Funny,

I've used a mag block for more than 20 years with no trouble at all. It takes some patience and prep to sort out your shavings but you are guaranteed a flame, not so with a sparker alone.

Flip

Funny that you mention the fire piston. I havn't ever tried one but they sure look effective, and fun too. I have been trying to make one off and on for quite some time not but have not been successful yet. It's hard to get a both pieces and the gasket fit just right with all natural materials. I imagine that after this weekend I will have quite a supply of both deer and turkey bones though so maybe I'll try again in the next couple weeks. I have seen a couple for sale in various places that were made from anything from bone to plexiglass but I just can't seem to get myself to buy one. Would rather keep trying to make one. I imagine I will succeed eventually. It took me forever to make fire with a hand drill but I finally did it. Just recently actually.

I will admit that I have a couple of small mag starters that are about the size of the military match and they are easier than the Doans. Maybe it's all in my head but the magnesium on my small imitation military matches actually seems softer than the magnesium on the Doans starters. They are les of a headache to scrape. I certainly wont argue that once you do get a decent supply of shavings built up you are certainly garanteed a flame. That stuff burns white hot for that split second that it is on fire.

I really would love to master the hand drill and natural flint methods above all else to tell the truth. I would be great to be confident that I could start a fire with nothing but my knife and a rock or a couple pieces of wood. I am far from a master at either but I'll keep practicing.

As long as you have one working hand and a few teeth to pull the pin, a WP or Thermite grenade makes a terrific combination fire starter, forest fire starter/signaling device, and campfire entertainment. Unfortunately, they're one-use items.

If you use your "few teeth left" to pull the pin, you won't have them for long... that bit of macho only works in the movies, but you're right, Willie Pete is definitely a good fire-starter, if you want a REALLY big fire <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.

Remember WP actually bursts. the thermite grenade will burn pretty much in one spot. Grenade pins are tough to pull with your fingers, thats why soldiers will sometimes straighten the pin ahead of time. Teeth are a definite no-no.

I saw an article on how some one made a "palm stone" with his brass belt buckle.He some how made the divot in the back of the buckle.In this way he always has the bearer block on him.I can't remember where I saw this at but thought it was a clever idea
BOATMAN
John

That is pretty clever.