Bill -<br><br>Are you moving the blade or the rod? Try holding the blade stationary and pulling the rod away (into the knife). After a couple of tries it will become natural and a knife blade will blow sparks all over the place that way BUT you will not hit/scatter the tinder. I had trouble until I figured that out - it's as easy as striking a match now - no, easier, because it works every time.<br><br>Hope that helps.<br><br>Tom