I have posted this on BF as well but incase you don't look on there...
The reason most people struggle to get a fire to start, using only natural tinder, is that their tinder is too large !
This is how I collect Ceder Bark to start my fire with my rod/striker....

I then took it home and ignited it with my striker just to show it works...


Just remember one day you may not have your cotton balls !!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />

Here’s one I started last year using the inner bark of Maple I believe it was.

here's a picture of some of my fire steels, I have so many ways/sources for fire starting, makes me feel good. I don't think you could have to many, especially when they're small and light..

Finally got my hands on a Swedish firesteel and brought it out. Built a nice little fire using the firesteel and natural tinder! (moss and twigs). Th dog father was happy to provide the larger fuel!

No picture as I was just out to relax and didn't want to worry about the camera. Plus need the rifle on that shoulder as this is bear country! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

here's my fire kit

My fire kit , plus I have a bic lighter in the top of my PSK and my cotton balls are now covered in P.Jelly and in a bag !

A Doan magnesium block is my favorite. It replaces the fire steel I use to carry because of the heat the magnesium shavings produce.

i have one of the standard magnesium firestarters. Has anyone ever cut that into a small block to fit inside of a small PSK?

Yes: Cutting magnesium/ferro rods

Doooh! I missed that one. To think I have been needlessly carrying the weight of an extra half a block with me.

Great find. I will commence work with a hacksaw later tonight.

i too will start to play with cutting it down.

thanks,

I cut one down and I drilled through a Swiss Army flint to to put on my key chain. (Lots of sparks) I used a air cut off wheel and a air drill. Put them on concrete of the driveway with a water hose just in case, but no fires. Magnesium won't catch on fire when cut in big chunks and water is useless to put it out, it's the shavings you worry about. In big chunks it is fine and works great, you could do it with a hacksaw but the harbor freight $9 air cut off wheel works great on a lot of stuff.