I've never crawled up on the shore out of 33 degree water & tried a fire. But have practiced after ice storms & such. All here are correct in saying every one should practice with what they choose. Some choices can be eye opening.
After giving some thought to making fire in winter with hands so cold that it's difficult to grip anything small, I've supplemented my fire starting kit in winter with a 6"x1/2" ferro rod and half a dismantled pair of scissors with the pointy half of the blade sawn off.
What's left is about the same length as the ferro rod, the handle should be easily gripped with a cold hand, and the sharp angle on the back of the stubby blade has a burr that throws big, fat globules of burning rod material.
