Question 1

I ordered the 6 pack of shavings, mine will not light at all. I've tried a rod, matches, I'm experienced, so could it be possible to get a bad batch?

Accepted Answer

I had the same problem so I took it down to the college for analysis.  This isn't the magnesium like you get in a survival rod.  The chemists said its an alloy possibly from the front end of a vehicle.  It will light but won't light easily with a spark.  If you can find a way to grind it down into a fine powder it might more easily take a spark.

Question 2

In the seven descriptive photos, why is there a police sketch of a man; who is he; and has he been caught?

Accepted Answer

Sarah,  That's not a police sketch.  That is our in house artist's rendition of the one and only Steve Kaeser himself!   And yes, he is quite a catch!

Question 3

what is the shelf life

Accepted Answer

Joe, we have not found any information which would indicate a shelf life for magnesium.  Certainly if one exists, it would be quite a long time.

Question 4

Exactly how does one start a fire with the chips?

Accepted Answer

Lowrider,    
The bag is a combination of magnesium dust, chips and curls.   It's best to spread out a little, so you have all components to work with.   The very small chips will light first, and that intense heat will light the larger chips and curls, and cause the dust to smolder.   Remember that this a a metal that you lighting, not a solvent.  If using a match, move the match about the pile in order to ignite a particle.  If using a ferro rod and striker, when used properly, the spark should take care of lighting the smaller particles readily.
Once lit, it will flash burn very rapidly, producing very intense heat.

ASIN	B0751NQ8TF
Best Sellers Rank	#406,336 in Sports & Outdoors ( See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors ) #375 in Camping Emergency Fire Starters
Brand Name	PBL
Customer Reviews	4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (2,297)
Item Form	Shavings
Manufacturer	Kaeser Wilderness Supply
Manufacturer Part Number	PBL6M
Material Type	Magnesium
Model Number	PBL6M
Number of Packs	8
UPC	709260294517
Unit Count	8 Count

Emergency Fire Starting Magnesium 8 Bags 99% Pure Camping Hiking Bushcraft

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