Believe it or not, your question is a good one.

Hikin_Jim is right. Proper compass use dictates that it not be around/influenced by ferrous materials. That is a part of the skill/knowledge set when you are learning about this stuff. Every one-in-a-while a bit of information comes up that makes you rethink and re-evaluate your assumptions.

From what Doug has published about his kit, he has taken great pains to ensure each item is a quality piece. He is a very plain spoken person. His frankness has been a great help to me, and I'm sure the others.

Again, your question is good and the discussion will help others.