Along with my mag bar, I also carry a 3" hack saw blade to file off nice fine shavings. Sparks up much easier compared to the shavings cut off with a knife.
Magnesium Firestarter Tips???
I've been using a magnesium firestarter for over a year now, and it still doesn't cease to amaze me on how reliable and effective they really are. Such a simple concept really: a simple bar of magnesium, and a rib of ferrocerium. It is easy for a 14 year old like myself to use it, as well as many adults, and people of all ages with two hands and the ability to use a knife. But, as with anything like building a fire, setting up shelter, and taking care of hygeine in the outdoors, there are many ways to use it and many different techniques to starting a fire with the bar of magnesium. I simply try to sliver some flecks with my blade onto a leaf, or other kind of durable platform, and I sliver enough off to make a heaping pile of a nickel. Then, one run down the flint with the back of my blade, I have made fire. So what are some of the other techniques out there? Are there other reccomended ways of starting a fire with a MagBar? Well, please give me your tips. Thanks! 
