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

[@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?

[@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

[@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

[@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 😆

[@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!

[@PHASES_OFFICIAL]

You can get them at Dollarama in Canada!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@jasonthomas8481]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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!😆

[@THExLAWxMAN]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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. 😁

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@artthrower7773]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@opichocal]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@TinaICXCNIKA]

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

[@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.

[@jamielukens9810]

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

[@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.

[@dawnjj]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@robinepps7274]

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

[@thattrikeguy9978]

good video. a lot of people may not like the tools but there is some good stuff at harbor freight

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Sometimes

[@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

[@randallwilliams9663]

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

[@billschirmer8046]

Great pointers and excellent demonstration ~ Thank You !!!

[@yx2k747]

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

[@LGSkywalker82]

Thanks for the demo. I have several of these and never thought much of them. I'll have to make good use of them in the future!

[@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.

[@dancarney8724]

Thank you for sharing this information

[@jenarddecastro2597]

Hello from Los Angeles, California. . . And thank you for this review!!! For many years I've been unsure about this Harbor Freight product. I am now convinced to get this for my young nephews who just moved up onto the BSA from Cub Scouts. This will surely teach them patience and and how to prepare to start a fire.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I'm glad it helped.

[@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)

[@erolkavlakverizon6112]

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

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Indeed

[@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

[@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

[@thomasnugent7602]

Very good. Thank you very much

[@stuartmarkman769]

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

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Glad I could help

[@Timotheus157]

Nice. Fire started immediately. Good tool to have. Thanks.

[@gtgodbear6320]

I had one. Worked great.

[@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!

[@jessie97]

Yes it's good to have a couple of them.

[@donaldrutter1738]

I have used them many times and they always work for me .

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

cool

[@thevirginiabushcrafter8833]

I'm glad I saw this video. That Magnesium Bar works well for me. Thanks for Sharing.

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

I am surprised this worked so well. Thanks and take care.

[@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

[@cristiancampo8133]

I just bought two today hehe! Sir, your channel has just earned another Sub! Looking forward to see more of your Survival on Purpose vids! 👍🏻 thank you.

[@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

[@WoodKnock01]

They work very well !!!! I came across I fire flair made by Orion you did a vid about 5 to 6 years ago!!! That goes in my fire 🔥 kit when I go on backpacking trips !!!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

No scraping required on that one.

[@taurbaby]

Mine fell apart unused in my bug out bag.

[@windrider65]

I bought one a while back, I haven't used it yet. I was going to teach my grandkids how to use it. At least now I know it works. Thanks for the video.

[@SeaCatFl]

The Harbor Freight Bars do work but they are much harder then the Doans. With the Doans you get more curls than dust which makes them easier to use in a windy situation. Something else you can do is but the Magnesium Shavings from Amazon and make some small containers with them.

[@nickw3657]

Its like comparing a Cammenga Compass to a Survival Knife compass... No comparison in a Survival situation.

[@SeaCatFl]

@@nickw3657 A good comparison, although I carry a Winkel German Army issued Compass. (Check it out.)

[@nickw3657]

@@SeaCatFl i couldnt find it... is it spelt correctly?

[@SeaCatFl]

@@nickw3657 That's the correct spelling. I'm not sure where you can buy one now, I picked mine up in Germany back in the 1980's.

[@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!

[@_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

[@larrylightle9108]

Have to admit i was skeptical too. Worked nicely and i liked you outlaw Josie Wales reference.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

“Now remember. When things look bad and it looks like you’re not gonna make it, then you gotta get mean. I mean plumb mad dog mean. Because if you lose your head and you give up, then you neither live nor win. That’s just the way it is.” Words to live by.

[@thegobblerproject2363]

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

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Glad I could help

[@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

[@bruceclark5627]

Thank you so much for ALL you do for the the community!!!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks for the support!

[@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

[@theozarkbushman5140]

I own atleast five of them! They are like gold...worth more than their worth esp in an emergency to start a fire 🔥

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

WHen you need a fire gold ain't gonna do it

[@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. :(

[@sharil7053]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@GrandpasPlace]

lol, I have one I bought almost 40 years ago. Used it through boy scouts and long after. Still about 50% of the bar left and it still starts a fire when needed.

[@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.

[@pandroidigital]

Thanks! Exactly what I was looking for..

[@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