I don't really consider flint and steel, bow drills and fire pistons serious fire starting tools for emergency situations. Although, bow drill could be useful if you're left with absolutely nothing else since its all natural parts. To me, they're toys or part of a hobby. I get a delicious sense of accomplishment when I start a fire with flint and steel. I haven't used a fire-piston although the wood ones look like works of art. If you can get one for Christmas, rock on! And let us know how it works out for you.