There is no more danger in carrying magnesium shavings than a disposable lighter ( if not less. ) They will not spontaneously combust through self friction like a strike anywhere match or direct heat less than a full spark,flame or intense heat like a liquid fuel lighter. I once owned magnesium framed military snowshoes. I inadvertently left one lying directly in a fire made AFTER an unsuccessfull attempt with mag shavings. It wouldn't burn either <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />