What is Swedish FireSteel?

I have a good friend who recently returned to his homeland, Sweden.  He was (and still is) a rock star of some renown, and he tried a few times to turn me on to the wave of hard rock that he played.

I was exposed to bands such as The Project Hate, Ribspreader, and Helltrain.

Not quite my thing, though I can see the appeal.

So when I stumbled on an item with the title of Swedish FireSteel, you can sort'a get my mode of thinking.

But it wasn't a band.  It was, instead, a little gadget that I want to bring on my next canoe-camping trip.

Note to self: NOT a Swedish Death Metal Band

This isn't a new device (though it is new to me).  Developed for the Swedish Department of Defense, Swedish FireSteel creates a 3000º C (5500º F) spark.

This is done by moving a metal blade slowly across the FireSteel, a magnesium alloy rod that is built up of 7 metals (good for roughly 12000 strikes).  A strong spark leaps from the rod and into your kindling.  As you can see in this video, it's pretty much as easy as using a butane lighter.

One of the most interesting features of the Swedish FireSteel is its ability to operate in wet conditions such as rain or snow.

I couldn't find any information about using it under water.  But I'm sure some movie-something like National Treasure 3 or Tomb Raider: Angelina Jolie Is Hot-will try this little trick out with great success.

Before you go camping, stop by ThinkGeek for a Swedish FireSteel!