light my fire OR magnesium

C

carspidey

Joined
Mar 12, 2010
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I am about to get either a light my fire steel (or maybe just a ferro rod) or the one that comes in a little block of magnesium with a rod...

Which one do you think might be better? the Light my fire is a bit smaller I guess and therefore a little lighter...
 
Get a light my fire first and practice using that as a stand alone item. You can add a Magnesium bar to your kit later !
 
I have LMF steels and mag bars. I like both but I prefer the mag bars because of the built in tinder. Plus they are cheaper. But both are good, if you get a chance, pick up one of each to play with and experiment with.
 
pitdog said:
Get a light my fire first and practice using that as a stand alone item. You can add a Magnesium bar to your kit later !
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+1.

The magnesium may help, or may not. I would rather a dedicated ferro rod than one with built in tinder.
 
LMF by itself or carry a Misch metal rod. Either way they both work fantastic as long as you practice your skills and learn how each one works. The magnesium bars are somewhat of a waste IMHO. I would prefer to carry a little alcohol prep pad, petroleum soaked cotton, dryer lint, or other items that take up less space and weight. Just my humble opinion though.
 
I have the magnesium bar thing, and I am completely unimpressed. The ferro rod produces very few, weak little sparks, and scraping off enough magnesium to really work is slow and difficult. I carry a Blast Match and some Tinder-Quick. Smaller, lighter, and MUCH more effective in the real world.
 
I much prefer to use natural tinders and the GoingGear Misch metal firesteel.

I also have found that the GoingGear striker is about the best thing going for any firesteel, and it's under $2!!!
 
If you've got a good way to scrape off magnesium dust (ie not the spine or blade of your knife), the mag blocks are a more idiot proof way to start a fire than a standalone fire steel. They burn really hot, and can ignite even damp tinder if you use enough shavings.

Paired with a leatherman with a file or SAK with a saw, the mag blocks are really easy to get a fire started. Of course, some cotton balls soaked in wax or PJ are a really easy way to start a fire too.


I have a handful of the mag block starters, and keep them in glove boxes and similar places, but rarely use them as my main fire starting method - I like to practice with natural materials, just in case.
 
thanks...
I'll go to goinggear.com and get the mish ferro rod and the striker (same price almost)...

thanks again...
 
now another question... what's the adequate size on the mish metal rod...
I was looking at the 1/4 by 3 inch or the 1/4 by 4 inch... does the extra inch make a big difference?
 
carspidey said:
now another question... what's the adequate size on the mish metal rod...
I was looking at the 1/4 by 3 inch or the 1/4 by 4 inch... does the extra inch make a big difference?
Click to expand...

The "Badger" seems to be the most popular model. The badger is 3/8 x 4 inches.
 
carspidey said:
now another question... what's the adequate size on the mish metal rod...
I was looking at the 1/4 by 3 inch or the 1/4 by 4 inch... does the extra inch make a big difference?
Click to expand...

They are HUGE, I had the capsule handled 4 inch version and it was awesome. Threw gobs of heat with the right strike/scrape :thumbup:

I've had a few of the magnesium starters from wally world (coughlan's I believe) and they work wonders having the tinder build in. The only problem I ever had was one day the ferro rod that is glued on the top was missing :grumpy: I bought a replacement, but now I keep it in a safe place just in case.

I also use LMF's, and they work wonders if you know how to get the right tinder. If you are good with LMF's, then the other two are cake :)
 
are all magnesium blocks the same?.
I know they sell ones for only a few dollars at my local sporting goods store, but I didnt know if they were a cheaper magnesium and wouldnt work as good.
 
I like the light my fire, firesteel.

I do have a couple of magnesium blocks and they will start fires really quick even in wet conditions.
 
jeepin said:
are all magnesium blocks the same?.
I know they sell ones for only a few dollars at my local sporting goods store, but I didnt know if they were a cheaper magnesium and wouldnt work as good.
Click to expand...

The ones from Doan's or Coghlans should both be good. Neither one is very expensive.

I don't know about any other brands.
 
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