Starting fires with things like sparker rods and/or magnesium is only slightly more productive than a bow/bit.....especially if you need a fire NOW. Compared to the lowly match or lighter, the stuff just can't compete. It is, however, fun to play with. You will need something hotter than a match to light magnesium, and thats were you'll want something like a Swedish Fire Steel...(which i only use to light camp stoves, if car camping.)
A kitchen match or butane lighter, and a wax 'fire bunny' (my term <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />) will burn for 5+ minutes and light just about anything, wet or dry. Magnesium goes up like a flash of slow gunpowder...and blows away in the wind.
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paul, texas KD5IVP