Good question. That is one reason I prefer to use the product in short lengths - zipper pulls, for instance. If I actually need to use the cord to start a fire, it is already chopped and the combustible cord is easily extracted. One inch of cord should be enough to get a fire with suitable dry tinder and small stuff going nicely.

Obviously, I am not planning to use this stuff routinely, so I do wonder, five to ten years down the road, will the cord dry out and work less effectively. No body speaks about that and perhaps only time will tell....