Scientific Utility Brands MF003 3 Pack Magic Flame Fuel Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Bought two 3-packs of the smaller cans at a hardware store (they were out of the large ones). It proudly claims "Up to 3 hrs burn time" when in reality we got about 20 or 30 minutes out of each one. I guess they were lying - it did say "up to" and not "at least." Needless to stay our little buffet did not stay warm near as long as expected. Terrible, would not recommend.

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Magic Flame canned heat and cooking gel fuel. Ideal for camping stoves, chafing dishes, fondue pots, and emergencies.

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Liberty Mountain Magnesium Fire Starter Review

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(More customer reviews)For me, the idea of this kind of a product is to give you fire in an emergency. You are out there on a fine Spring or Fall day, for example, and the weather takes a sudden bad turn on you. Or maybe YOU have taken a bad turn and have to spend the night instead of getting back home or into camp on schedule.
I have started fires at one time or another using most popular methods (including this one) - and in all kinds of weather conditions. When light and heat are fading fast there are better, faster ways to light a fire. Most obvious are matches or lighters - but matches get wet and strong winds can easily snatch a flame. So you want a good reliable backup. But in my opinion this is not it. A big fire-steel or Spark-lite Kit are much better backup options.
Though it sounds good in theory, using these mag-flint style starters is a lot more cumbersome than it needs to be.
The first problem - for me - is getting that dime sized pile of magnesium shavings to stay in one place. This can be a challenge, especially in strong winds (or even if you are just breathing heavy).
Second is that shaving it down takes extra time that is not needed using other methods. And in the same vein, cold numb fingers (common in the situations where you really NEED fire) and the extra knife work of shaving down the magnesium is an accident in embryo.
Last but not least - it is a misnomer to call the magnesium shavings "tinder" (as some manufacturers of these products do). It is more like a super-heated match head and burns out about that quickly. Try lighting your kindling off of that magnesium alone - particularly in bad weather conditions - and chances are you will have to try again. That could mean an extra 15 or 20 minutes before you have fire (5 or 10 minutes preparing some REAL tinder plus another 6 or 8 minutes shaving down your magnesium).
Apparently a lot of people really like these and you CAN start a fire with them. But the mag-flint fire starters present some problems that other methods do not. If this is your main back-up plan for fire-starting, practice a lot with it ahead of time. You might even want to shave down some of the magnesium ahead of time (enough for half a dozen fires maybe) and carry it with you in a small bottle or film cannister.

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This fire-starting tool from Liberty Mountain is a smart choice of fire-gear for campers, hikers, and mountaineers. Used by survival experts all over the world, it can start a fire with a flame source of 5400° F. Sturdy and durable with a built-in sparking insert, the starter is fireproof in solid form. Features: · Built-in sparking insert · Creates a 5400° F flame source

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3 Pack: Diamond Strike Anywhere "Greenlight" Matches 300 Ct Review

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(More customer reviews)I could not find these matches anywhere locally but Amazon comes through again. The matches arrived in about 5 days. They are as described, three boxes of 300 each. The matches can be lit by striking anywhere so I can light my fireplace by striking the match against the bricks or floor. I prefer this over strike on the box because it seems that the striking surface is dull by the end of the box and I am repeatedly striking the match with about 1/4 at the end being "flame outs." With these you can also do, if so inclined, the striking a match on the bottom of the shoe. Tre Chic! Just like in the movies from the 40's. Too bad I don't smoke. The matches are sturdy and long. Not flimsy. You can light your fireplace in four or five different spots before the match is too short to handle and this means that you only use one. I was averaging three per fire before between needing multiple matches and "duds" so in the end these are economical. And I dip the heads in hot wax to make them waterproof and carry them in a special container and they are great for camping and barbecues, etc. I can light my grill even if it is raining or windy.

