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SE 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

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 7,170 ratings

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3" x 1"
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Purchase options and add-ons

Brand SE
Material Magnesium
Flavor Natural Wood
Item Weight 0.75 Pounds
Item Form Stick

About this item

  • Compact and Portable Design: Measuring just 3" x 1", the SE FS374 Firestarter Kit easily fits in your pocket, making it the perfect companion for camping, hiking, and emergency survival kits
  • Waterproof and Weatherproof: Confidently ignite a fire in any weather condition with our all-weather magnesium firestarter, designed to be both waterproof and weatherproof for reliable use in challenging environments
  • Efficient Magnesium Fuel Bar: Equipped with a 3" solid magnesium fuel bar and flint, this firestarter kit ensures hundreds of uses, providing a dependable spark even in wet or humid conditions
  • Easy-to-Use Serrated Striker: The included single-sided serrated striker is specifically designed for quick and easy sparking, making fire starting a breeze even for beginners
  • Versatile and Essential Tool: An indispensable tool for outdoor adventures and emergency situations, this firestarter is ideal for trekking, boating, hunting, and as a crucial part of any survival or emergency kit

Customer ratings by feature

Light weight
4.4 4.4
Value for money
3.9 3.9
Easy to use
3.9 3.9

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From the manufacturer

All weather magnesium fire strater kit
Magnesium Fire Starter

Sona Logo

SE is committed to providing the customer with the best source for value possible on the market.

All Weather 2-in-1 Fire Strater

Sona Enterprises

Never be caught without the means of creating a fire. Waterproof, weatherproof and built for a lifetime our fire starter comes with a solid magnesium bar, flint, and is the perfect item in creating a survivor's kit.

  • 3" x 1" solid magnesium fuel bar with flint
  • Single-sided serrated striker

Product Features

Flint

Striking method

Striking method 2

Preparation

The magnesium block has a protective coating from the manufacturer scrape off this coating prior to making shaving pile.

Striking Method #1

  1. Begin by holding the magnesium body with your non-dominant hand and exposing the flint.
  2. Hover near and direct the flint into your pile of magnesium.
  3. Position and touch your striker edge to the rear-end of your flint.
  4. Firmly apply pressure between your striker and flint swiftly push the striker towards the pile of magnesium to create a spark.

Striking Method #2

  1. Begin by holding the striker with your dominant hand.
  2. Hover the striker above your pile of magnesium.
  3. Hold the magnesium body with your non-dominant hand and touch the rear-end of your flint to the scraping side of your striker and into the direction of your pile magnesium.
  4. Firmly apply pressure between your striker and flint swiftly pull the flint away from the pile of magnesium to create a spark.

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Price $6.99 $11.99 $10.99 $5.25 $17.99
Description Material: durable, lightweight stainless steel, Detachable spoon, fork and knife units (can be used separately) The tool can detach into two separate units so the eating utensils may be used simultaneously as needed, and easily snaps back together for compact storage and organization. Fixed blade construction that is 4mm thick and 7" in overall length with a 3" tanto point black finished blade. Compact emergency sleeping blanket 4 Pack of compact emergency sleeping bags

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Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here

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SE 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

