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Magnesium Fire Starter FAQ

December 21, 2024 By Jeff Johnson Leave a Comment

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).

Here are the answers to the most popular questions about magnesium fire starters, including how do they work, what are they made from, how to store them safely, how to choose the best magnesium fire starter for your fire starting kit, and more.

Table of Contents

  • Magnesium Fire Starter FAQ
    • What is a magnesium rod used for?
    • What is the best magnesium fire starter?
    • What is a magnesium fire starter made from?
    • Is magnesium a good fire starter?
    • How does a magnesium fire starter work?
    • How to store a magnesium fire starter
    • How safe is a magnesium fire starter?
    • How long will a magnesium fire starter last?
    • What happens when you throw magnesium in a fire?
    • Does magnesium burn hot?
    • What color does magnesium burn?
    • Will magnesium burn underwater?
    • How To Put Out A Magnesium Fire
    • Can I use a magnesium fire starter in the rain?
    • How should I practice using a magnesium fire starter safely?
    • What’s the difference between a ferro rod and a magnesium fire starter?
    • Why does my magnesium fire starter seem harder to scrape over time?
    • Can I use any knife to scrape a magnesium fire starter?
    • What makes the best tinder for a magnesium fire starter?
    • Should I be concerned about magnesium fumes when using the fire starter?
    • How can I tell if my magnesium fire starter is still good?

Magnesium Fire Starter FAQ

What is a magnesium rod used for?

Magnesium rods are best used for starting a fire when the material to be lit is damp or wet.

Scraping shavings from these soft metal rods and then applying a spark or a flame will create a fire that burns at more than 4000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Magnesium fire starter rods have a natural resistance to water making them a perfect fire lighting source for all types of environments.

What is the best magnesium fire starter?

The best magnesium fire starters are compact, durable, come with a striking rod and attached scraper, and are made of high-quality materials. Though you can use your own knife, I prefer to always get one with an attached striker and scraper as a backup in case you forget or lose your knife.

There are fire starting kits that come with a lot of extras that may seem nice to have, like a compass or a whistle.

If you do think things like a whistle and compass would be useful – and I personally think any camping or survival kit should have these things – then it’s better to buy quality versions so you know they’ll work when you need them.

Check out this list of the best magnesium fire starters for more info.

What is a magnesium fire starter made from?

A magnesium fire starter is typically made from a solid block of magnesium with a ferro rod or flint embedded in one side. You shave the magnesium off the block into a small magnesium pile and then you strike the ferro rod or flint with a metal blade or striker (like the back of your knife) to create sparks and ignite the magnesium.

Most magnesium fire starting tools will also include a striker and scraping tool made from steel that is attached to the magnesium block with a small metal ball chain or a paracord strap.

Is magnesium a good fire starter?

Yes, Magnesium is a good fire starter because it’s highly flammable and burns even when wet. Plus, they are inexpensive, reliable, simple to use, and waterproof.

Magnesium fire starters are also lightweight, relatively safe, compact and highly transportable, which is why they are one of the most popular fire-starting tools used by outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, and just about anyone that needs a reliable way to start a fire, especially in adverse weather conditions.

How does a magnesium fire starter work?

Magnesium is a soft and highly flammable metal that burns by reacting with the oxygen and other gases in the air. Shaving the Magnesium creates greater air flow and more surface area for the magnesium to react with the oxygen and other gases. That’s why you shave your magnesium block… it allows the magnesium to ignite more easily and burn more intensely.

Magnesium also reacts with water to create hydrogen gas, which is an extremely flammable gas that provide even more fuel to burn. That’s why you should NOT try to put out burning magnesium with water. Use dry sand to smother it out.

Magnesium fire starting kits usually come as either a single magnesium stick with a flint or ferrocerium rod (ferro rod) embedded in the side, or as a set with the magnesium block and sparking rod attached to a chain. Sometimes, a small blade will be included in the set or you may need to use your own pocket knife; A knife is a useful tool you should always carry with you while adventuring, and you should always include one in any emergency bag!

In order to get a fire started, you will need to use the attached metal blade or your own knife to shave bits of magnesium into a quarter-sized pile. Be sure to situate this pile in easily-flammable material such as moss, wood shavings or a tinder bundle. Once your pile is ready, ignite it by striking the blade with the flint or ferro rod. This will eventually produce sparks which will ignite the pile of magnesium shavings.

It should be noted that the best way to do this is to hold your blade still and strike the flint or ferro rod against it, scraping your sparking material upwards toward you with considerable force at a 45-degree angle to the blade. This will put the sparking point closer to the ground which will increase your chances of igniting your magnesium powder faster. This also reduces the chances of having the blade slip and potentially injure yourself. 

Tip: Check out our step-by-step How To Use A Magnesium Fire Starter post for more info.

