangerous?

[@ShadeSlayer1911]

@@aphroditestan I've actually seen fire kits with the shavings in little ziplock baggies on amazon. I assume if you keep them contained, they won't just light up on you.

[@PHASES_OFFICIAL]

You can get them at Dollarama in Canada!

[@dubyadeetango3667]

Add a handle to the fire starter and it’s easier to use. Take a 1” diameter dowel and cut a 3/8” wide groove in the end, deep enough to put a #6 stove bolt through the hole in the chain hole. I made several 1911 pistol style grips from 1”x4” and bolted to the fire starter. Scouts get a kick out of seeing me light the campfire with my pistol.

[@carlholmes2251]

I love them. I've been using them for years. They are Light weight, waterproof. They are semi easy to use and cheap. I carry one in my day pack, one in my truck, one in my BoB. I wouldn't go on any outdoor excursion without one.

[@CiaofCleburne]

As soon as you said “I like fire”, I sub’d!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

A fellow pyro.

[@alexandradunbar4177]

exactly the same story here :)

[@trueblak1]

Same here 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Bruva_Ayamhyt]

Heheheh, yeah! Fire! Fire!

[@dosbox2010]

I love these also, hint, put the striker on a course grinding wheel and get a sharp edge with a heavy burr, it scraps better and throws better sparks.

[@BCVS777]

Many years ago I was out for a drive in the boonies with my family and we decided we needed a fire. I had one of those little fire starter things in the door pocket of my truck so I gave it a try. I fought and fought that little gadget but I never did get a fire. It made me mad so I started researching fire starters. Now, like you, I have made a hobby of making fire. I still have that little fire starter in my truck door pocket…I might make fire with it now!😆

[@therugburnz]

If you drill another hole or two in the bloc, you can scrape the magnesium flakes by "drilling" with a knife. Also, scrape some magnesium in advance into the case you keep the fire maker device in. Put the powder in a pieces of waxed paper & TP. practice a few times before relying on it. When proficient carry it and a butane lighter.

[@bossdog1480]

OR just carry a butane lighter. 😁

[@fishing_With_Vic]

Man I’ve loved fire since I was 4 even tho my house burned down I just love camping and the outdoors so much I can’t stand but love fire!

[@jasonthomas8481]

I just bought one of these and thank you for helping me not look silly tomorrow when I try it camping

[@Shane-Singleton]

I picked one of these up a few years back. Think it was actually branded by Coleman. Not going to lie it works pretty well. If you have some damp tinder the magnesium should get it started. It's a little tedious to scrape all that stuff off but it's inexpensive and it works. Never hurts to have backup options. Especially for only a few $.

[@user-zr6pl6nb6z]

Why do you need to say "not going to lie"?

[@Shane-Singleton]

@@user-zr6pl6nb6z it's just a colloquialism

[@cliffowens3629]

When I worked at a wastewater plant we were cleaning out the grit chambers and my shovel uncovered a Doan's stamp dated 6/84 Aviation. Found it in 2000 and it worked fine. Still in my pocket. Shame Doan's went out of business. Hard to believe if they were supplying the military

[@jerrytalley802]

Thanks for your review. I tried one a year or two ago, and see now I didn’t scrape enough off ahead of time, and naturally, blamed the (HARBOR FREIGHT) fire starter. I got a fire finally but struggled from what I remember. Cool channel, very practical video, thanks

[@Eezyriderr1]

I have a couple harbor freight starters. Only issue I have is one of the ferro rods came loose. No big deal. It's just a two piece kit now I recon

[@jwatson15]

The separate fire rod fits very well in an altoids tin fire kit.

[@nickw3657]

Buy a DOAN Magnesium Bar that's issued to the USAF.$14

[@Charlielizard]

Not bad. I bought a couple and used old 1/4 inch bit with drill press on very slow speed to fill up couple of old waterproof pill bottles with shavings. One other pill bottle has ferro rods and strikers. Just a plan ahead thing to save time. Works fantastic. Keep drill speed slow to prevent friction.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Good idea

[@ROE1300]

I always those were more gimmicky than useful, but was properly introduced to them while taking a class with Cody Lundin. For exactly the reason you demonstrated one is in my little kit - thank you Cody. I’m not very accomplished using a piece of hacksaw blade so I have a proper scrapper on mine connected by a cord long enough that I don’t need to disconnect them. Thank you for this demonstration.

