6 Best Magnesium Fire Starters

A Magnesium fire starter is cheap, reliable, waterproof, and readily available at dozens of online retailers.

They are also lightweight, relatively safe, easy to use, highly transportable, and compact, which is why they are one of the most popular fire-starting tools among outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, preppers, and even a simple camping trip.

A magnesium fire-starting tool usually includes a block of magnesium with a built-in ferro rod or flint and a scraping and striking tool.

Simply scrape off some magnesium shavings onto a dry leaf, pine needles, char cloth, cotton ball or other tinder and strike the built-in ferrocerium rod with the back of your knife or the included scraper to produce a shower of sparks, and the shavings will ignite (for more info see our How To Use A Magnesium Fire Starter article and our Magnesium Fire Starter FAQ post.).

Once ignited, the burning magnesium will very quickly produce flames that reach over 5,000 degrees so you must have your fire bed and kindling prepared and ready to go.

If you’re planning on getting a magnesium fire starter tool but have never used one before, it’s a good idea to practice with it a few times before you need it as your only option for fire or survival.

Best Magnesium Fire Starters

Here are the 6 Best Magnesium Fire Starters (I may earn a commission from Amazon for qualified purchases)…

• Fire-Fast Trekker (best camping or survival fire starter)
• The Friendly Swede 3-pack
• SE FS374 Magnesium Firestarter Kit
• Tag-Z Magnesium Fire Starter
• Survival Spark
• Fire-Fast Fire Fly (best lightweight backpacking fire starter)

1. Fire-Fast Trekker

The Fire-Fast Trekker is a combination Ferro Rod and Military Grade Magnesium Rod of massive proportions made in Austria for old-world reliability and craftsmanship.

The Trekker’s hardwood handle provides the surest grip even under the most extreme weather conditions, including freezing cold temperatures, snow flurries, and even pouring rain. An added bonus is that the handle can be shaved off and used for tinder in an emergency situation.

The included striker/scraper is made from hardened steel. It is sharp enough to create a shower of sparks to light your fire with ease, but not sharp enough to cut your hand.

The paracord strap has a tensile strength rating of 550 lbs and is made in the United States by a certified U.S. government contractor, so it shouldn’t rot or break even under the most adverse conditions.

The Fire-First Trekker hardwood handle and the striker/scraper both come with pre-drilled holes that allow them to be attached to the paracord strap, so you’ll never have to worry about losing one of the most essential pieces of your fire-starting kit (try that with those chintzy little steel-ball straps that other lower-quality fire starting tools come with).

The Fire-Fast Trekker only weighs a couple of ounces yet has everything you need to start a fire in the wilderness, which is why we consider it to be the best backpacking fire starter (as well as a perfect lightweight fire-starting tool to carry for camping and survival).

The Fire-Fast Trekker is durable, reliable, waterproof, and designed to light thousands of fires, even when wet. It’s one of the toughest fire-starting tools around, and it’s built to stand-up to years of use and abuse.

Customer Reviews Summary

The Fire-Fast Trekker has received overwhelmingly positive customer reviews, with an aggregate rating of 5 stars from the majority, indicating high overall satisfaction. Here are the key points from the reviews:

Positives:

• High-Quality Materials: Reviewers consistently mention the high quality of materials and parts, with particular praise for the Ferro rod’s ability to produce a substantial amount of sparks.
• Durability: The Ferro rod is described as thick and durable, resistant to breaking, which contrasts positively with other magnesium-based fire starters.
• Ease of Use: Users report that the Fire-Fast Trekker is easy to use, generating hot sparks effortlessly and requiring minimal strikes to ignite materials.
• Utility Features: The fat wood handle is highlighted as a significant bonus. It aids in fire-starting and provides extra utility.
• Satisfaction with Purchase: Several reviewers express their intention to buy more units as gifts, reflecting their satisfaction and confidence in the product’s value.
• Versatility: The Trekker is praised for working well in various conditions, including cold and wet environments, and for its compatibility with different striking tools beyond the included striker.

Negatives:

• Size and Weight: A common criticism is the Trekker’s bulkiness and heaviness, making it less ideal for lightweight backpacking. Despite its utility, some question the necessity of such a large fire starter when simpler alternatives exist.
• Magnesium Shaving Difficulty: One reviewer notes that shaving magnesium off the rod can be challenging, which could be a minor inconvenience in emergencies.

Overall Satisfaction with the Fire-Fast Trekker:

Customers are highly satisfied with the Fire-Fast Trekker’s performance, emphasizing its reliability, ease of use, and superior construction compared to other fire starters. While its size and weight might not suit all outdoor enthusiasts, especially those with strict pack weight limits, its effectiveness in fire starting and robust build quality make it a favored choice among reviewers. The positive reception, coupled with the suggestion of purchasing additional units for gifting, underscores the product’s perceived value and utility in outdoor and survival situations.

