Binding: Misc. Brand: 4 Star Military Surplus Feature: Manufactured in the U.S.A.! Label: 4 Star Military Surplus Manufacturer: 4 Star Military Surplus Material Type: Magnesium Publisher: 4 Star Military Surplus Sales Rank: 552 Studio: 4 Star Military Surplus
Product DescriptionGovernment Issue Aviation Magnesium Fire Starter. Made of solid magnesium with striker. Creates hottest natural fire on the planet. Even lights wet materials. Will start 1000's of fires and only measures 1/4'' x 1/4'' x 3''. Includes key chain.
What Others Say
Fun!
Although most folks might look at this as a survival tool, I'm not usually in a situation where we need to use it as such. It's great when camping though to start a fire using this and for teaching my kids how to really build and start a fire in a way that could save them if they ever WERE in a survival situation. Works great and a good price.
one of the best
excellent, but alot cheaper at walmart only $5.00 at walmart and no shipping and handleing
Basic and foolproof
These little units are deceptively useful. They are very easy to use and simple. But just like matches, lighters, or anything else (which are much easier to foil), the little magnesium block requires a period of learning. (Many folks forget that they learned about matches and lighters when they weren't under duress!)
The magnesium block will last for many uses, so get out and use it under some favorable conditions before you carry it around as a "just in case, save my butt" type of tool. Once you know how to use it, it is quite simple. I have pulled a knife and magnesium out of my water drenched pants pockets and prepared and started a fired in minutes in spite of windy drippy weather. The heat generated by burning magnesium is ... Read More
Gets the Job Done
Although many other reviewers have given great advice on how not to dull your blade knife, I opted for a small cheap pocket knife to use as a scraper. I haven't tried any other utensils yet but I am sure in a bind you could find an alternative.
With a little dryer lint and some fine dry starter I found laying around I was able to start a fire in no time at all. For those that complain the magnesium shavings blow away, that's because you didn't dig a little hole first to protect it from the wind. I found that when the knife edge is placed at the proper angle of 90 degrees, you will have no trouble getting shavings and it doesn't take alot of work either. The shavings are rather easy to get.
Very reliable if used properly
This and a Swedish Firesteel are my primary fire tools and have been for the last several years. As long as you patiently create a nice pile of magnesium shavings and strike the flint properly, it is very reliable and you can ignite just about any type of tinder. If you are in a wet climate, I'd recommend this over the Firesteel. Unless you are constantly dealing with wet tinder, you'll find the Swedish Firesteel quicker/easier to use (hotter sparks, as well as greater volume of sparks on the Swedish). I recommend carrying both, as well as a cheap BIC lighter.
