SESE Waterproof Magnesium Firestarter Kit - Compact 2-in-1 Fire Starter with Flint, Serrated Striker, and Detachable Chain for Camping, Hiking, Survival, and Emergency Preparedness FS374

This was a great way to live out some of my Survivor dreams and learn how to make fire. It was compact which made it convenient to bring camping.

For the price, it's just the peace of mind you get that if you really need a fire, this could be a lifesaver. This type of bar has been around for years and years and it's still worth it just to have in your pack as an emergency backup. I wont go through the operation as most reviews have them, but just wanted to say if you're hiking out for a few days, definitely throw one in your pack. It also comes with the striker and a very small compass, but i guess if you were lost out in the forest, it could save your life so 5 stars for what it is.Update: I'm not going to lower the stars as it's the magnesium starter bar that is lifesaving, but the compass isn't worth anything. It would not point north, nor does it spin freely so i constantly get W at the north position or sometimes E lol. Don't rely on the compass, but a general compass can be used in emegencies if you have a standard watch with hour/minute hands. For northern hemisphere lay the watch flat in your palm facing up. If you have trees or a pole, look a the shadow, point the hours hand at the shadow line it up, this is pointing at the sun. Now find the point between the hours hand and 12 oclock position, this should be pointing to your south, and opposite that should be the north. Of course the sun comes up in the east and sets in the west as well, so if the sun is low on the horizon you know that it's setting toward the west (in general). Anyways, lots of write ups on it on the web if interested.

UPDATED(3-28-2011) - SEE UPDATE SECTION AT END:I tried this magnesium fire starting tool - SE(Emergency Fire Starter - SE - Emergency Fire Starter) out as well as the alternative from (from Doan Machinery & Equipment - "Genuine Issue Magnesium Survival Fire Starter" Genuine Issue Magnesium Survival Fire Starter).Both tools work perfectly fine as described and were able to light up fine fibers(cotton, moss, dried grass) and paper without a problem. The Doan tool has more precise instructions and clearly states on the packaging to scrape the magnesium portion of the bar with a knife blade PERPENDICULAR to the edge of the tool. I found this to method made for the most shavings and larger shavings at that. The packaging clearly states that you want a QUARTER(U.S. Coin) sized amount (just shy of 1 inch or 2.4cm diameter) Then holding the bar at 45 degree angle to the pile of shavings drag the knife along the flint to create sparks. The directions remind you to hold the blade perpendicular to the bar while "striking" the flint. I would advise not to strike the flint as they are brittle. However, a nice quick full length drag of the blade down the flint creates a shower of sparks for easy ignition of the magnesium shavings.Both brands work fine. They are nearly identical in shape(the SE is a few mm longer). Each brand has a different finish/coating on the bar itself is about the only difference I can tell. The performance seemed to be identical or at least close enough to not notice anything to complain about. The big difference is the price. The SE(made in China) is about half the price of the Doan(Made in USA - Patented). It appears to me that they are both the same design with slightly different execution of it, and one is just made overseas so that is why it's cheaper(unless there is less active "ingredients"(magnesium).One other note: The SE(Chinese one) also comes with a saw blade striker that does work but you need to wear through a protective layer of lacquer for it to work and it's just small enough to annoy my large hands. I just stick with a cheap staineless steel pocket knife for this. I always carry about 3-4 blades when I'm out hiking(cheap folder that I don't care if it gets ruined, sometimes a higher quality folder, always a fixed blade that is larger with full tang, and usually a multi tool(leatherman).You can't go wrong with either tool. I'd prefer to buy American(Doan - the "other" one) in the long run though, especially for something I might end up having my life depend on.EDIT: One last note on product life- depending on how much magnesium you need to get your fire going each time, I think the flint will run out long before you ever use up all the magnesium.UPDATED: 03-28-2011There have been a ton of reviews mentioning that the DOAN tool being purchased is no longer made in USA or shipped as a knock off. Be careful which seller you buy from. I will be posting pictures later today that show the SE Tool side by side with the Doan tool. I no longer have the packaging to show what they look like however.The seller I purchased the DOAN GENUINE ISSUE from was known as "CLASSICAL FITNESS & HEALTH" / "Waterglider LLC". They no longer have it stocked apparently.A GENUINE DOAN FIRE STARTER SHOULD HAVE THIS INFORMATION STAMPED ON ONE SIDE WITH AN ADDRESS ON THE OTHER. THE FIRST LINE IS THE NSN(Nato Stock Number):"4240-01-160-5618FSCM 62561MFR/PN 8702FIRE STARTING TOOLMAGNESIUMU.S. PATENT NO. 4,188,192"Reverse Side:"SPARKING INSERTMFD. BY DOAN MACH. & EQUIP. CO. INC.P.O. BOX 21334SO. EUCHLID, O. 44121SHAVING EDGE"

Does what it says. Could have a better design but it keeps the ferrocerium rod in place.

it seems like a magnesium fire starter. typical of what you would expect. I have not used it yet. I will say that the striker I got with it was a small "blade" unlike that typical hack saw blade style striker. its so minimalist I don't know that it would be very good to try to use it. there isn't much to grip on to. I have not tried it yet so I may be surprised by it but my first impression is that if you need this to survive, find a striker that works and not depend on the wee bit of metal they provided. IMO you should have a EDC knife that can do it.I guess its nice that they provide a striker. I wonder if anyone making the call to switch has actually used this style that they included. it seems like if your hands are cold/wet it would be difficult to use. sitting at my desk, i am typing this and handling it a bit... I cant say that i like it. it doesn't inspire confidence. I am sure the magnesium is fine.I have it teamed up with a proper ferro rod and a better striker because its good to have options and more than just a plan A. remember that the magnesium part is a FUEL not an ignition source. you need to light it in order to get the rest of your fuels lit. you have got to be able to scrape it and then ignite it. I am sure the "flint" bar is fine but its good to have a back up. if you cant get it burning, its a paperweight. 2=1 1=0

Okay