• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to secondary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

EverstrykeMatch.com

  • Survival Gear
  • Survival Skills
  • Everstryke Match vs. Everstryke Pro

How To Use A Magnesium Fire Starter

April 11, 2024 By Jeff Johnson 2 Comments

This page may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through my affiliate links, then I may earn a commission (which helps support this blog).

The basic process of using a magnesium fire starter is easy. Simply use the included scraper or the back of the blade of your knife to scrape off a small pile of shavings from the magnesium block, place the shavings on a tinder bundle or kindling and then strike a ferro rod with the scraper or knife to create sparks and ignite the magnesium shavings.

Table of Contents

  • Video Tutorial
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • FAQ
    • What is a Magnesium Fire Starter?
    • How Do You Prepare to Use a Magnesium Fire Starter?
    • Can You Describe the Steps to Use a Magnesium Fire Starter?
    • What Materials Work Best as Tinder for a Magnesium Fire Starter?
    • How Do You Ignite Magnesium Shavings Effectively?
    • What Should You Do After Igniting the Magnesium Shavings?
    • What Are Some Tips for Successfully Using a Magnesium Fire Starter?

Video Tutorial

Here’s a short video tutorial for you:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to use a Magnesium fire starter to start a fire in 7 simple steps:

  1. Prepare your fire bed, preferably in bare soil or on exposed rock. Make sure your fire bed is at least 10 feet away from dry grass, leaves and other combustible material that could accidentally catch fire.
  2. Gather your dry tinder and kindling and set it aside. Dry leaves, bark, twigs, pine needles, fatwood shaving or even cotton balls dipped in petroleum jelly can be used for your tinder bundle. For kindling, use fatwood or smaller twigs and branches that are completely dead and dried out.
  3. Create a pile of magnesium shavings. Use the included scraper or the back of your knife to shave off a small pile of magnesium that’s about the size of a quarter. Collect the shavings on a dry leaf, bark or even a piece of paper.
  4. Sprinkle your magnesium shavings on top of a small pile of dry tinder (or a tinder bundle), a cotton ball fire starter, and some kindling in your fire bed.
  5. Use the ferro rod and the scraper (or the back of your knife) to ignite the shavings. Tip: Hold the ferro rod close to the magnesium pile at about a 45-degree angle. Place the scraper near the top of the rod (so it makes solid contact with the rod). Pull the rod back (away from the tinder) with a slow and steady motion to create a show of sparks that will eventually ignite the magnesium. Tip: see our How To Use A Ferro Rod article for more info.
  6. Add more tinder to the fire to help build a solid flame-foundation for the rest of your fire.
  7. Carefully add larger sticks (less than 2 inches in diameter) and twigs to the burning tinder bundle. Be careful to not smother out the flames… fire needs to breathe.
Bestseller No. 1 AOFAR Magnesium Fire Starter AF-374 (2-Pack) Waterproof Fire Steel Pouch for Camping, Hiking, Hunting, Backpacking,Outdoor Survival fire Striker kit AOFAR Magnesium Fire Starter AF-374 (2-Pack)… $12.59
SaleBestseller No. 2 Coghlan's Magnesium Fire Starter Coghlan’s Magnesium Fire Starter $5.99
Bestseller No. 3 H HAGU LANDE Fire Starter Magnesium Firestarter Flint Waterproof Outdoor Survival Kit with Striker for Campfires,Hiking,Hunting(4 Pack) H HAGU LANDE Fire Starter Magnesium Firestarter… $13.99
SaleBestseller No. 4 Emergency Fire Starting Magnesium 8 Bags 99% Pure Camping Hiking Bushcraft Emergency Fire Starting Magnesium 8 Bags 99% Pure… $7.95
Bestseller No. 5 Flint Fire Starter, Fire Starter Survival Tool with Magnesium and Ferro Rod for Camping Hiking Outdoor Survival Flint Fire Starter, Fire Starter Survival Tool… $5.28

FAQ

What is a Magnesium Fire Starter?