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Its Official: The Red/White Tipped Strike Anywhere match is GONE. As of Jan 2010 Diamond discontinued production of the old red/white tipped match.If you are buying red/white tipped matches you are purchasing a product with nearly a years shelf time.This new match has all the great qualities of the others but with some added improvements.1) 300 matches per box vs. the old 2502) Aspen vs. Pine for stronger Stick3) Same great strike anywhere formula4) Lights easier (in my opinion)5) Diamond is U.S.A. Made since 1881After Using this product I firmly stand behind it as an even superior match than the already great traditional red/white tipped strike anywhere. Buy and use with confidence as an equally reliable product with all the quality that the Diamond Brand is known for.You WON'T be disappointed!! Total: 3 x 300 count = 900 Matches

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Windmill Trekker Stormproof Lighter Review

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(More customer reviews)Les "Survivorman" Stroud recommended a "blowtorch-style" lighter for survival, and this is it. It holds a lot of fuel and lights easily every time, even with gloves on. The flame is hard to see in the day as it is a torch style blue flame which leaves me no doubt it will light any tinder I can find. The piezo sparker should last through any survival situation you may encounter.
Don't be cheap with the fuel - I first tried regular butane from my local home improvement store and could get a flame at most one out of ten tries. I live at 7000 feet and plan to use this lighter for my hiking trips which take me to the 10,000-13,000 foot range. I then got the triple refined butane they recommend for high altitude (I went with Lucienne brand, from a tobacco store) and it lights perfectly every time.

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Windmill Trekker Lighter has all the standard features of Windmill Stormproof Lighters, plus Extra large fuel tank - 4 grams over 1,000 ignitions on single fill, easy grip rubberized case fits easily in hand. Features easy one-handed operation, Piezo electric ignition, water-resistance, flame window, refillable butane gas, flame adjustment and wrist lanyard. Weight 2.5 oz - fuel capacity 4 gram, size 3.7" x 1.2"

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Gobspark Firesteel with Super Scraper and Lanyard Review

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(More customer reviews)Pick up a Gobspark steel and you can pretty much ditch the rest of your fire gear. This bad boy will give you an impressive shower of superheated sparks, guaranteed to light your tinder easily.The handle is at once simple and ingenious, allowing you to aim your sparks more accurately than with any other steel I've used. When the chips are down, this 'steel will get the job done, every time. And you won't find any better company on the web (or in the B&M world for that matter) than [...].
If you want foolproof, keep some 100% cotton balls with you. Smearing them with petroleum jelly will turn them into backwoods napalm. This will always light, and burn for five minutes or more. The beauty of the firesteel is it doesn't have to stay dry, it doesn't need fuel and it doesn't run out. Well, maybe after several thousand fires. After that I'll gladly spend another nine bucks to light a few thousand more.
This 'steel won't let you down. It's never failed me no matter the conditions. Five ***** only because I can't give more. :)

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The GobsparkTM Armageddon Firesteel with ulta-unique Firesteel Handle attached to a big World famous Firesteel.com FireSteel that is a thick 3/8ths inch in diameter and 3-inches long!

The innovative GobSpark FireSteel handle is designed for optimal use in all weather, with or without gloved hands.

Invented by FireSteel.com to maximize your grip on this large FireSteel, you'll get the biggest most robust gobs of sparks from a FireSteel. Your grip on the firesteel is so rock-steady your sparks may never miss the tinder again!

The GobSparkTM Armageddon FireSteel has:

1. A BIGGER FireSteel than comparable products - it is thicker and it is long. 3/8ths inch in diameter by 3-inches long.2. A BETTER handle3. A FireSteel.com FireSteel that gives far greater sparks than any others you may have used.4. And it is LESS EXPENSIVE
Easy to Use with Gloved Hands

Imagine trying to start a fire with very cold hands or while wearing gloves. A small blocky firesteel handle may be very difficult to hold onto. But using a GobSparkTM Armageddon FireSteel presents no problem, even with gloved hands.

To use this special FireSteel Handle
1. Place the handle in the palm of your hand so that the firesteel lays between your index and middle fingers.2. Position your hand palm-down and place the FireSteel Rod next to your tinder.3. While holding the firesteel handle tightly, scrape the FireSteel rod hard and fast in one fluid motion.
This will produce a massive shower of white hot 5500 degree F sparks aimed directly at your tinder.