[@garyglonek5496]

I have used one for years and just a few magnesium shavings are needed, especially if you scrape them into a piece of birch bark, folded wax paper etc.

[@Hullspeed]

This is great! I picked up one yesterday out of curiosity. I used the little hack saw the wrong way (as if I was trying to saw a pipe). It didn't go well. I tuned in here today to see if lighting a fire with one of these was even possible, so - wow! Messing around, I set the bar on fire with a propane torch to see if I could get it to burn; it did! I always tell my kids, if your in the wild, the best way to start a fire is with a bunch of newspaper, some kerosene, and a self starting propane torch. Haha!

[@aprilsatterfield1307]

Thank you, i just bought 4 of the same kind and was looking for a video of how to use one and i happened across your video. Very helpful

[@dfpytwa]

The ferro rods on those are just glued on and tend to fall off and get lost. If I was in a survival situation without any matches or a lighter and found one of those it would be great but I wouldn't carry one for a sole fire starting source. They work and are fun to play with though. With practice you don't need anywhere near that amount of magnesium shavings and the ferro rod a lot of times will start your fire alone if you have some cotton, roughed up tissue paper, cattail fluff or some other easily ignited fluffy material.

[@10469]

I was at harbor freight yesterday.. they had them on sale.. Only like a hand full left. I’m going to go buy them all.

[@THExLAWxMAN]

I love me some harbor freight. Headed up to one in an hour, making a tool haul run. Thanks Brian.

[@cillaloves2fish688]

Thx Bryan! I had one of thoz but no idea where it is now... I use a Ferro rod.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

me too

[@sramm]

"I will endeavor to persevere..." That's my go to quote as well! Great video.

[@georgeecheveste6545]

I got one many years ago but I didn't know how to use it and I always wanted to know how it worked. Keep up the good work

[@bobbyharper8710]

That magnesium bar, a Mora Heavy Duty knife, and a Bahco Laplander saw makes you king of the woods.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

All righty then ;-)

[@tangoindiamike9189]

I also carry a striker and a pack of flints. The strikers are made of aluminum and weigh almost nothing. The flints are so tiny, you have to be careful not to lose them. When you need a spark with little effort, a striker and flint will do the trick.

[@LSwick-ss6nm]

I have found I have more success with the longer ferro rods. You can get more sparks and don't run as much risk of knocking your materials around from a slip of the hand. Either way these are great once you learn how to use them.

[@AntarcticaJay]

The HF fire starters frequently go on sale for $1.50 - $2.00. If you use your knife it is a lot easier than the hacksaw stub. Also I get better results shaving the magnesium direct on my tinder shavings or cottonball.

[@yx2k747]

Just bought this today at the harbor freight for $1.99. Can't wait to use it.

[@2DogsAndAMan]

I received one of these magnesium ferro rods from uscca and never bothered to use it. You taught me something because I thought the magnesium was just a grip on the tiny ferro rod😢. Thank you

[@dawnjj]

Thanks for info. I bought 2 like yours from Walmart and I know they'll work now.

[@papajeff5486]

Love me some fire too! Been using the magnesium/fero stick combo for years as EDC. Took one on an experiment hike, 8 miles, up into Elkmont, in the Smokies. It had snowed about 10 inches of heavy, wet snow two days, so that now it was only 6-8 inches after melting. I wanted to find out if my little magnesium/fero combo would start me a fire in some wet conditions. My magnesium/fero tool was 2 inches long, 1/4 inch round, with the fero rod glued to a groove in the magnesium rod. It worked like a charm. Dried out my boots, pants, jacket, and had lunch. Then went home with my new EDC. Texas

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

good story

[@wemcal]

Great video and presentation... I’ve had one for almost 8 years just to play with, the rod does wear down but it took awhile for that.. they’re not expensive so $3-4 will get a new one.. I still use it to scrape the mag because I have other rods.... I would have used some of those pine needles in the background

[@dannydenham8141]

Magnesium pencil sharpeners are available on Amazon

[@Alex-ib6tm]

Got mine from harbor freight too

[@jonnyboat2]

Walmart sells them in their camping section. I bought one, but never tried it. I’m glad they work.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

ALways test your gear. That's why this one has been in a box on my shelf for a few years, because I had not tested it.

