I have a few flint/steel kits, I've also started fires with quartz rocks that I've found. I also use ferrocium rods, lighters, matches, fire-by-friction, ect. I just like knowing I have one more method of making fire in my "arsenal". As to cosmetics, doesn't matter to me one bit. I like the knife, so I am going to buy it anyway and use the heck out of it. I was just wondering if it would throw sparks or not.