For hundreds of years, the magnesium fire starter has existed. Magnesium is longer and hotter than steel, making it ideal for starting a fire. These fire starters are popular with survivalists and the military. They are cost-effective and reliable, and they can be used as an alternative to gas lighters or matches. There are several different brands on the market. Each manufacturer has a unique look, and you can buy one that suits your needs. A common fire starter made with magnesium can produce about 3,000 strikes, but the quality and size of the starter will determine this. High-quality models can last for more than 10,000 years.
How To Use A Magnesium Fire Starter – Answer & Related Questions
Keep sliding to create a fire until sparks are created and land directly into the pile of magnesium shavings. Spread the fire to the remainder of tinder by blowing gently on the shavings.
How Do You Start A Fire With A Magnesium Fire Starter?
Prepare Fire Site. Select a spot for a fire.
Collect Wood & Tinder. The base of your fire should be as dry as possible, such as bark from a dead tree.
Magnesium Shave Magnesium. Use any good knife, preferably with a fixed or locking blade.
Spark The Blaze is a flaming fire.
Build Fire.
If a spark falls on the magnesium, you will have a very hot, short-lived fire. Use it properly, obtaining grass, small sticks, and anything else that can be flammable quickly.
How Long Does A Magnesium Fire Starter Last?
A common fire starter made with magnesium can produce about 3,000 strikes, but the quality and size of the starter will determine this. High-quality models can last for more than 10,000 strikes.
A typical fire starter made from magnesium would consist of a block with two usable sides.
The first layer is used to grind magnesium into a pile, which will light with a spark.
A small rod has been embedded into the other block (usually a Ferro rod). The rod is used to ignite a spark, which in turn ignites the magnesium.
Is this the right kind of survival fire starter on the market today?
Well, it really depends on personal taste.
Besides looking for magnesium fire starters that are lightweight and compact, you should also consider these features:
Ergonomic Grip: If you want to start a fire during cold weather, it can be challenging to maintain a strong grip on your starter’s striker and rod. Some companies encourage you to keep a firm hold because they have an ergonomic grip handle.
Strikes: The number of strikes can vary from thousands to tens of thousands, depending on your needs.
Additional Features: Some magnesium fire starters come with additional features, such as a lanyard to attach the rod and striker, an emergency whistle, a compass, or a cool design.
How To Start A Fire Using Magnesium
Step 1 – Prepare Your Fire Site
Choose a spot that is appropriate for a fire.
Consider the safety of the fire, rain, wind, and location of cooking or camping.
In general, it is best to use pre-existing fire areas in heavily trafficked locations.
Step 2 – Collect Tinder And Wood
As with pretty much all fire-starting methods, you need to start with a small, dry tinder bundle.
The fire’s base should be as dry as possible.
Then, gather some dry grass, leaves, or use a pre-built fire starter like a cotton ball smeared with petroleum jelly.
How Do I Use A Fire Starter?
To start with dried leaves or twigs, arrange sticks of kindling on top of dried leaves or twigs. With the flint strip facing up, then, hold the magnesium bar over the kindling. Next, run a knife across the strip to ignite fires that will ignite the kindling.