I know it's heresy on this board but I'm not all that smitten with the SL. I have a BlastMatch which is considerably heavier but I prefer it. For one-handed fire-starting, I really prefer a Bic lighter <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Seriously, unless you're one-handed to begin with, I doubt the one-handedness of the SL is ever likely to play a significant role. I haven't tried this, but I'm pretty certain I can easily ignite tinder by placing it on a firm surface, placing the ferrocerium rod on top of it and holding it steady with my foot while I run my knife blade along it. (If I'm injured and freezing to death, starting a fire would take priority over not damaging my knife - that's probably heresy, too. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> ) If I can't use either of my feet, then I'm gonna be in a world of hurt anyway, but I still reckon I could figure something out. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

The main use for the magnesium block is to hold the ferrocerium rod so you don't lose it, but it's not useless. those who think they're going to collect a large pile of magnesium shavings in a high wind without building a sheltered area are dreaming, but I've collected a reasonable pile of shavings in windy conditions using an old biscuit tin, so I know it can be done. But the FC rod by itself does an excellent job of lighting tinder.