Magnesium firestarter question

Has anyone ever tried to use sawzall blades for metal you can shape one end into a handle and square off the back also they are much thicker and can be harder than a hacksaw blade .
 
What have others heard about this? Are there real risks associated with carrying pre- shaved / filed magnesium in one's kit? Does the shaved material become less effective over time? I suspect that it does, but I'm curious to hear what the rest of you think.

Inquiring minds want to know!

I don't mind kneeling in the rain for a few minutes, scraping magnesium onto a square of paper - but if I can carry a little vial of pre-scraped material, I'm going to jump at the opportunity. And, frankly, the idea of prepared magnesium-impregnated super-PJCBs is just neat.

All the best,

- Mike
 
Last edited:
These sharpening tools work great as a striker ... throws a very mean spark.

sharpeningtool.jpg
 
Last edited:
I posted that about the shavings. I did that a long time ago and after a while, the small shaving would oxidize and are almost impossible to light with a fire steel.

If you want to shave some off before a week long trip, that would work. I would just make sure to use them up within a month or two



As for the sawzall blade as a striker, that is exactly what I do. I use one of the SKIL blades called "THE UGLY". I sharpened the front top edge, and it works GREAT. It is also my main saw in the bush. It is VERY VERY aggressive, and cheap.

If I am going to be using it all the time, I will make a quick handle for it and I have a couple small woodscrews I use to attach it to the handle I made. I have a small SWISS TECH tool that has a great little phillips head screwdriver that I use.

I do not carry a big multi tool. All I need is a small pair of pliers for twisting wire, and the two screwdriver heads. Plus they to are small and cheap. I can pack these blades and tools in every kit without breaking the bank.

http://www.amazon.com/Skil-94100-05-Pruning-Reciprocating-Blades/dp/B000BMBPGU

http://www.swisstechtools.com/productdetail.aspx?PID=Dj4v2vu2iwgA
 
Mentor said:
I use the bottom of the file on my Leatherman Wave. It is coarse enough that I can create a decent pile of shavings in about 30 seconds.

I have also attached a cut-down hacksaw blade to my mag blog (using the ball chain that came with it). This works just as well as the Wave, but it is a bit less comfortable to hold.

All the best,

- Mike
Click to expand...

I have done the same with the file from a multitool
 
Neanderthal said:
Carbide replacement blades for a paint scraper. I purchased mine at Lowes ( ~ $8). They are about 2" long and extremely sharp. I put duct tape over one end to facilitate holding the blade and reduce the chance of being cut. Being carbide steel, they hold their edge well.
Click to expand...

How does that work on the ferro rod?
 
Leaf Fan said:
Just be careful when using the back of a slipjoint knife when shaving the magnesium bar, a little pressure the wrong way and she'll close up right quick, right on your thumb. Didn't happen personally but I'm always worried about it happening, so I try and stick to locking knives to use the back scraping method.
Click to expand...

Maybe it's just me but I never thought of striking a firesteel with a slip joint knife while it was open. Works better and much safer to leave it closed and strike with the back of the blade. Plus this way you have a nice handle to grip right over the area you are using as a striker.

Works for me anyway
David
 
This little wharny firesteel scraper from Breeden works well on the mag bars (corners of course). Great for sparks too!

DSC_0003-29.jpg
 
Never found it hard to get a pile. I demonstrate often using broken rocks.

Its not hard to do but by the tone of this thread youd think you needed a dedicated tool for this.

You dont, a little effort and using your noodle helps.

If its a real situation get over using your blade.

Pre shaving defeats the mag blocks purpose of being durable and in a stable format all in one unit with the sparker. Shavings spill, and you need to keep track of your sparker instead of having it together.

My 3 cents

Skam
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top