I think one of the things that aren't being discussed here is how to get "good" sparks. Many use their knives (something that I would NEVER do unless it was absolutely necessary). Others have spoken about a hacksaw blade... which I would consider a step up from the knife.

I have tried many methods of striking the ferro bar for the maximum spark output. This is critical in what you are trying to light. My "Strike Force" will actually throw enough (and hot enough) sparks to light a newspaper with no other tinder. A standard Ferro bar isn't quite as productive however. Why is that? Well the "Strike Force" has a built in striker.. a 1/4" X 2" Iron bar. I am convinced the striker is the key.

So I did some testing many years back with hacksaws, old knives, etc... My final "resting place" in regards to the matter was an old file that I also use when I do flint and steel. I cut a 2" piece off of an old iron file that I got for $.05 at a flea market.I hold it vertically in my hand.. and strike with the cut edge down the length of the ferro bar. Wanna talk about sparks? I can get a fire EVERY time with one strike on the standard ferro bar (not the "Strike Force") with cattail, or other similar fluff. 2 strikes will light dried grass.

Perhaps it's more the striker than the other things. At least that's my experience. Try an old file.. see how it works for you. By the way, if you deem it better to not carry the extra little weight of the file, and want to use your knife or hacksaw... then carry a bit of charcloth wrapped in some old denim (That way you can make more when you need it). This will take any spark and immediately blow into flame in most tinders.

Hope this Helps...

- Soarn