There is a magnesium fire starter that has a rod in the side of a block of magnesium. If you hit/scrape the rod with the back edge of a knife, very large, hot sparks fly. It's the best I've ever used. I don't bother with shaving bits of magnesium, because I've always got good, dry tinder and don't need it.
That one is inexpensive, and I have a couple. I'm very happy with it.
/johnny
121 posted on 03/29/2014 3:14:23 PM PDT by JRandomFreeper
(Gone Galt)
Thank you very very much. I will look out for such a sparker. In town there is a sporting goods store and a military surplus. Perhaps one of them stocks this nifty tool.
132 posted on 03/29/2014 6:22:43 PM PDT by SisterK
(behold a pale horse)