A magnesium fire starter is a compact, reliable tool designed for outdoor survival scenarios. It uses highly flammable magnesium shavings to ignite a fire quickly even under challenging conditions.

How Do You Prepare to Use a Magnesium Fire Starter?

Begin by preparing a fire bed in a safe location, away from combustible materials. Gather dry tinder and kindling, ensuring they are completely dried to aid in the fire-starting process.

Can You Describe the Steps to Use a Magnesium Fire Starter?

  1. Create a small pile of magnesium shavings using the tool’s scraper or a knife (see our list of the best bushcraft knives).
  2. Place the shavings on your tinder bundle.
  3. Use the ferro rod included with the magnesium fire starter to create sparks, igniting the shavings.

What Materials Work Best as Tinder for a Magnesium Fire Starter?

Dry leaves, bark, twigs, pine needles, fatwood shavings, or cotton balls dipped in petroleum jelly serve as effective tinder. The key is to use materials that catch fire easily.

How Do You Ignite Magnesium Shavings Effectively?

Hold the ferro rod close to the pile of magnesium shavings at a 45-degree angle. Use a slow, steady motion to pull the rod back, creating sparks that ignite the shavings.

What Should You Do After Igniting the Magnesium Shavings?

Once the magnesium shavings catch fire, gradually add more tinder to the fire. Carefully build up the flame by adding larger sticks and twigs, being cautious not to smother the flames.

What Are Some Tips for Successfully Using a Magnesium Fire Starter?

  • Ensure the fire bed and all materials are dry.
  • Collect a sufficient amount of tinder and kindling before starting.
  • Practice pulling the ferro rod back smoothly to create a consistent shower of sparks.

Check out our How To Build A Campfire article to learn more about how to build a roaring fire.

And check out our Magnesium Fire Starter FAQ post to learn more about magnesium fire starters, especially when you are trying to start a fire with wet wood.

AOFAR Magnesium Fire Starter AF-374 (2-Pack) Waterproof Fire Steel Pouch for Camping, Hiking, Hunting, Backpacking,Outdoor Survival fire Striker kit
AOFAR Magnesium Fire Starter AF-374 (2-Pack) Waterproof Fire Steel Pouch for Camping, Hiking, Hunting, Backpacking,Outdoor Survival fire Striker kit
  • Easy to Ignite in Any Weather: Our magnesium rod can be easily scraped off with a striker and ignited by sparks from the flint, allowing you to start fires in any weather conditions.
  • Durable and Long-lasting: Each box includes 2 Magnesium Fire Starters that can be used thousands of times, ensuring you have reliable fire starters for your outdoor adventures.
  • Waterproof Fire Steel: Our fire starter kit features a solid magnesium fuel bar measuring 3″ x 1″ and a flint for igniting sparks. Additionally, it includes a steel scraper measuring 3″ and Fire Paracord Outdoor Survival Ropes, providing you with all the essentials for fire starting in various situations.
  • Reliable Fire Tinder: The red waxed flax in our Paracord waterproof fire tinder is designed to ignite instantly, even in heavy rain. You can trust it to help you start a fire when you need it the most.
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: At AOFAR, we stand behind our product. We offer a 2-year limited warranty and lifetime customer support to ensure your satisfaction with our fire starter kit.
$12.59 Amazon Prime
View on Amazon

Filed Under: Survival Skills, How To Start A Fire Tagged With: how to use a Magnesium Fire Starter, Magnesium Fire Starter

Related Articles

Prepper Food Storage Guide (Mastering the Essentials)

This comprehensive guide will give you everything you need to know about … [Read More...] about Prepper Food Storage Guide (Mastering the Essentials)

man holding best ferro rods uberleben zunden and fire-fast trekker in his hand

15 Best Ferro Rods 2024

I have personally bought and tested some of the Best Ferro Rods available … [Read More...] about 15 Best Ferro Rods 2024