Click here for the best price for the Fire-Fast Trekker on Amazon, or check it out on eBay.

2. The Friendly Swede Magnesium Flint Fire Starter – 3 Pack

If you prefer using smaller fire starters, then The Friendly Swede Magnesium Flint Fire Starter has you covered. It’s only 3 inches long, less than ¾ inches thick, and less than 1 ¼ inches wide and weighs only a few ounces. This means it easily slips into your pocket, your EDC backpack, your get-home bag, or anywhere else your gear needs to be compact and lightweight.

This handy 3-pack of The Friendly Swede allows you to keep one in your glove box (which is what I do), one in your bug-out bag or with your camping equipment, and one on your keychain or around your neck so you’ll always have quick access to a dependable waterproof fire-starting tool when you need one.

Each one can be used approximately 5,000 times and contain a solid block of magnesium, a steel scraper to shave off the magnesium, an embedded flint rod and steel striker to throw sparks hot enough to ignite the magnesium shavings, and a steel ball chain that helps prevent losing the individual tools. It even has a built-in bottle opener, so you can enjoy your favorite cold beverage in front of a roaring fire!

The Friendly Swede is waterproof, lightweight, compact, and dependable. It provides its own tinder and spark to light your fire, and it’s easy to use even under the most severe weather conditions, including extreme cold, snow, rain, high winds, and high altitudes. Try all that with a butane lighter!

Customer Reviews Summary

The Friendly Swede Magnesium Flint Fire Starter has garnered positive feedback from most users, with a few areas of critique that highlight areas for improvement. Below is a summary of the reviews detailing both the positive aspects and the criticisms mentioned by users, as well as their overall satisfaction with the product.

Positives:

• High-Quality Magnesium: Reviewers were impressed by the quality of the magnesium, noting its ease of ignition with even a small spark.
• Generous Amount of Material: Users appreciated the substantial amount of magnesium provided, allowing for extensive use without running out quickly.
• Effective Scraper: The included scraper is praised for its effectiveness, especially when the sharp edge is used. It makes it easy to shave off magnesium quickly.
• Value for Money: The pack includes three fire starters at a reasonable price, offering great value according to customers.
• Durability of Sparks: The ferro rod is noted for producing a decent amount of sparks that efficiently ignite the magnesium.
• Versatility and Portability: The compact design and chains for easy carry were highlighted as advantages, making the fire starter a versatile and portable tool for outdoor activities.

Negatives:

• Ferro Rod Wears Quickly: Some users noted that the ferro rod tends to wear out relatively quickly, especially with frequent use.
• Misleading Packaging: A few reviews mentioned confusion over the packaging, expecting two packs based on the product title but receiving only one.
• Short Handle and Heavy Design: Some considered the handle too short and the overall design too heavy, especially for activities like hiking, where weight and space are at a premium.

Overall Satisfaction:

The overall sentiment towards The Friendly Swede Magnesium Flint Fire Starter is positive, with users recommending it as a reliable, compact, and high-quality fire-starting tool. The effectiveness of the magnesium in creating fires, combined with the practical design and affordability of the pack, contributes to its favorable reception. While there are concerns about the longevity of the ferro rod and some confusion over product descriptions, these do not significantly detract from the product’s perceived value. Customers appreciate its functionality and consider it a worthwhile addition to their survival or camping gear, with many highlighting its essential role in emergency preparedness and outdoor activities.

Click here for the best price available for the Friendly Swede Fire on Amazon, or check it out on eBay.

3. SE FS374 2-in-1 All-Weather Magnesium Firestarter Kit

If you’re looking for an inexpensive pocket-sized tool that you can toss in your fire-starting kit, then the SE FS374 Fire Starting Kit is worth checking out.

It comes with a solid magnesium bar that should last for a few hundred uses, a built-in flint striking rod, a metal striker with a serrated edge, a ball chain link, and a bonus mini-compass (I wouldn’t bet my life on the accuracy of any compass included as a bonus at this low of a price, but it’s nice to have around for a quick bearings check).

The SE FS374 may not be the sexiest option, but it is a reliable option that gets the job done.

Customer Reviews Summary

The SE FS374 2-in-1 All-Weather Magnesium Firestarter Kit reviews suggest it is a reliable backup tool for fire starting, especially while camping. Users appreciate its components and overall functionality, deeming it suitable for its intended purpose. Here are the key takeaways from the reviews:

Positives:

• Adequate for Fire Starting: The firestarter kit is considered adequate for its primary function—starting fires. Users who have experience with such tools find it has all the necessary components to get the job done.
• Value for Money: The kit is seen as reasonably priced, offering good value for a decent fire starter. This suggests that customers are satisfied with what they get in relation to the price they pay.
• Good Backup Option: One user specifically mentioned purchasing it as a backup for starting fires while camping, indicating trust in its reliability and effectiveness in outdoor settings.