Special shape of the handle allows for creative attachment to your belt or gear.

Comes with 26-inch 550 parachute cord lanyard and FireSteel.com Super Scraper.

This is a BIG FireSteel at a great price, innovative handle, super scraper optimized for FireSteels, and first-class lanyard.

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Ultimate Survival Technologies BlastMatch Fire Starter Review

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(More customer reviews)I use ferrocerium rod based fire starting heavily. I start my charcoal grill without paper or starter fluid with these rods. They work well - if you know how to use them. They will not start a charcoal briquette directly for instance.
This product has a great idea behind it - to start a fire using gross motor skills, one handed. This means that if you are hurt, cold and tired you can still use it. Great idea.
The problem is, the plastic case is weak and in cold, brittle. I have had two of these in less than a year. The first died after being dropped on a rock while I was on a light day hike. I took it out to show it to a buddy, and with my butter fingers, dropped it. The case cracked and the spring went awry and the whole works came out. Busted. Now the ferro rod inside still works, but only two handed now, one hand to hold and the other to scrape.
Get it if you want it but I'm hoping for a more Murphy proof. I figure that a survival tool should handle a dolt dropping it more than once.
Erg

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The BlastMatch is a unique one-handed fire starter that generates intensely hot sparks with minimal effort.

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Ultimate Survival Technologies StrikeForce Fire Starter Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this and several other fire starting devises to test them out for emergencies. Overall I have to say the product works great and is very well constructed. It has earned a place in one of my emergency kits.
Pros:
* Good solid construction.
* Quality flint and thick enough to last a very long time.
* The safety orange is very visible.
* The bottom compartment is perfect for the storage of the chemical fire media that comes with the tool. There is even room for a few waterproof matches.
* The chemical fire starting media that comes with the tool is a nice touch.
* The lariat ensures that you will not loose the striker/cap.
Cons:
* The lariat could stand to be 2" - 3" longer. The short lariat makes striking with the cap a little awkward. I found undoing the lariat from the top loop of the tool and only attaching it to the base loop to alleviate most of the awkwardness. However, I plan to remove the lariat that comes with it all together and replace it with a length of Paracord that is a little longer to completely alleviate the awkwardness.
* The tool is heavier and bulkier than expected. However, I don't see that either the bulk or the weight could be alleviated and retain the quality of the product.
* The compartment in the base is NOT water tight.
Something to note. Pine needles do not ignite well using this tool. I tried for 20 minutes and could not for the life of me get them to go up. Fine very dry grasses work best. Dry grass was quick to ignite every time; typically 3 -5 strikes. This is also true of the fibrous material found at the base of a Palm Tree Leaf's Stalk (I am sure there is a name for this stuff, but I could not find it).
Remember to keep twigs and firewood ready to throw on as soon as you get the fire started.
I did not get a chance to play with the chemical fire media so I can not say much about it other than it comes in the base compartment in a well sealed water tight package.

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The StrikeForce is an all weather fire starting system in one compact durable package.

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Windmill Delta Stormproof Lighter Review

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(More customer reviews)Three years ago I bought this lighter, and recently, the fire coil broke off, so I ordered another one. Then I realized the original was guaranteed for life, so I called Essential Gear, got a return number, and sent my broken lighter to them, even though I hadn't bought the original from them, a fact I told them. The new lighter arrived and worked great, and two weeks later, my old lighter arrived, fixed and at no cost. I use this lighter on the golf course in high winds, and never have a problem. With a lifetime guarantee, it just can't be beat, and I can't say enough about Essential Gear's great service.

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By adding a tough elastomer armor, Windmill's Delta Stormproof lighter has the qualities you would expect plus incredible impact resistance. Delta features a stainless steel wire closure to stay watertight even if dropped. Weight 2 oz - Fuel capacity 1 gram - small & compact size - 2.6" x 2" x .9"

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Swedish Firesteel - Barbeque Model Review

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(More customer reviews)I have used this product several times now and it works great. Instead of looking for matches, I just strike this once and the propane grill is going. I can store it outside where my grill is and I don't worry about it getting moist like matches would.