SE 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


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Product Description

Why waste time and energy finding kindling with regular firestarters that may or may not even catch a spark?! Regular twigs and branches in their natural environments will not light unless they are extremely dry.
With this reliable pocket-sized tool, you will always be ready to start a fire. Our SE FS374 2-IN-1 All-Weather Magnesium Firestarter Kit comes complete with a solid compact magnesium bar that can be used hundreds of times, or until the magnesium runs out. Simply shave some magnesium into a pile and easily spark the shavings (yes, even in wet or humid surroundings). The shavings will quickly spark into a flame so you can ignite larger pieces of wood.
Waterproof, weatherproof, and built for long-lasting durability—this is an essential addition to your supplies for boating, camping, emergency and survival, hiking, and hunting.
PRODUCT FEATURES:-Overall dimensions: 3” x ⅜” x 1”-Solid magnesium body (silver color)-Black flint striking rod-Serrated metal striker-Mini compass—size: 4.5 mm x 20 mm dia.-Detachable silver ball chain link
HOW TO USE:1 – Gather tinder (bark, dry branches, grass, lint, paper, pine needles, etc.) of the preferred size/amount.2 – Use the serrated edge of the striker to scrape along the length of the magnesium rod to create shavings.3 – You can either sprinkle the magnesium shavings throughout the tinder pile, or scrape the shavings into a cluster to the minimum size of a U.S. quarter coin.4 – Then hold the flint at an angle over the pile, while forcefully sliding your striker along the length of the flint to create sparks.5 – Continue to slide the striker against the flint until the sparks land directly onto the shavings pile and ignite a flame.
PLEASE NOTE:For first-time use, stripping the protective layer of paint from the striker before starting your fire will help produce the best results.
SE is committed to providing the customer with the best source for value possible. You will enjoy the quality, function and usefulness our SE FS374 2-IN-1 All-Weather Magnesium Firestarter Kit has to offer.
IMPORTANT:Avoid receiving counterfeit items. Genuine SE products come with our SE logo on the packaging.
SE is a registered trademark protected by US Trademark Law.

Important information

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Must be 16 years or older to Purchase.

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SE 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
SE 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
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Price-20% $7.99
List:$10.00
-25% $5.99
List:$7.99
$11.99$11.99-13% $34.95
List:$39.95
$12.59
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Get it as soon as Friday, May 17
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Customer Ratings
Light weight
4.4
4.6
4.8
Value for money
3.9
4.8
4.3
Easy to use
3.9
4.9
4.4
Sold By
Buy Sharp Eye
HGLD
OnlyGo
Tag-Z
FFI Inc.
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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
7,170 global ratings

Customers say

Customers like the size, versatility, and performance of the solid fire fuel. For example, they mention it's a great addition to camping gear and an excellent addition to your backpack. That said, some like the emergency use, and appearance. Opinions are mixed on ease of use, durability, and quality.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

964 customers mention730 positive234 negative

Customers like the performance of the solid fire fuel. They mention that the striker that came with it works pretty well, the fire starter works anywhere, and the tin idea works very well. They also say it provides peace of mind that fits in your pocket.

"...Modify this routine as needed, but paper towels work well, rough paper can be waded up, rolled, and stressed to loosen the small fibers, and then..." Read more

"...Both tools work perfectly fine as described and were able to light up fine fibers(cotton, moss, dried grass) and paper without a problem...." Read more

"It works and is simple to use. Keep one stored in my kit for emergencies along with something like PyroPuddy." Read more

"...To start, the striker is largely useless unless in an extreme pinch, it'll do. I'd recommend a cheap pocket knife instead...." Read more

303 customers mention230 positive73 negative

Customers like the size of the magnesium striker. They say it's compact, light, and easy to store in a pocket. Some say it works well and is large enough to work with. Overall, most are satisfied with the size and functionality of the product.

"...Cheers!UPDATED TO 5* from 4! The small file is just great; you just need to practice...." Read more

"...This handy little saw easily fits in a backpack or can be worn on a belt." Read more

"...The metal grab handle is light weight and easy to grip onto while striking the magnesium rod...." Read more

"...Fairly easy to use.Cons:-Scraper/striker tool is very small and thin - definitely hard on the hands if attempting to start a fire..." Read more

213 customers mention210 positive3 negative

Customers find the solid fire fuel an excellent survival tool and a decent addition to their survival gear. They say it's practical and will save their life in an emergency. Some mention it'll be perfect for their emergency kit and camping supplies.

