log starters

Fire works!

I like the pix, BTW. Great shot!

How are you starting your fire? While I could easily be wrong, I suspect the method, since you mentioned 3 tries. I haven't used Kingsford "charwood", but have used several other types/brands of fuel. Haven't had any problems, since I switched from using newspaper to propane (turkey fryer or side burner) to fire up the chimney. Used to often take more than one try with newspaper.

The other thought that comes to mind is when using lump, put some smaller pieces in the bottom of the chimney first. Then, add larger pieces on top. The smaller pieces will ignite more easily and, in turn, light the larger ones.

Longmill

I've done it and have seen this method used on Americas Test Kitchen. Get a small bag of Matchlight. Put 4-6 pieces in the bottom of a chimney, then fill the rest of the way with your lump. One sheet of newspaper will light the Matchlight and those will get the rest of the charcoal going. By the time the lump is ready to use the Matchlight is completely gone and there is no need to worry about the gassy smell.

Mike we were thinking along the same line. I was thinking about putting some of that easy lighting Royal Oak lump in the bottom of the starter and filling it with the Kingsford.

Monk that is a beautiful photo, probably the best starter still shot I've ever seen. How long was the apeture open?