Magnesium burns at 5,610 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to catch even damp materials on fire if necessary. Once your initial material catches fire, quickly add small sticks to the pile and work your way up to bigger sticks and eventually logs. While magnesium burns hot, it also burns quickly, so you’ll want to work fast once you get it going. Just be sure you don’t put out the flames or smother your fledgling fire in your hurry. 

How to store a magnesium fire starter

The best way to store Magnesium is in block form because it’s incredibly stable and difficult to accidentally ignite when it is stored in block form. Getting it wet will not decrease its effectiveness a fire starter, and it tends to be light and easy to carry. Because of these properties, there is really no precautions that need to be taken when storing magnesium in block form. You could carry it around in your pocket or throw it in your bag if you wanted to.

Some people choose to carry magnesium fire starter in its own plastic bag, store it in a metal tin like those used for breath mints, or wrap duct tape around it for added safety and convenience.

It should be noted that if you have pre-shaved magnesium powder or flakes you need to keep them dry and as sealed-off from the air as possible so they don’t oxidize too quickly. If the shavings get wet or oxidize they won’t ignite as well, but as long as it’s in its block form, magnesium is pretty hassle-free when it comes to storage.

How safe is a magnesium fire starter?

A magnesium fire starter is generally considered to be safe because it’s hard to ignite unless it is broken down into shavings or powder and exposed to an intense energy source such as a open flame or sparks. That means it a magnesium fire starter can be safely left in a hot car or direct sunlight without fear of it bursting into flames. However, magnesium is highly flammable under the right conditions, so you should handle it with caution.

Warning: Burning magnesium can NOT be extinguished with water. In fact, adding water will only intensify the fire and cause it to burn more violently, which is why dry sand is traditionally used to smother-out the flames of burning magnesium.

How long will a magnesium fire starter last?

How long a magnesium stick lasts will really depend on how frequently you use it, and how good you are at getting it to work. Most sticks say that the flint or ferro rods are good for up to 15 – 16 thousand strikes.

Having said that, the fact that only a small amount of material is needed and the rods can produce thousands of sparks means that these kits can last a long time, even for the clumsiest of users. You should be able to get a minimum of 100 fires from a good kit, but it’s possible they can last longer. They don’t expire or need replacing unless the material is gone, so theoretically you may only need one of these kits in a lifetime, especially if you are using it for emergencies or the occasional camping trip. 

What happens when you throw magnesium in a fire?

Magnesium in block form is very stable and hard to ignite, so you shouldn’t be too worried about dropping it in your fire when trying to get one started. Magnesium needs to reach 883 degrees Fahrenheit to burn, so a small or even moderately sized fire will take a while to have an effect on a magnesium block. This means you should have plenty of time to use a stick or something similar to knock it out of the fire before anything too drastic happens.

However, it’s important to know that magnesium blocks aren’t completely impervious to fire. If you were to throw it into a hot enough fire it will eventually ignite after a few minutes. When this happens, it will burn with a bright, white light for around 5 minutes or so depending on the size of the magnesium block. Eventually it will go out and turn into a pile of molten slag. If a magnesium block catches on fire, it’s not easy to put out, especially with water. If you do need to extinguish burning magnesium, then you should try to smother it out with dry sand.

Due to the intense heat and the difficulty in putting out a magnesium fire, I would not recommend throwing your starter kit into a fire for fun. However, it should be noted that magnesium in these small amounts doesn’t explode, and it does burn incredibly brightly for a few minutes. If you are ever in a situation where you need rescue, this could be a good way to get the attention of a helicopter or search and rescue team. The downside is that the blaze won’t last long, and once it’s out you’ve lost your means of making a fire, which greatly decreases your chance of survival.

Does magnesium burn hot?

Yes, magnesium burns hot reaching temperatures of well over 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit/3,000 degrees Celsius.

What color does magnesium burn?

Magnesium metal burns with an intensely white flame. Magnesium also burns very brightly, so you should avoid looking directly at the flame with the naked eye. Eye protection is strongly recommended when burning magnesium.

Will magnesium burn underwater?

Yes, magnesium will burn underwater by burning the hydrogen gas it produces when reacting with the water.

How To Put Out A Magnesium Fire

Magnesium reacts violently with water and several different sources of oxygen in the air. So, the best way to put out a magnesium fire is with a Class D fire extinguisher or to smother the fire with sand to choke off its source of air.

Can I use a magnesium fire starter in the rain?

Yes, magnesium fire starters work effectively in wet conditions. The magnesium block remains functional when wet, and its ability to reach temperatures over 5,000°F means it can ignite even damp tinder.

How should I practice using a magnesium fire starter safely?

Choose a clear area away from flammable materials, keep dry sand nearby for safety, and wear eye protection due to the intense white flame. Start with small magnesium shavings until you master the technique.

What’s the difference between a ferro rod and a magnesium fire starter?

While often combined in one tool, they serve different purposes. The magnesium provides the fuel that burns at extremely high temperatures, while the ferro rod creates the sparks needed to ignite the magnesium shavings.

