A magnesium fire starter is arguably the most reliable method of fire production known to man. I know that’s a bold claim but they have no moving parts to break down (i.e. a lighter, butane torch, bow drill, etc.), they can get wet and still keep working (i.e. matches), their fuel can’t leak out, and they require very little manual labor, unlike the bow drill. Sure, if you’re camping for the weekend you’re not going to be using a magnesium fire starter as your main fire source, you’re going to use a lighter, or a propane torch, or a pack of matches; but that’s not the intended use of a magnesium fire starter anyway. A magnesium fire starter is one of those items you put on your keychain, or throw in your bag, and forget about it until you actually have to make a fire and have no easier option.
How does a magnesium fire starter work?
Magnesium reacts with air in the presence of fire to produce magnesium oxide. The react is quite fast, bright, and hot. The high temperatures of this reaction are what makes magnesium such a good fire starter, but it can be difficult to get a fire going because of the speed of the reaction. Therefore, it’s important to have fast burning kindling around and on top of your magnesium pile so that it may catch before the magnesium has converted fully into magnesium oxide. Fast burning kindling could include items such as dry grass, leaves, paper, steel wool, etc.
Steps Involved
Before you use your magnesium fire starter it’s important to gather your small kindling, larger kindling, sticks, and finally large sticks and logs. Gather more than you anticipate using, especially of the smaller kindling. Separate your kindling piles from smallest to largest. You’re now ready to start using the fire starter.
Some magnesium fire starters come with a scraper and some do not. If yours has a scraper, simply start scraping off magnesium into a pile. Use a knife, or some other hard object if your fire starter didn’t come with a scraper. This is the most difficult part of the whole process and you’re hands will be tired once you have a pile that could fit roundly on a penny. The larger the pile the better, especially if you’re in wet conditions.
Be careful not to let the scrapings blow away. This may require blocking the wind with a rock or some other barrier. Once you have your magnesium pile you’re ready to place your smallest kindling around, and on, the magnesium, taking care not to cover the magnesium to such an extent that it’s completely safe from your sparks.
Next you’ll strike the flint rod living on the side of the magnesium block with your knife or scraper, all the way down the length of the rod, with enough force to create sparks. Practice a few times until you’re comfortable getting a large burst of sparks. Keep in mind that too much force can also blow away your magnesium pile. If you’re using your knife on the flint try striking towards the base of the knife so that you’re not dulling the crucially sharp areas you may need later.
Once the sparks catch the magnesium on fire begin adding more small kindling, followed by larger kindling, and finally sticks. You’re main goal in life has just become finding more fuel for that fire. Notice how quickly it is burning down. This will let you gauge how long you can be away looking for more firewood.