"...The bell protects any sparks from wind, and almost immediately bursts into flames with just a few sparks, that's why you need to have your pile of..." Read more

"...Based on my personal experience I would say this is an excellent survival tool and also a fun way to light a fire if you don't mind a little extra..." Read more

"Essential for trunk emergency bag...." Read more

"...The saw that came with it worked for me. good for emergency situations b/c of durability and can be used when wet, but rather use a zippo, lighter,..." Read more

161 customers mention161 positive0 negative

Customers find the fire starter set to be a great addition to their camping gear and emergency bug out bag kit. They also say it's handy for camping and backpacking, excellent for camping or survival stuff, and a good addition to your backpack. Customers also say the set is indispensable if you camp in nature and that it should be in any survival or camping kit.

"...The concept is great and it is a good addition to your backpack but here are some modifications I suggest...." Read more

"...Great to have in your camping equipment, in the glove box, anywhere." Read more

"...It is one of the few things that makes your camping SO much easier, without feeling like you rented an RV, or carried one." Read more

"Sparks nicely.A nice addition to any emergincy kit, bug-out-bag, or camping kit.Pros:Makes Nice Sparks..." Read more

70 customers mention50 positive20 negative

Customers like the appearance of the solid fire fuel. They mention it looks good, is neat, and has a simple design. Some say it's well designed and a must have for your survival kit.

"...Not only will it last longer but it will give you more striking surface, and the more striking surface you have, the more sparks you can produce...." Read more

"This product is pretty neat. It comes as described and does what it says. However, it does take a bit of learning to make it work every time...." Read more

"...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...." Read more

"...Works well and makes nice, big sparks." Read more

1,638 customers mention1,029 positive609 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the quality of the solid fire fuel. Some say it produces nice sparks and the magnesium shaving ignites well. However, others say that it failed to ignite and that directing the sparks is tricky.

"This is a big chunk of magnesium. Lots of opportunity for a lot of fires...." Read more

"...The striker measures about 2.75 inches long.Magnesium is great to start fires. It burns at a temp of about 5,000 F (crazy hot)...." Read more

"...2. It seems that there is also a sort of hard coating around the magnesium bar as well. The first material I scraped off the bar did not light well...." Read more

"...Both tools work perfectly fine as described and were able to light up fine fibers(cotton, moss, dried grass) and paper without a problem...." Read more

394 customers mention224 positive170 negative

Customers are mixed about the ease of use. Some mention that the tool is very easy to use, the directions are pretty straight forward, and the product is simple and reliable. However, others say that it is difficult to use when the magnesium is not pure and is cold or wet. The striker is hard to get the hang of and it takes a bit of practice.

"It works and is simple to use. Keep one stored in my kit for emergencies along with something like PyroPuddy." Read more

"...1. The black flint, as noted previously, has some sort of soft coating on it that has to be scraped off by the striker...." Read more

"...Lightweight and compact - will fit in a pocket.Fairly easy to use.Cons:..." Read more

"...Ok, this clearly isn't pure magnesium, it is *WAY* too hard...." Read more

115 customers mention42 positive73 negative

Customers are mixed about the durability of the solid fire fuel. Some mention that it should last a long time, the striker has not broken yet, and there's plenty of material for many fires. Others say that the flint rod doesn't last long, breaks easily, and the striker appears to have worn down a bit after only one use.

"...The stricter itself is quite thin and could easily be bent. However, it seems to do the job just fine and should hold up givin care...." Read more

"...Also, it will not brake easily. Now I can get good sparks every time I strike...." Read more

"...This will only last a few dozen uses...." Read more

"Ok so it does what it said it will do in the description. The flint wears out a bit fast, and the "saw" piece that it comes with is..." Read more