Why does my magnesium fire starter seem harder to scrape over time?

This is normal and occurs due to oxidation of the surface. Simply scrape off the oxidized layer to reach fresh magnesium underneath. The internal magnesium remains effective regardless of age.

Can I use any knife to scrape a magnesium fire starter?

While you can use any metal blade, it’s best to use the provided striker or a dedicated knife. Regular use on magnesium can dull your everyday knife blade.

What makes the best tinder for a magnesium fire starter?

Fine, dry materials like paper fibers, dried grass, or bark shavings work best. Place the magnesium shavings directly underneath your tinder to ensure the intense heat transfers effectively.

Should I be concerned about magnesium fumes when using the fire starter?

The small amount of magnesium used for fire starting produces minimal fumes. However, it’s still wise to avoid directly breathing any smoke and use in well-ventilated areas.

How can I tell if my magnesium fire starter is still good?

If you can still scrape off clean, silvery shavings and the ferro rod produces sparks, your fire starter is working properly. There’s no expiration date as long as material remains.

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) Waterproof Fire Steel Pouch for Camping, Hiking, Hunting, Backpacking,Outdoor Survival fire Striker kit
  • Magnesium rod is easily scraped off with striker,and is ignited by sparks from the flint,start fires in any weather conditions.
  • FIRE STARTERS : Each box includes 2 Magnesium Fire Starters can be used thousands of times.
  • Waterproof Fire Steel:Solid magnesium fuel bar with flint 3” x1”,steel scraper3”,Fire Paracord Outdoor Survival Ropes.
  • The red waxed flax in Paracord waterproof fire tinder can make instant fire even in heavy rain.
  • 100% Satisfaction Promise: AOFAR provide 2 years limited warranty and lifetime customer support.
$12.59 Amazon Prime
View on Amazon
SaleBestseller No. 2
Coghlan's Magnesium Fire Starter
Coghlan’s Magnesium Fire Starter
  • Country Of Origin : China
  • The Package Height Of The Product Is 6.5 Inches
  • The Package Length Of The Product Is 0.75 Inches
  • The Package Width Of The Package Is 3.75 Inches
  • Sport type: Camping & Hiking
−$3.00 $5.99 Amazon Prime
View on Amazon
Bestseller No. 3
Giskieo Magnesium Flint Fire Starter, Survival Fire Blocks with Striker for Camping/Hiking/Emergency (4 Pack)
Giskieo Magnesium Flint Fire Starter, Survival Fire Blocks with Striker for Camping/Hiking/Emergency (4 Pack)
  • Safe: The fire starter survival tool wills not self-ignition. Only the scraping friction flint rod will produce sparks, may ignition magnesium debris.
  • Easy to Use: Scrape off some magnesium chips, then scrape the flint rods rapidly, will generate sparks, Ignition successful.
  • Easy to Save: The size (3″ x 1.2″ x 3/8″ magnesium fire starter with attached ball chain) is small, easy to keep in your bag.
  • Long Lasting: You can get many (thousands) of fires started with the flint striker.
  • Multi-Function: The blade of permanent match striker can be used as bottle opener and ruler.
$11.89 Amazon Prime
View on Amazon
Bestseller No. 4
bayite 4 Inch Survival Ferrocerium Drilled Flint Fire Starter, Ferro Rod Kit with Paracord Landyard Handle and Striker, 4'(Long) x 3/8'(Diameter)
bayite 4 Inch Survival Ferrocerium Drilled Flint Fire Starter, Ferro Rod Kit with Paracord Landyard Handle and Striker, 4″(Long) x 3/8″(Diameter)
  • 5ft Paracord included, gives you a good grip and never comes off. Comes with a bayite Striker-Pro striker attached to the paracord, always be prepared to start a fire
  • bayite 6 Striking Edges Striker-Pro striker is made from TOOL GRADE HSS STEEL and has a distinct hardness, maximizes a shower of hot sparks, no matter whether you prefer to use your left hand or right hand to scrape. Don’t use bad quality Knife as striker. Otherwise it will not produce enough sparks due to insufficient hardness of blade
  • Ferrocerium Rod Length:4″(10cm). Diameter: 3/8″(10mm). Large enough for a shower of sparks and small enough to carry
  • Made of high effective ferrocerium rod. Waterproof & Weatherproof, fits all weather, works in any weather condition
  • Sparks shower at 5,500 F (3,000 C) to ignite a fire in any weather (even wet), at any altitude. Perfect emergency fire starter for Bushcraft, Hiking, Hunting, Fishing, EDC, Emergency, BBQ, Gas Camp Stoves, etc
$13.95 Amazon Prime
View on Amazon

Filed Under: Survival Gear, Magnesium Fire Starters Tagged With: best magnesium fire starter, Magnesium Fire Starter, survival fire starter

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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!

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