Negatives:

• The provided reviews do not mention any specific negatives about the product. However, the lack of detailed criticism or high praise suggests that while the firestarter kit is viewed as competent, it may not stand out significantly in terms of features or performance compared to other options available on the market.

Overall Satisfaction:

Customers seem generally satisfied with the SE FS374 2-in-1 All-Weather Magnesium Firestarter Kit, especially as a backup option for outdoor activities like camping. They appreciate it for being a straightforward, no-frills tool that performs its essential function at a reasonable price. While the reviews are positive, they also imply that the kit is considered a standard option rather than an exceptional one.

Click here to check-out the best price for the SE FS374 on Amazon, or check it out on eBay..

4. Tag-Z Magnesium Fire Starter Kit

They manufacture the Tag-Z to be durable, reliable, and dead simple to use. They even clearly mark the Magnesium block side with big, bold letters that read “Shaving Edge” and the flint rod side with the words “Sparking Insert”, so there’s no confusion about which side to use during even the most stressful emergencies.

All you have to do is shave the magnesium into a pile the size of a quarter, sprinkle the shavings on a small mound of kinder, flip the tool over, and strike the built-in flint rod with the edge of your knife to create sparks. A shower of red-hot sparks will ignite the magnesium and start your fire.

The Tag-Z Magnesium Magnesium Fire Starter Kit is designed to be one of the most reliable and dead-simple fire starter tools you’ll ever use.

Customer Reviews Summary

The Tag-Z Magnesium Fire Starter Kit has received predominantly positive reviews, with users appreciating its functionality and ease of use. Here’s a detailed summary of the feedback:

Positives:

• As Described: Buyers affirm that the product accurately matches its description, comprising a magnesium bar with a sparking rod and scraper/knife.
• Quality and Effectiveness: Reviewers highlight the quality of the flint and magnesium fire starter, noting its effectiveness in creating fire. The ability to shave off magnesium easily, the shavings’ intense and slow burn, and the sparking rod’s reliability are particularly praised.
• Ease of Use: Users find the fire starter easy to use, with shavings easy to ignite. Its compact size is appreciated for being easily portable, making it a convenient tool for “grab and go” situations.
• Durability: The comparison to the original Doan fire starter—a product well-regarded for its durability and effectiveness—suggests that the Tag-Z Magnesium Fire Starter is a reliable and robust option.

Negatives:

• Confusion Over Included Metal Piece: One user expressed confusion over the purpose of a metal piece included with the kit, leading them to discard it. This confusion resulted in a slightly lower rating due to the perceived inclusion of unnecessary components.

Overall Satisfaction:

Customers are very satisfied with the Tag-Z Magnesium Fire Starter Kit, valuing its straightforward design, functionality, and the peace of mind it offers as a fire-starting solution. Its ease of use, the quality of materials, and the efficient design for creating a fire even in wet conditions are frequently mentioned positive aspects. The product is regarded as a “real deal” for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a reliable fire starter that mirrors the effectiveness of well-known brands like Doan.

Users recommend the Tag-Z Magnesium Fire Starter Kit for anyone in need of a compact, easy-to-use fire-starting tool for outdoor adventures or emergency preparedness kits.

Click here to get the best price on a Tag-Z Magnesium Fire Starter on Amazon, or check it out on eBay.

5. Survival Spark Magnesium Fire Starter

The Survival Spark Magnesium Fire Starter is wind-resistant, waterproof, lightweight, easy to use, and consistently provides a huge shower of fire-starting sparks up to 15,000 times.

It includes an extra-long striker/scraper that is easy to grip (even when you’re wearing gloves). Use the serrated edge as a scraper to create a small pile of Magnesium Shavings from the included rod, and then use the flat side as a striker to create a cascading shower of sparks to ignite the Magnesium and start a fire. You could also use a permanent match to ignite the shavings.

The Survival Spark also includes an integrated emergency whistle tested at 150 DB and a small compass to help you find your general bearings in the wilderness.

The Survival Spark is a 3-in-1 survival tool that makes a great addition to any fire-starting or survival kit.

