smaller mag block

grobe · Feb 6, 2006

does anyone know if you can somehow cut the mag block on a doan fire tool to retain about 1/3 of the mag block with the striker still attached?? it'd be nice to have the mag block for tinder as opposed to just carrying say a small firesteel in a small pouch kit. i'm thinking specifically of a kit based on a neck knife, with a slimmer mag block held against the sheath with ranger bands. if you have any ideas, let me know.

thanks

Rainmaker870 · Feb 6, 2006

Easy to do with a hacksaw - I've done it a couple of times. I've both cut through the striker (kinda spooky, but never had the mag block light) and lengthwise through the magnesium.

Piece o' cake. :thumbup:

Temper · Feb 6, 2006

Yeah me too, I cut one in half and broke the striker with a chisel to the right size, just score it first a few times with a hacksaw to ensure the break is clean. Then I JB welded it back on (It was a Coughlan not a Doan)

mewolf1 · Feb 6, 2006

Do any of you guys think that pieces of a VW block has enough Mag. in it to be utilized of fire starters? I have three old VW blocks that I can cut up and they come cheap too. If this works just a chunk would be a life time supply.

wade · Feb 6, 2006

In the book build the perfect survival kit there is a round one that the author has and it looks like what you might be looking for but I dont know where he got it from. Anyone else seen these? I want one for my key chain.
Wade

grobe · Feb 6, 2006

thanks for the tips fellas.

Thomas Linton · Feb 7, 2006

mewolf1 said:
Do any of you guys think that pieces of a VW block has enough Mag. in it to be utilized of fire starters? I have three old VW blocks that I can cut up and they come cheap too. If this works just a chunk would be a life time supply.

There was some speculation somewhere that some "magnesium" blocks seem extra hard to shave because of too much aluminum in the mix. Wouldn't an engine block, being mostly aluminum, be pretty hard compared to a genuine Doan Tool?

mewolf1 · Feb 7, 2006

That's what I was wondering, guess I gotta try. Cuts pretty easy with a knife,but I'm not sure how well it will ignite. I'll let you know.

Thomas Linton · Feb 7, 2006

If this works it'll be the Motherload.

Rainmaker870 · Feb 7, 2006

Thomas Linton said:
If this works it'll be the Motherload.

Mewolf1, if it works I hope you'll sell me a big chunk.

wade · Feb 7, 2006

Ok I found it. they are sold throught survivalkeychain.com here is the link http://www.survivalkeychain.com/firerod.asp I hope that this helps. Im going to buy a few.
Wade

Rainmaker870 · Feb 7, 2006

wade said:
Ok I found it. they are sold throught survivalkeychain.com here is the link http://www.survivalkeychain.com/firerod.asp I hope that this helps. Im going to buy a few.
Wade

Tadgear sells/sold one from WSI. Took me a while to find it, but I finally remembered the source. Says they're sold out at present, though.

http://www.tadgear.com

Neanderthal · Feb 7, 2006

I've cut the blocks with a cutting disc on a Dremel. The small piece of magnesium provides support for the thin ferrocerium rod which tends to snap after it's been worn down a bit. I've also cut the rod, itself, with the same equipment and drilled holes as well. I spray the rod with water constantly while cutting or drilling. Otherwise the sparks will fly like the 4th of July.

Sgt. Art · Feb 7, 2006

Blade - Tec also sell the WSI version.

Also try the Cutlery Shoppe they sell the mini mag bars with strikers I think they call them Military match. They're about $10.00

mewolf1 · Feb 7, 2006

Thomas Linton said:
If this works it'll be the Motherload.

I'm building a half Vdub engine for an ultralight and while cutting off pieces I saved all the dust(fun stuff)and had it in a baggie. Saved all the chunks too.
Went to the garage just now and tried to start the powder/ filings with my lighter, but I don't think that there is enough "spark" from a lighter( this gives me another idea I'll get too in a moment) so I mixed in 50/50 saw dust. Happened to be oak but I think pine would be better. BIC sparks still inadequate,so I just lit the stuff.WHOA! Hot stuff!:thumbup: I again think that if a "real" sparker was used that the out come would be great. You could even rub it into balls with PJ

The other Idea I got when tryin to light the stuff was: I go through a lot of lighters( I smoke a pipe) and there is alot of flint left when the butane is gone. Why can't I scavange these and glue them in a trough routed out in a peice of VW Mag block? I'm kind of a cheapskate, or thrifty, ya thats it, thrifty

If I can make it, I hate to buy it. More fun that way and I figure I'm better equipped "just in case".