Genuine Issue Magnesium Survival Fire Starter This instant

I tried this magnesium fire starting tool(from Doan Machinery & Equipment - "Genuine Issue Magnesium Survival Fire Starter"Genuine Issue Magnesium Survival Fire Starter) out as well as the cheaper(about 50% less) alternative from SE(Emergency Fire Starter - SE - Emergency Fire Starteralso available on Amazon).

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 listed here 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, and one is just made overseas so that is why it's cheaper.

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.

You can't go wrong with either tool. I'd prefer to buy American 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.Get more detail about Genuine Issue Magnesium Survival Fire Starter.