Creative Uses Ferro Rods Outdoors

Beyond Survival: Creative Uses for Ferro Rods in the Outdoors

Many people struggle to start a fire outdoors. Ferro rods can create sparks … [Read More...] about Beyond Survival: Creative Uses for Ferro Rods in the Outdoors

Building a Solar Power System for Long-Term Survival

Building a DIY Solar Power System

Building a DIY solar power system for survival is about harnessing the … [Read More...] about Building a DIY Solar Power System

Survival Gear

Bestseller No. 1 Survival Kit, 262Pcs Survival Gear and Supplies with First Aid Kit Pouch and Crossbody Bag, Emergency Kit with Tent, Camping Axe Hammer, Survival Shovel w/Pick, Bug Out Bag Gifts for Men Women Survival Kit, 262Pcs Survival Gear and Supplies... $52.99
Bestseller No. 2 Survival Kit, 250Pcs Survival Gear First Aid Kit with Molle System Compatible Bag and Emergency Tent, Emergency Kit for Earthquake, Outdoor Adventure, Hiking, Hunting, Gifts for Men Women Survival Kit, 250Pcs Survival Gear First Aid Kit... $50.99
Bestseller No. 3 Emergency Sleeping Bag Emergency Sleeping Bag $27.97
SaleBestseller No. 4 2 Pack Waterproof Lighter Outdoor Windproof Torch Lighters Dual Arc Butane Electric Lighters USB Rechargeable Lighters Flameless Plasma Lighter Camping Hiking Adventure Survival Tactical Gear 2 Pack Waterproof Lighter Outdoor Windproof Torch... $14.98
Bestseller No. 5 LifeStraw Personal Water Purifier for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency Preparedness LifeStraw Personal Water Purifier for Hiking,... $17.49

About Jeff Johnson

I've lived in Michigan (The Great Lakes State) my entire life... and this is where I plan on living until the day I die because Michigan truly is a "Water and Winter Wonderland"... and I love the great outdoors!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Combination Fire Starters

Bestseller No. 1 Fire-Fast Trekker. Best Emergency Waterproof Survival Fire Starter. Magnesium and Euro Fire Steel Ferro Rod. Compact Durable Tool for Bushcraft, Camping, Backpacking, Hiking, Hunting, or Bug Out Bag. Fire-Fast Trekker. Best Emergency Waterproof... $34.95
SaleBestseller No. 2 Zippo Firefast Bellows Zippo Firefast Bellows $22.72
Bestseller No. 3 Fire Fast Kamper Lanyard. European Fire Steel Ferro Rod and Magnesium. Compact Durable Lite Weight Emergency Fire Starter for Camping, Backpacking, Hiking. Fire Fast Kamper Lanyard. European Fire Steel... $29.95

Featured Posts

Essential Skills for Urban Survival: Navigating the Concrete Jungle

Living in big cities comes with its set of challenges, especially during … [Read More...] about Essential Skills for Urban Survival: Navigating the Concrete Jungle

Survival Gear for Cold Climates: Staying Warm Against the Odds

When venturing into cold climates or preparing for extreme winter … [Read More...] about Survival Gear for Cold Climates: Staying Warm Against the Odds

überleben Kräftig

The Uberleben Kraftig Fire Starter is a premium fire-starting tool designed … [Read More...] about überleben Kräftig

Uberleben Zunden Fire Starter

In any search for the best ferro rod, you're sure to come across the … [Read More...] about Uberleben Zunden Fire Starter

6 Best Magnesium Fire Starters

A Magnesium fire starter is cheap, reliable, waterproof, and readily … [Read More...] about 6 Best Magnesium Fire Starters

EricX Light Ferro Rod

The EricX Light ferro rod is a versatile fire starter designed for all … [Read More...] about EricX Light Ferro Rod

Survival Matches (Here’s Why You Need Them)