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Originally developed for the Swedish Department of Defense, Swedish FireSteel is a flash of genius. Its 3,000°C spark makes fire building easy in any weather, at any altitude. Used by a number of armies around the world, Swedish FireSteel's dependability has already made it a favorite of survival experts, hunters, fishermen and campers. It has also found its way into cabins and backyards as a fool-proof way to light stoves and gas-barbecues.

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SE 2" X 3/16" Flint/Fire Starter w/ Lanyard Review

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(More customer reviews)When I received my fire starter, I noticed the INCORRECT instructions on the package call this a "magnesium rod" and tell you to:
1)Gently shave a small quantity of magnesium with metal striker into a small pile of leaves or grass, paper, or leaves to start a campfire.
2) Strike the magnesium rod with striker.
3) The sparks will start the fire with shaved magnesium.
THIS IS NOT A MAGNESIUM ROD. It is a ferrocerium rod. This rod(#FS373) is only designed to make sparks. Do not shave off pieces of this rod into a pile of leaves. You will waste it and it will not work as it should.
That being said, this rod (actual rod length is only 1-5/8 inches, NOT 2" as stated in ad) works exactly as it should. I would not buy this for every day use, but I have tried it, trust it, and will keep it with me for emergencies.

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Emergency Magnesium Rod Fire Starter.An essential survival tool for camping.Lightweight and easy to use.Small enough to keep with a set of keys or in your pocket.Reliable.

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Windmill Classic Stormproof Lighter Review

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(More customer reviews)I've used Windmill Stormproof lighters for over 10 years. When they are working, there is no lighter I've ever had that works better. They are light, compact, easy to fill in the clear models and throw a very hot and directed flame. They are windproof enough that I've lit cigarettes on a motorcycle.H
However, and this is a biggie, they are very poorly designed for reliability. The hinges will break. The lever that opens the top will break. And sometimes they just won't light. This didn't used to be a big deal. You could just send it off to the distributor and they sent you a new one. Now they want to charge you $7.50 for each return and you get to pay the postage to ship it to them. Not much of a "Lifetime Warranty" since that almost certainly covers their cost. Bye-bye Windmill.

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Windmill Classic Stormproof Lighter has a high impact resistant polycarbonate outer case that has low thermal conductivity to keep lighter comfortable to the touch in cold weather. Features easy one-handed operation, Piezo electric ignition, water-resistance, flame window, refillable butane gas and flame adjustment. Weight only 1.1 oz - fuel capacity 1 gram, size 2" x 1.75" x .6 "

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Windmill Delta Stormproof Lighter, Black Review

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(More customer reviews)I was looking for a good Jeep lighter -- let me explain. I own a 2000 Jeep Wrangler, and the best times are with the top down and the doors off. As such there is quite a bit of wind; even at slow speeds it makes using a traditional lighter an impossible task. I could use the electric cigarette lighter but that involves disconnecting the 3 or 4 electronic devices I've got daisy-chained out of that jack - not appealing and a pain while driving. This lighter changes that -- I've used it at 75MPH on the highway with no issues at all. I particularly like the water-resistant (proof? haven't tested that) nature, the "take a beating" construction and quality electronic ignition - not a problem after quite a bit of abuse. This lighter also seems to be more frugal with fuel than other lighters I've used -- it takes quite a while to burn through an entire tank. All in all, a great device - I highly recommend it.

