> I still maintain that it is much more difficult to start a fire with a lens or mirror than people seem to think. I'd have to agree with you. When I go hiking

> I still maintain that it is much more difficult to start a fire with a lens or mirror than people seem to think. I'd have to agree with you. When I go hiking, I carry around 3 or 4 different kinds of "fire making" things, just in case I need them for any reason. I also practice with them on occasion to know what to do when I really need them. It isn't easy to start a fire from scratch. It takes a bit of work, a bit of knowledge, and a ton of patience and perseverance. If you don't have any of that, you'll have a hard road ahead of you. Even using good tinder plus magnesium bar shavings and a flint striker isn't as easy as you'd hope. In fact, it can be very frustrating. But once you get it going, it's very satisfying. This is why I also carry a Bic lighter, strike-anywhere matches (in a waterproof container), esbit tablets, and a fresnel lens - all as backup fire sources.