sometimes being a Geek is a good thing. okay, being a Geek is a good thing at all times, and the folks at ThinkGeek are proud of being Geeks. they've also got a few niffty firestarting tools:

Swedish FireSteel: http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tools/754d/
specs:

Quote:

$15.99 # Lights campfires, stoves, gas-barbecues # Uses a magnesium alloy that consists of 7 metals # Lasts for approximately 12,000 strikes # Produces a spark temperature close to 3,000°C (5,500°F) # Bright spark – can be used as emergency signal # Functions in rain and snow # Dimensions: main component is approx. 3.75" long # Weight: approx. 1.9 ounces

there's alsoa a handy ToolLogic FireSteel Knife: http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tools/7f02/

Quote:

# 3" stainless blade # One-hand operation # Produces a spark temperature close to 3,000°C (5,500°F) # Liner-type locking blade # Water-tight cavity # Emergency whistle # Blackened stainless clip # Lanyard hole # Magnesium Alloy firestarter

(they also care Maya Dust.)

_________________
eventually there will be something witty here, but, for now, just pretend that one of the most clever and/or amusing things you've ever read is written here instead of this.

in the meantime:
www.treehuger.com
www.lifehacker.com
www.thinkgeek.com

I have the ToolLogic and it works great. Thankfully I've never had to use it in the wild but I've played with it a few times. It takes a little practice but I can see this being a life saver if you ever got stranded especially in a humid environment.

You know that lint that is produced buy your dryer? Take some of this and mix it with some wax into small balls. Put these into a water proof contained like a 35mm film canister. Put some waterproof matches in there too for lighting.
Another tool for fire starting that takes some practice to use. Produces spark at about 5000 degrees.
http://www.oldjimbo.com/survival/doan.html