Works Perfect - Just follow the directions
4 Stars
Works Perfect - Just follow the directions
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"
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2014
Size: 3" x 1"Verified Purchase
This is a big chunk of magnesium. Lots of opportunity for a lot of fires. I don't know if you would ever use up one of these in your lifetime unless you were a serious, never ending camper. Everyone has their way, so let me tell you my method of starting a fire...build your fire pile first, then take a few sheets of thin toilet paper (you should always carry a roll in a ziploc bag when hiking, emergency kit, etc), make a circle with your thumb and forefinger of your left hand, lay the toilet paper sheets over the hole, push the tp into the hole with your forefinger of your right hand, to form a small bell-shaped piece of toilet paper, squeeze it around your finger to crimp it in that shape, lay this down so that the bell is open towards you, with the teeth of the steel toward the magnesium, scratch a few times down it's length to get a few grains of magnesium dust into the bell, turn the steel over and scratch down the length of the magnesium with the flat side (sharp edge) of the steel to spark the fire starter, aiming the sparks into the inside of the bell. The bell protects any sparks from wind, and almost immediately bursts into flames with just a few sparks, that's why you need to have your pile of fire materials ready to quickly drop this burning toilet paper under it. Modify this routine as needed, but paper towels work well, rough paper can be waded up, rolled, and stressed to loosen the small fibers, and then it works well also. The key is a small finger sized bell shape that supports the flame inside it.
23 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2015
Size: 3" x 1"Verified Purchase
Even though I've been camping all my life, this is the first time I've used a Magnesium Fire Starter.
If you have trouble using this, read down, as I might have found your problem.

To start, the striker is largely useless unless in an extreme pinch, it'll do. I'd recommend a cheap pocket knife instead.

I couldn't get the magnesium to light for about 20 minutes. I then applied my brain and realised that there is either a light coating on the surface, or the surface at least partially oxidized, rendering the surface useless. I then scraped the dull surface off, and found the shiny magnesium underneath. That's the good stuff you want to use.

Details:
The Magnesium body measures 3 inches (~7.5 cm) in length and about an inch across. The striker measures about 2.75 inches long.

Magnesium is great to start fires. It burns at a temp of about 5,000 F (crazy hot). If your fire kiddling happens to be wet, this gives you a much better chance at starting your fire. With matches, you're most likely doomed.

Some people might worry that if they carry it around that it might somehow explode on them or just spontaneously start. This, however, shouldn't be much of a concern since Magnesium's ignition temperature is around 800 F. So even leaving this in your car on a hot day isn't nearly hot enough to start the flame.

To use:
Scrap a small pile of magnesium on your kiddling. The more you use, the more likely the fire will start (of course also wasting magnesium). Then hold the flint near the pile and scrap down it (the dark side), sending sparks near the magnesium pile. Keep doing this until it sparks.
Customer image
5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Way to Start a Fire
Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2015
Even though I've been camping all my life, this is the first time I've used a Magnesium Fire Starter.
If you have trouble using this, read down, as I might have found your problem.

To start, the striker is largely useless unless in an extreme pinch, it'll do. I'd recommend a cheap pocket knife instead.

I couldn't get the magnesium to light for about 20 minutes. I then applied my brain and realised that there is either a light coating on the surface, or the surface at least partially oxidized, rendering the surface useless. I then scraped the dull surface off, and found the shiny magnesium underneath. That's the good stuff you want to use.

Details:
The Magnesium body measures 3 inches (~7.5 cm) in length and about an inch across. The striker measures about 2.75 inches long.

Magnesium is great to start fires. It burns at a temp of about 5,000 F (crazy hot). If your fire kiddling happens to be wet, this gives you a much better chance at starting your fire. With matches, you're most likely doomed.

Some people might worry that if they carry it around that it might somehow explode on them or just spontaneously start. This, however, shouldn't be much of a concern since Magnesium's ignition temperature is around 800 F. So even leaving this in your car on a hot day isn't nearly hot enough to start the flame.

To use:
Scrap a small pile of magnesium on your kiddling. The more you use, the more likely the fire will start (of course also wasting magnesium). Then hold the flint near the pile and scrap down it (the dark side), sending sparks near the magnesium pile. Keep doing this until it sparks.
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111 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2012
Size: 3" x 1"Verified Purchase
The product I received is mostly as pictured, except the magnesium body has a dull medium-gray protective coating all over it. This coating is no problem, as it scrapes off easily.