Now I know what you may be thinking, "Relax man, I'm already bringing a … [Read More...] about Survival Matches (Here’s Why You Need Them)

Bayite Ferro Rod

Are you looking to purchase a ferro rod, but you aren't sure which one to … [Read More...] about Bayite Ferro Rod

Survival Lighters

SaleBestseller No. 1 2 Pack Waterproof Lighter Outdoor Windproof Torch Lighters Dual Arc Butane Electric Lighters USB Rechargeable Lighters Flameless Plasma Lighter Camping Hiking Adventure Survival Tactical Gear 2 Pack Waterproof Lighter Outdoor Windproof Torch... $14.98
SaleBestseller No. 2 LcFun Waterproof Electric Lighter Windproof Dual Arc USB Rechargeable Flameless Plasma Lighters for Camping Hiking Survival Tactical Gear Gifts for Men Fathers Husband LcFun Waterproof Electric Lighter Windproof Dual... $8.99
SaleBestseller No. 3 3 Pack Waterproof Lighter Outdoor Windproof Torch Lighters Dual Arc Lighters Butane Electric USB Rechargeable Flameless Plasma Lighter Camping Hiking Adventure Survival Tactical Gear 3 Pack Waterproof Lighter Outdoor Windproof Torch... $17.09

Disclaimer:

The content provided on this blog, including articles, visuals, and other materials, is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as professional advice of any kind, including medical, legal, or safety-related advice. We encourage you to consult with qualified professionals before making decisions based on the information provided here. The authors and administrators of this blog are not responsible for inaccuracies, errors, or omissions in the content nor for any actions taken based on the information provided in this blog.

Secondary Sidebar

Best Ferro Rod

Uberleben Zunden
Uberleben Zunden
Amazon Prime
$18.00
View on Amazon

Best Ferro Rods

Best Magnesium Fire Starters

Search

Recent Posts

  • How to Clean and Maintain Your Campfire Cookware
  • The Science of Fire: Understanding How to Start a Fire in Any Condition
  • The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Ferro Rod for Your Adventure
  • The Complete Guide to Natural Firestarters: Science, Safety, and Sustainability
  • How To Refill Butane Lighters
  • How to Make Your Own Waterproof Matches at Home
  • Magnesium Fire Starter FAQ
  • What Is Fatwood?

Categories

  • Axes
  • Camping Meals
  • Camping Tips
  • Fatwood
  • Ferro Rods
  • Fire Starter
  • Hatchets
  • How To Start A Fire
  • Magnesium Fire Starters
  • Prepping
  • Survival Gear
  • Survival Skills
  • Waterproof Matches
  • Sitemap

Footer

Dutch Oven Baking Recipes

The Art of Dutch Oven Baking: Recipes for the Great Outdoors

Ever found yourself craving freshly baked goodies while surrounded by the … [Read More...] about The Art of Dutch Oven Baking: Recipes for the Great Outdoors

Effective Fire Starting With Ferro Rod

Top Techniques for Effective Fire Starting with a Ferro Rod

Starting a fire outdoors can sometimes feel like an impossible task. Ferro … [Read More...] about Top Techniques for Effective Fire Starting with a Ferro Rod

How to Make Your Own Waterproof Matches at Home

In any outdoor adventure or emergency situation, having a reliable fire … [Read More...] about How to Make Your Own Waterproof Matches at Home

© 2025 Profitable Results Marketing, LLC All Rights Reserved.

Terms and Conditions
Contact Us ◌ Opt-out Preferences ◌ Privacy Policy ◌ General Disclaimer ◌ Terms of Use and Service
Copyright DMCA Violations Procedure ◌ Sitemap ◌ Comments Disclaimer ◌ Business Address
As an Amazon Associate I earn referral commissions from qualifying purchases.
  • Survival Gear
  • Survival Skills
  • Free Everstryke Match
  • Opt-out preferences
  • Contact Us
Manage Cookie Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}