I bought it mainly for the box but didn't think that the firelighter wouldn't work. I bought it for my son who is a scout, and unless you were quite strong - you can't get an effective spark off it. The rod is OK as it sparks well using a knife, but the striker is next to useless. My son has successfully used a firelighter before (different brand) so it is not that he is the one with a bad technique. Sorry to be so negative.