Ok.. I know most of you are going to get a chuckle out of this post, but i have to tell it anyways. I never tried to start a fire without using matches or a lighter and a quart of gas. (just kidding about the gas) . I decided i needed to learn a new skill. SOOO.. i got myself a magfire. waited a week to try the new thing out. today was the day!!! 4 " of snow on the ground ,20 to 25mph wind about 30 degrees . I walk down the end of my property, kick the snow away, grab a handful of tall grass and a few sticks make a bundle place one dry cotton ball slighly fluffed ontop and strike the magefire ..once ..twice..three times...FIRE!!!!! holy cr_p ..I just made fire.. I quickly covered it over and moved a few feet away to do it again.just in case it was a fluke. For the next half hour i made fire after fire. i'm sure your all old hands at this . but i have to tell you ,it sure did felt good to know i could do it in a pinch.