I like this link, I haven't had the worst or best experience with fire starters and can always learn more. thanks for the review.
Same here, Scrappy until I learned that any steel is only as good as the tinder you have to work with. I test my gear extensively in the safety and comfort of my backyard so that if I am ever in a "situation" I know my gear won't let me down (providing I do my part, of course).
That said, Coghlan's "Emegrgency Tinder" (item #8649 from their site, priced around $3-4 for 10) works great for me. Most of their outdoor gear is "adequate" at best but these little gems really shine.
I've even managed to get them ignited from that tiny "joke-of-a-flint" that is glued to the bottom of a GI match safe!
They are just "waxy" enough to stay pretty weatherproof (I do keep them in a water-tight container, just in case) and once the little tines and fibers are separated correctly (instructions for use included on the package), one or two sparks is all it takes. I haven't "timed" the burn time but I would guess at least 4-5 minutes (depending on weather conditions).
I recommend them highly.