Customer Reviews Summary

The Survival Spark Magnesium Fire Starter has garnered largely positive customer reviews, with many appreciating its functionality and additional features. Here’s a summary of the reviews, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement:

Positives:

• Effective Fire Starter: Users report that the fire starter effectively produces a robust spark, capable of igniting dry grass and other tinders without the need to scrape off magnesium, which aligns well with its primary purpose.
• Ease of Use: Despite a protective coating that requires initial removal, users find the fire starter easy to use. Its substantial size is particularly appreciated by those with arthritic hands, as it is easier to grasp and manipulate.
• Added Features: The inclusion of a lanyard is well-received for keeping the fire starter secure and easily accessible. The compass, while simple, is recognized for providing basic orientation, and the whistle is acknowledged as a potentially useful emergency tool, despite some criticism.
• Customer Service: The proactive approach of the seller, including sending instructions before the product arrives, is highly valued by customers, adding a personal touch to the purchasing experience.

Negatives:

• Compass and Whistle Quality: Some users find the compass to be of limited utility, requiring careful leveling to function correctly and deemed not reliable for precise navigation. The whistle is described by one user as sounding like a “wheezy old cat,” suggesting variability in its effectiveness.
• Learning Curve for Additional Features: There is a slight learning curve associated with using the whistle effectively, and the compass’s functionality may not meet everyone’s needs for serious navigation.

Overall Satisfaction:

Customers are generally very satisfied with the Survival Spark Magnesium Fire Starter, primarily for its efficiency in starting fires. The added features, such as the compass and whistle, are considered bonuses, though opinions on their usefulness vary. The product is highly recommended for those seeking a reliable fire starter for camping, survival kits, or emergency preparedness, with its main function as a fire starter receiving unanimous praise. The constructive feedback regarding the compass and whistle does not significantly detract from the product’s overall value, especially considering its effectiveness and ease of use as a fire starter.

Check out the lowest prices on Amazon for the Survival Spark, or check it out on eBay.

6. Fire-Fast Fire Fly

The Firefly is a combination Ferro Rod and Magnesium Rod, so you’ll have quick access to two must-have fire starters in one extremely small and lightweight package that’s the perfect size for carrying in your backpack, bugout bag, or fire-starting kit.

The Fire-Fast Firefly is Made in America from both domestic and imported materials.

Austrian-made Ferro Rod/Flint is made from the finest European Ferrocerium rich in rare earth metals and tested to provide 2,500 strikes that produce a shower of white-hot fire-starting sparks.

Military-Grade Magnesium Rod is 95% pure.

The African Hardwood handle is virtually waterproof and is designed to withstand all weather conditions.

The Hardened Steel Striker and Scraper is Made in the U.S.A. and is attached to the handle with American-made 7-strand high-tensile strength 550 paracord that resists rotting, even in the wettest of conditions (try that with a leather strap).

Weight: approximately 1.5 ounces. Dimensions: Approximately 5 inches Long by 5/8″ deep by 7/8″ wide.

Customer Reviews Summary

The Fire-Fast Fire Fly has received predominantly positive feedback for its compactness, effectiveness, and innovative design. Users praise its functionality, especially in challenging conditions. Here’s a detailed summary of the reviews:

Positives:

• Compact and Portable: Many users appreciate the decent size of the Fire Fly, noting it’s convenient to carry in a pocket or hang around the neck, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.
• Highly Effective: Reviewers report that the Fire Fly works flawlessly, especially highlighting its ability to generate sparks more abundantly than other models. It is also noted to work well in wet conditions, enhancing its reliability.
• Valued Features: The Fire Fly includes nifty features that users find essential in survival situations, contributing to its perception as a must-have tool. The modernized handle and magnesium component are particularly praised for providing ample fire-starting power.
• Durability: The striker is mentioned to be perfectly made and durable, with one user suggesting it might be the only striker they’ll ever need. Its capability to get a fire started rapidly and easily is a recurring compliment.
• Utility: Users find the Fire Fly effective for a variety of uses, including starting fires in challenging environments like windy beaches after the rain, and appreciate its utility in survival situations.

Negatives:

• Magnesium Shaving Difficulty: A few users note that producing an adequate amount of magnesium shavings can be time-consuming due to the small amount generated with each strike, with one reviewer finding it not worth the effort for their specific use case.
• Scraper Efficiency: While the included steel scraper is deemed okay, some users feel that a knife spine works better for scraping, though it’s acknowledged that the scraper does get the job done in a pinch.

Overall Satisfaction:

Overall, customers are very satisfied with the Fire-Fast Fire Fly, recommending it for its compact design, ease of use, and effectiveness in starting fires under various conditions. Its portability makes it a favored choice for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. Despite some minor critiques regarding the efficiency of magnesium shaving and the included scraper, the Fire Fly is regarded as a high-quality fire starter with great value and performance. The product is appreciated for blending traditional fire-starting mechanisms with modern design elements, making it a well-regarded tool for casual camping trips and serious survival scenarios.

Click here for the best price available on Amazon for the Fire-Fast Fire Fly combination Ferro Rod and Magnesium Rod, or check it out on eBay.