Caleb,

Excellent, you experimented and found the pros and cons of different systems and how they work for you. One thing to try with the magnesium fire starter is if you have a file on your multi-tool, is to make a pile of magnesium fillings instead of shavings with a knife. The other “hint” would be to keep your knife close to the pile and keeping it still, move the sparker up the knife. That way there is less chance of disrupting your pile of shavings/fillings.

Good Job-

Pete