In this video, I compared the usage of two fire starters. Otherwise known as firesteel, fiero rods, ignition steel, etc…
Basically it is a composite rod that contains either magnesium or tungsten that makes it very easy to make sparks at high temperatures allowing for making fire with the right tinder.
The sparkie was a one hand device that with the proper base could light a fire quickly. The primus ignition steel requireed a little more force to shave off material from the rod and make a spark.
However, I found that both created enough spark to light birch bark. I found that I preferred the primus because it contained fewer parts and you can use a knife to make sparks if you lose your tool.