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By adding a tough elastomer armor, Windmill's Delta Stormproof lighter has the qualities you would expect plus incredible impact resistance.Delta features a stainless steel wire closure to stay watertight even if dropped.Weight 2 oz - Fuel capacity 1 gram - small & compact size - 2.6" x 2" x .9"

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Swedish Firesteel- Scout Model Review

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(More customer reviews)The Firesteel Scout is a great way to start a fire. I taught my Boy Scout troop and my 8yr old daughter how to start a fire with it. My daughter took 2 hours to start her first fire (she was very determined). After a lot of practice, she can now get it in a few minutes.
The secret to great sparks is a steady stroke and a lot of pressure. The stroke is more of a wrist movement than an arm movement. This allows you to keep the firesteel steadily pointed at your tinder and direct the sparks. The adults and older Boy Scouts were able to light a fire in a few strokes. The younger ones had trouble with getting pressure on the striker (like my daughter).
The best tinder I have found is cotton balls soaked in vasoline petroleum jelly (the original, unsented kind). I smash/work the vasoline into the cotton balls and store them in a water-tight 35mm film canister (you can stuff many balls into the canister). When you want to start a fire, take some cotton out and "fluff" it up a lot by pulling it apart a bunch. The little cotton fibers are what catch the sparks and light on fire. The more tiny fibers there are, the easier it is to set it ablaze. The cotton ball then continues to burn the petroleum jelly and cotton like a mini fireball. I routinely start a fire with one or two strokes.
Depending on how wet your kindling and twigs are, you can use more or less of the cotton from the film canister. A large cotton ball will burn for quite a long time and allow damp or wet leaves, twigs and sticks to catch fire.
Another useful tinder is an alcohol based hand sanitizer. Squeeze some onto leaves, dry grass, or small twigs and spark away. The alcohol flames are invisible during daylight, so be careful. Don't have it on your hands when you spark the Firesteel or you risk catching your hands on fire!
When backpacking, I carry the Scout Firesteel, matches and a BIC lighter. I haven't used the matches in a LONG time, and the lighter is used when I am lazy.
I plan on purchasing the Army model for general camping/scouting use since it is larger and longer lasting (the kids/scouts are always wanting to use it). The smaller version that fits on a keychain should also work, but having the longer piece of firesteel in the Scout (or Army) model allows for a nice big shower of sparks. Looking at the wear pattern on my well-used firesteel, the keychain model may be too short to produce the same quality and quantity of sparks.

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Originally developed for the Swedish Department of Defense, Swedish FireSteel is a flash of genius. Its 3,000°C spark makes fire building easy in any weather, at any altitude. Used by a number of armies around the world, Swedish FireSteel's dependability has already made it a favorite of survival experts, hunters, fishermen and campers. It has also found its way into cabins and backyards as a fool-proof way to light stoves and gas-barbecues.

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Light My Fire TinderSticks Review

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(More customer reviews)I got some of these Mayan Resinwood sticks and a magnesium fire starter at a Sporting Goods Show a few years back.
Shave a few splinters off the chock-full of resin sticks, strike with the magnesium striker, and you have a campfire going quickly. If you have trouble finding burnable material, one of the Mayan firesticks will burn strong and last quite a long time. They came in handy more than a few times on damp and wet conditions while camping with my sons' Scout Troop. These Mayan sticks are FAR superior to Georgia or Alabama fatwood. I bought mine in Tennessee!
The snuff-can package has the shaving part already done for you, but you'll need additional tinder if you want your fire to last.
They are also great to keep in the car with some tinder and matches for those 'just in case' situations.

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Fire building made easy, the pure and natural way. Don't build your fire with noxious fumes or harmful chemicals. Use the time-honored, organic method. A technique that resembles the centuries-old art of the native fire-builder. From the heart of the ancient Mayan Empire comes the remarkable product known as TinderDust.TinderDust is made from Pino de Ocote, a fatwood pine cultivated in the highlands of Guatemala and Mexico. With the 80% resin content, TinderDust is easy to light, and produces an extremely hot flame. Use just a pinch to quickly light your fire or barbecue.

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Emergency Fire Starter Review

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(More customer reviews)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.

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New emergency fire starter. This magnesium fire starter is easy to use: (1) Gently shave a small quantity of magnesium with metal striker into a small pile of grass, paper or leaves to start a campfire (2) Strike the magnesium rod with striker (3) The sparks will start the fire with the shaved magnesium

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