[@richardross7219]

Catch the flakes in a piece of bark, white birch or cedar is best. I use the teeth to scrape the magnesium and the flat for the ferro rod. You did it right with the big pile of shavings. The ones I used with my Scouts, years ago, were a low quality magnesium and did not take a spark well. By making a big pile, chances of lighting are increased. The best tinder for spark lighting is a cotton ball with some petroleum jelly lightly rubbed into it. I use the cotton from a pill bottle when I open a new one(a Scout is thrifty). Keep the treated cotton in a little zip lock bag. When needed, just pull off an end of the cotton. The stretched fibers sticking out will take a spark easily and the jelly will burn nicely. Good Luck, Rick

[@BlueRidgeVirginia]

I have one of those and keep it on my carabiner key ring. Works quite well. A week ago, I treatet myself to a fatwood ferro setup --that's the cadillac of ferro rods, imo. It's too large for my key ring -- it's in my bugout gear.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Very nice!

[@TinaICXCNIKA]

Found one of these today in my garage and knew what it was but NOW, I know how to use it...THANK YOU!

[@lordrichard8184]

I like them. They’re great for a backup fire starter. They’re small and light and easy to tuck away in your bag in case of an emergency

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I agree

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

They work great for $2.50 it’s a winner I’ve used before many times 👍🏻

[@fourbirdstos]

Thank you for making this video. : ) I bought one of these and have never used it. I like that you real-timed the scraping. : D Great video.

[@tom_olofsson]

Thanks for this video I've decided to start caring a stump in my bug out bag

[@troygrant5418]

Me too,thanks for the heads up.wouldnt burn long without the stump

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

;-)

[@greysilverback3924]

I never leave home without a stump.

[@tom_olofsson]

Grey Silverback Every thinking man should follow your advice.

[@James-ke5sx]

That's a ridiculous idea, personally I just carry a 10lb flamethrower a gallon of gasoline.

[@joshuacaviness9402]

These bars are great to pair with a fire cord lanyard and some fatwood. I keep a similar kit in my haversack most if the time.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Cool

[@ronmeade3650]

I bought similar at the local Dollar store .... tried to get shavings to ignite just would not...decided to try ignite with the flame of a lighter ...still never worked. :(

[@opichocal]

Funny I've had one of those for years and didn't know the right way to use it Thanks!

[@artthrower7773]

Wow that was very helpful I've got 3 or 4 in each vehicle thank you Brian 😊

[@realplank]

Picked one of these up at my local hardware store. Great tool! I keep in my tinder box with twigs and dry pine needles.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Very cool!

[@carlgelinas7503]

Great video. I love when the budget items work. Thanks for the video.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks for watching.

[@ramrod175]

They work! We carry one when we go hunting. The trick is to shave a good amount of magnesium like you showed in the video, I use a knife instead of the hack saw blade.

[@robinepps7274]

I bought 1 last Friday, I will definitely keep it handy!

[@erolkavlakverizon6112]

Lone Watie said that...excellent statement. Great video. I have my original magnesium fire started, over 30 years old, still works.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Indeed

[@RockyBilly40cal60]

Carry a spare ferro rod to use with those, the ones on the block usually fall off and are lost. Great video.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks

[@g.rodriguez7445]

Not in my experience...

[@jwatson15]

That happened to me. I just glued a big wooden bead on one end for a handle and but the rod in a separate smaller fire kit.

[@firstgoinpostal]

I have edc'd several different brands of those on my keyring,and the ferro rod always comes unglued and becomes lost. They work well otherwise. It's best though to carry one in a pouch,pocket,or in place of the sharpener on a knife sheath.

[@ihateeverything9887]

I keep mine inside a backpacking setup that I have I also always keep a few single use super glue pouches not only for gluing cuts but incase something like this happens.

[@jerrywilliams9074]

I have that exact same one from harbor freight. It is junk but in a pinch it'll start a 🔥. It is worth tossing in your bag. When going out into the wild

[@gregscountrycabinoutdoors7359]

I have had one of those for years, never used it, thank you for the demonstration.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Dude! You gotta try that stuff out. Some things will fool you.

