As to firestarting...
I think you'll need to remove the coating to get a decent spark. Maybe not, but I'm guessing you will...
i just remembered i gave my ferro rod to my friends son (scouts) so that might be out unless i order a new one. that test might have to wait.
i didnt think about the coating, maybe i can sand a piece of it off for fire making purposes <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
