I have a black powder cannon that I shoot from time to time (lots of fun). I use cannon fuse when firing.
Anyhoo.... I was thinking of using cannon fuse as one of my redundant fire starting tinder(s) I tried lighting some using a ferro rod and it lit nice and quick. Cannon fuse burns quickly but very hot and the best thing is it's pretty much water-proof. I lit a piece and threw it in water and it just kept burning. The fuse I use is 3/32" diameter and burns at 30 seconds per foot (2 1/2 seconds per inch) But as mentioned it burns very hot. I get mine at www.cannonfuse.com aprox $6.95 for 50 ft.and they accept paypal. I am going to put some 4" pieces in my witz EDC.

Regards,
Dread

I was just checking out the cannon fuse site and found this http://www.cannonfuse.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=837

Whatcha think?

Dread

Yes, I've tried this in conjunction with waxed cotton balls with magnesium chips. I was hoping to find a higher temperature ignition source to more quickly ignite the magnesium on the BOFs (balls o' fire). I tried it with 2" of fuse but it burned too fast and if the cotton ball was not totally torn apart, it and the magnesium did not light; not enought oxygen. It makes me wonder if the fuse robs oxygen while it burns (?). I'll keep experimenting but will probably go with 4" sections and use them as a suppliment to the BOFs.

My experience with magnesium ribbon is that it's quite difficult to light.
You need a good lighter, a simple match won't do it.