[@dimitrifortounis4787]

Worth replacing the scraper with a cheap and small multitool just for fire prep, the saw is better for scraping the magnesium and the steel

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I'm sure

[@JohnSmith-gs4lw]

Great video, as usual. The other nice thing about most of these is that they fit in an Altoids tin. Many ferro rods won’t without cutting them down. A word of advice: don’t try cutting a ferro rod down.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Indeed.

[@jamescrowe7892]

I use a file on these things the put the powder in a discarded prescription pill bottle.

[@g.rodriguez7445]

Yes, if you know how to use it.... The Flint alone is worth it; even if the Mg isn't so hot (they work for me)

[@Tenn-pipes-powder-ponderance]

Funny I came across this video. My father in law ga e me this very one a few years ago. I had it ony keychain for YEARS. Last night I wanted to light up my fireplace. After I scraped off the black coating it threw tons of sparks and fired right up ! Getting a few more.

[@johnnysparkleface3096]

I'm glad I watched this, I wrongly thought the ferro-rod was the only part that made the fire, since I couldn't make sparks fly from the part you scraped from. I see now that the whole thing is used to make a fire. I'm going back and buy some more!!! I'm so glad I watched this that I'm thumbs upping you and subscribing too.

[@steveowens398]

Great video! I've got a few of these things and they do work pretty well. Throw a couple of hard candies in whatever pouch you keep this in - something to help ward off the chill while you get your fire going.

[@andyhiett2734]

How do hard candies ward off chill?

[@steveowens398]

@@andyhiett2734 You could use any kind of sugar. Hard candies are cheap and easy to carry. Your body burns the sugar pretty much immediately as energy, helping to maintain your core temperature while you go about getting that fire started. I'm assuming you've done some climbing/hiking/hunting and need the fuel.

[@andyhiett2734]

@@steveowens398 oh ok. Gotcha. I always like to keep a little baggie of deer jerky to chew on if I need a quick "warm me up" while I'm hunting or camping.

[@CTROCK]

I bought this at harborfreight for $1.50 each. I bought 15 of them giving out out to my brother, dad and friends!

[@TheEndleader]

I have one but I have no idea where it is....was forced to buy another. Great vid!

[@TheEndleader]

Found it! Now I have 2!

[@davidjohnston6929]

Outside in woods to survive it go down size to a dime size , u save it for next time u see

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Depends on conditions

[@grannieannie1371]

I like the lesson you give to your boy scouts. When you think you have enough go ahead and get three times more. Preparation is King.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Yes it is

[@mrchordstriker]

Mixing the magnesium with a tinder nest is effective as well.

[@_dave4460]

the magnesium is for starting in rain, snow, wind. i got one at a yardsale for a dollar, it’s not milgrade but; there was a jar full of them. not all kits are created equal as we know, so i’ll see what my dollar got me. the flintrod works well with the saw blade or several knives we tried... thanks for the share

[@taurbaby]

Mine fell apart unused in my bug out bag.

[@stuartmarkman769]

Honestly, I never thought they worked. You convinced me. Thanks.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Glad I could help

[@pattykasiewicz1996]

Mine worked great too but the rod fell off. Still was able to use it but I have to have a rubber band to keep the two pieces together so I don't lose the rod. As always a good video

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks Patty

[@dancarney8724]

Thank you for sharing this information

[@gtgodbear6320]

I had one. Worked great.

[@richardsolomon8076]

They are good I have 2 or 3 with the fero rod worn down but still in the fire kits for that cold wet day :-)

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Cool

[@richardnichols1392]

Yeah and you can buy just ferro rods about that size for not much and just glue it in after the origional gets too worn down

[@randallwilliams9663]

Bought one on a whim. I haven't tried it yet. I'm glad I bought it now. Thanks

[@davidjennings6937]

I have had one. They work. The magnesium does burn fast. Sounds like you paid full price and didn't have your 20% off coupon! lol

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

;-)

[@mandolinman2006]

As the bear days, the 1st commandment of shopping at HF is always use a coupon.

[@stevem425]

@@mandolinman2006 got 5 for $1.49 each with super coupon. Love Harbor F.

