Originally Posted By: ireckon
Anyway, I still can be found carrying a small stick of magnesium, just in case I learn of its value during a real emergency.

EDIT: Come to think about it, would magnesium help to ignite a damp cotton ball? Hmmm, it's time to experiment.


It's definitely time to experiment before the emergency.

I tried my magnesium block while on a family campout in a campground. I basically couldn't effectively use the mag shavings as they were so light as to blow away in the slightest air movement. Or I didn't figure out how to shave them right.
I still carry a mag block with ferro rod but at my skill level, the block is just a rod holder.

My butane lighter is my primary starter, strike anywhere matches with tinder cubes are my secondary and the mag block and ferro rod are a distant 3rd.