Let’s Dive into Coghlans Magnesium Fire Starter 7870
The Coghlans Magnesium Fire Starter 7870 is a compact and inexpensive tool promising a reliable flame source for outdoor enthusiasts. Coghlans, a well-known name in camping and survival gear, aims to provide a simple solution for starting fires in various conditions with this magnesium block. It’s a back-to-basics approach, relying on the intense heat of burning magnesium to ignite tinder, and seems especially attractive given its price point.
My need for a reliable fire starter stemmed from a few too many frustrating experiences trying to coax flames from damp kindling. I wanted something less reliant on finding perfectly dry materials than matches or lighters alone. The simplicity and apparent dependability of magnesium appealed to me, and the Coghlans offering was the cheapest option I could find.
Unboxing the Coghlans Magnesium Fire Starter 7870, my first impression was… well, it’s a block of magnesium. The overall design is basic and functional. It is a small, rectangular block with a ferrocerium rod embedded in one side. It feels reasonably solid, though the attached striker looks a bit flimsy.
Compared to more elaborate fire starters like the Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel or even some ferro rod-only options with comfortable handles, the Coghlans looks decidedly utilitarian. I chose it primarily for its affordability. I hoped its simplicity would translate to reliability in adverse conditions. My first thought was: “Will this little thing actually work consistently when I really need it?”
Real-World Testing: Putting Coghlans Magnesium Fire Starter 7870 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Coghlans Magnesium Fire Starter 7870 on a weekend camping trip in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The weather was cool and damp, presenting a decent challenge for any fire starting method. The area was known for its frequent rainfall.
The Coghlans Magnesium Fire Starter 7870 proved relatively easy to use, after a bit of practice. Shaving off magnesium required a bit of effort and a sharp knife. The striker created a shower of sparks that ignited the magnesium shavings effectively. I had a small bird nest of birch bark ready to go and the magnesium lit it right up.
Initially, I struggled to get the striker to produce consistent sparks. After adjusting my technique, applying more pressure and using a more deliberate, downward scraping motion, I achieved a more reliable spark. It definitely took a few tries before I got the hang of it.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of intermittent use, the Coghlans Magnesium Fire Starter 7870 has held up surprisingly well. There are noticeable scratch marks on the magnesium block. The ferrocerium rod shows wear from repeated use.
Despite its low price point, the Coghlans Magnesium Fire Starter 7870 seems quite durable. The attached striker, while still a bit flimsy, hasn’t broken despite being dropped a few times. Maintenance is practically non-existent. Wipe it clean if it gets dirty and that’s about it.
Compared to my previous experiences with matches and lighters, the Coghlans Magnesium Fire Starter 7870 is significantly more reliable in wet conditions. It is also a slower method, but it has given me the peace of mind of having a reliable flame source should matches and lighters fail. It doesn’t outperform a high-quality ferro rod in terms of spark volume, but it offers the magnesium fuel source, which is helpful with damp tinder.
Breaking Down the Features of Coghlans Magnesium Fire Starter 7870
Specifications
- Magnesium Block: Provides a readily combustible fuel source that burns at 5400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is crucial for igniting damp tinder.
- Ferrocerium Rod: Creates sparks when struck by the included striker. The Ferro rod is what actually creates the initial flame source.
- Striker: Used to scrape the ferrocerium rod and ignite the magnesium shavings. It is attached to the block with a small chain.
- Compact Size: Designed for easy carry in a pocket, pack, or survival kit. Its size is approximately 3 inches long, 1 inch wide, and 0.5 inches thick.
- One fire starter should provide sufficient shavings to start hundreds of fires. The product information states that there should be enough magnesium shavings to start hundreds of fires, a claim that I have yet to verify but seems plausible given the size of the block.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the fire starter’s reliability and ease of use. The high burning temperature of magnesium ensures ignition even in challenging conditions. The compact size makes it a convenient addition to any outdoor kit.
Performance & Functionality
The Coghlans Magnesium Fire Starter 7870 performs its core function adequately. It successfully creates a flame even when other methods fail. The magnesium burns hot and long enough to ignite tinder, even if it’s a little damp.
Its primary weakness is the effort required to shave off magnesium and the somewhat inconsistent spark from the striker. It exceeds expectations in terms of value for money but falls short compared to more refined fire starters in terms of ease of use.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is basic but functional. It is a block of magnesium with an embedded ferro rod. The lightweight design and compact size makes it easy to carry.
The Coghlans Magnesium Fire Starter 7870 isn’t particularly ergonomic. It can be awkward to hold and scrape, particularly with cold or gloved hands. There is definitely a learning curve in mastering the technique for shaving magnesium.
Durability & Maintenance
The magnesium block will likely last for a significant time, providing many uses. The ferro rod is replaceable. The striker may be the first component to fail.
Maintenance is minimal. Just keep it clean and dry.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Coghlans Magnesium Fire Starter 7870 comes with only the attached striker. There aren’t any customization options for this particular product. It is compatible with other knives or multitool blades for shaving magnesium.
Pros and Cons of Coghlans Magnesium Fire Starter 7870
Pros
- Extremely Affordable: One of the cheapest fire starters available.
- Reliable in Wet Conditions: Magnesium burns even when damp.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry in a pocket or pack.
- Long-lasting: Provides enough material for many fires.
- Simple Design: Easy to understand and use.
Cons
- Striker is flimsy.
- Requires effort to shave magnesium.
- Small sparks from ferro rod.
Who Should Buy Coghlans Magnesium Fire Starter 7870?
The Coghlans Magnesium Fire Starter 7870 is perfect for budget-conscious campers, hikers, and survivalists looking for a reliable backup fire starter. It is also a good option for beginners learning about fire starting techniques. It is a great addition to bug-out bags or emergency kits.
Those seeking a more convenient or high-performance fire starter should skip this product. People with limited dexterity or hand strength might find it challenging to use.
A sharp knife or multitool is a must-have accessory. A small piece of easily combustible tinder (like cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly) will improve ignition success.
Conclusion on Coghlans Magnesium Fire Starter 7870
The Coghlans Magnesium Fire Starter 7870 offers a compelling value proposition. It provides a reliable fire-starting method at an incredibly affordable price. The price is justified given its core functionality and durability.
I would personally recommend the Coghlans Magnesium Fire Starter 7870 as a backup or budget-friendly option. While not the most refined fire starter, it gets the job done when you need it most. Add it to your kit and gain the peace of mind knowing you have a reliable way to ignite a fire.