[@OutdoorsyVibe]

Haha

[@jeffborders5526]

As a total beginner I used to carry one of these things around on my hiking camping trips. As time went on I've actually removed them as a redundancy for fire. When you already carry 2-3 methods for fire and are proficient enough throwing Sparks at natural materials you'll come to learn your extra redundancies are just extra unneccesary weight. They say "the more you know, the less you carry." And these things just aren't worth their weight in your pack unless you have no idea how to find tinder in the woods or prep charcloth before hand which catches a fire just as easily and weighs 1/10th of that magnesium block. If you drop that thing once on a rock hard surface, the glue bond will break and that ferro rod attached to it will snap in half as both pieces fly off. Try starting a fire now with only a half length strip of rod now separate from that block. I find it's best to always keep a good knife along with a more practical sturdy size ferro rod together at all times. As long as you have your number one most critical tool with you, your full tang knife, you should also be able to throw sparks with it. A soaking wet cattail hot dog looking seed pod even after soaking in the rain for days, along with a pile of dead pine needles bundled together will go up in flames in the first shower of sparks no matter how wet. Some strips of pine-knot fatwood and there should be no problems ever with trying to light a fire. Might carry a bic lighter for backup for odd chance my hands are too frozen to assemble a bird's nest and throw sparks, a lighter and book of matches will procure a nice size fire in a jiffy. The magnesium fireblock is just a small brick of solid metal weighing you down. "Every ounce counts" and is noticeable in your pack if you've been carrying it for miles. Every ounce.

[@billschirmer8046]

Great pointers and excellent demonstration ~ Thank You !!!

[@Steve4TheWin]

I carried one and used it several times over the years so I vote a big, loud NO. I now carry the tin with six bags of magnesium shavings that you covered a few days ago. It is so much easier to use pre-shaved magnesium when my fingers would be cold, wet, muddy, etc. Magnesium is great but quick and simple get my vote! For $10, I got 6 bags and each bag is good for 4-6 fires easily.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I agree

[@mactagg8814]

Hey Brian thanks for the video. Doan is better, but the item you show here does work. I have several and they are worth the under $5 price. Off topic question, what is the watch you are wearing in this vid? Thanks again👍🏻

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

The watch is a several year old version of this Casio amzn.to/2J3TgOf with a Suunto Clipper compass on the band amzn.to/2WZCU2I

[@mactagg8814]

@@SurvivalOnPurpose Thank you for the info/links👍🏻. Have an awesome weekend.

[@thegobblerproject2363]

Thanks for the video. I was on the fence about the cheaper ones

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Glad I could help

[@sharil7053]

great video thanks! just its 16 dollars here in OZ!!

[@hammer9390]

Thanks Bryan. I had a bad opinion of Magnesium Fire Starters; not sure why. I'm glade you made the video and changed my mind.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I did too and I don't know why either. Probably because it seemed a little tedious.

[@nickw3657]

Check out a real DOAN Magnesium Bar that's issued to the USAF. $14... These cheap ones are Tin, Aluminum, and Magnesium... It should shave off in strips not small flakes.

[@jeffborders5526]

If you insist on using one of these things my recommendation is to prep before you need it. Why wait until you need that fire to decide to work on scraping a pile of shavings off a block of metal first? Do that from the comfort of home or after camp has been established. Stow away a small container filled with a few dime sized piles' worth. Now when it's time to get a fire going you just pour out a bit and sparks and done. Make more shavings later once you're comfortable to replenish your container.

[@mtnseekerone]

They work well but carry them in some kind of case. The rod tends to get lost in short order.

[@1945tigers]

I have used one but I prefer a splash of coleman stove fuel and a stick match for instant fire lol.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Fair enough!

[@jamielukens9810]

I literally just bought one from harbor freight yesterday! Thanks for answering my question without even asking 🔥

[@rodneyambrose140]

There always on sale for 2 bucks at HF. It works period. The glue holding the tod is cheep so mabe keep a rubber band or something around it. Put some elect tape around the whole thing near the chain. Good video

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Good tip

[@silentmunch8086]

I had one of these things in scouts 20+ years ago, I was shocked back then at how well they worked. Totally worth it, especially for $2.50!

[@Boycott_Wendys]

Bic lighter is way easy

[@FuZe.]

@@Boycott_Wendys Yea but the magnesium is more reliable

[@dootscat3798]

Is the magnesium only on the surface or throughout the whole block? Thanks!

[@davesanders9203]

It's a solid block.

[@snapdragon2441]

Could you scrape of a load and put it in a waterproof bag to put in your fire kit. Ready to go.