First the scraper/striker. This is essentially a short piece of low quality hacksaw blade, attached to the magnesium block by a short beaded chain. First minor issue is that the chain is too short to allow a decent stroke along the ferrocerium flint. Fortunately the chain can be opened to take the striker off, but whenever you use it, it is one more thing to fiddle with. As a scraper, this tool has a hard time scraping the magnesium with either edge (more on this later). As a striker, it functions, and produces a reasonable enough spark shower to ignite the metal shavings with a 6" or so throw to the sparks. That said I got *much* better sparks using the spine of a cheap locking knife 
Maxam® Lockback Pocket Knife , which had a 12-18" spark throw. I tried it with a gerber curve mini locking knife (unknown stainless) and really got very little sparking.

Moral of the story, if you have one of these, try a different striker, it may work much better.

Next the ferrocerium flint - The flint is a pretty narrow diameter cheap rod, and if it were not glued to the magnesium block, I'd be afraid of breaking it. That said, it is glued to a block, and using a knife as a striker I got very good sparks out of this rod. I have no issue with it.

Finally the magnesium block. Ok, this clearly isn't pure magnesium, it is *WAY* too hard. I'm guessing it's probably an alloy partly made of cheaper aluminum, which also burns well when shaved thin, but is a lot harder to scrape into shavings. The block functions, but it takes a long time to scrape and you'd be better served with something else as a tinder. (ie: dryer lint, cotton balls with petrol jelly, etc)

Overall: this is a reasonably functional firestarter, particularly given its bargain price. That said, I'd really consider using this as a backup or emergency fire starter, and not any kind of primary. I keep one of these in each of my cars (we have cold but not harsh winters) as a cheap emergency firemaking tool. Having tried it, I have good confidence in being able to start a fire in a few minutes with one of these and some dry tinder/kindling. There are faster/better ways, but these are cheap and should handle storage well.

A lot of better firesteels are out there (ie: Light My Fire scout, GoingGear moos, Firesteel survival) at around twice the price, but those are much larger. These will last longer, and output much better sparks. These larger tools would be better if you were looking for a primary backpacking starter, or for in a serious emergency kit.
6 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2024
Size: 3" x 1"Verified Purchase
It works and is simple to use. Keep one stored in my kit for emergencies along with something like PyroPuddy.

Top reviews from other countries

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Mario
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente
Reviewed in Mexico on April 9, 2019
Size: 3" x 1"Verified Purchase
Excelente pedernal, y aunque la barra de magnesio duró mucho tiempo pegada, terminó por despegarse con el ajetreo y uso, sólo ese apartado se podría mejorar.
2 people found this helpful
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fantompoet
5.0 out of 5 stars Does the job reliably
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 15, 2020
Size: 3" x 1"Verified Purchase
It is what it is. It starts fires well, and is well built. You can reach for it and know it will do the job. It is easy to use and good value for money.
Chuck
5.0 out of 5 stars Novel gift idea
Reviewed in Canada on April 12, 2015
Size: 3" x 1"Verified Purchase
I think I spent more time playing with this lighting little leaves on the ground on fire than actually using it in a real environment.

Very reliable though, and well worth throwing in a toolbox just in case. It will take practice to get working, so buy two and set stuff on fire in a controlled environment. (Be safe folks!)
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Mitchell OConnor
5.0 out of 5 stars WAY easier than advertised!
Reviewed in Canada on August 27, 2023
Size: 3" x 1"Verified Purchase
The media could not be loaded.
 2nd or third strike and i had my fire going.
Perfrct for any woodsman in any situation. Recommended as an essential piece of any survival kit.
Giovanni Sánchez
5.0 out of 5 stars Exelente producto.
Reviewed in Mexico on June 12, 2017
Size: 3" x 1"Verified Purchase
A lo largo del tiempo que adquirir este encendedor, no eh tenido ninguna falla que pudiera originar un mal comentario, pues cumple con sus funciones y es muy útil en situaciones de campismo en la montaña.
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