The Complete Ferro Rod Guide – Buying, Using and Building Your Own
A spark is an insanely powerful thing to carry in your pocket.
Starting a fire was an epic and important challenge for most of human history.
It was no laughing matter. It was serious for survival.
Ancient travelers would carry embers around to combat this challenge because starting a fire with a smoldering ember was far easier than creating a new one.
After all, using stones to knock out a spark IS NOT EASY.
Nor is using a stick to pop an ember out of a wood plank.
Besides, our ancestors could never be certain there would be enough dry fuel (or the right stones) at their next stop.
It was better to carry a smoldering ember along.
So what would ancient people think about a spark-generating device today?
- One that fits in a pocket.
- One that throws off sparks hot enough to melt steel.
- A device that works with the flick of a wrist (even when soaking wet)
I bet they would have killed for such power!
That would have been life-changing tech back then. And anyone with access to it would have felt like a survival wizard.
Today we have a variety of fire-starting tools:
But only one type of fire starter works under almost any conditions.
A device that can get a damp bundle of sticks burning like a grease-soaked towel in seconds flat.
Ferro rods.
But what exactly are they? How do they generate fire? How does one use a Ferro rod?
And what are the best Ferro rods to buy?
Those are precisely the questions this article will address. The ins, outs, ups, downs, and all the nitty-gritty details of Ferro rods:
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Best Ferro Rods On The Market Today
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How To Use A Ferro Rod – The Right Way
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What Exactly Is A Ferrocerium Rod Anyway?
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Why Ferro Rods Are So Awesome
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How To Make A Ferro Rod Yourself
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Best Ferro Rods On The Market Today
These days, the choices are overwhelming no matter the survival gadget you’re researching.
There are hundreds (sometimes thousands) of producers. All claim to be the “best” option for you.
It can be almost impossible to cut through the noise.
Which ones are good? And which ones are trash? Which ones are too much, and which are just right?
That’s why I’ve included a list of the highest-rated, most widely acclaimed list of Ferro rods.
That way, you don’t have to sift through the ocean of cheap, crappy Ferro rods that exist.
Holtzman’s Wood Handle Fire Starter Ferro Rod Gift Set W/Finger Grip
Let’s start off with this beautiful large wood handle Ferro rod by Holtzman.
What I like most about this one is the finger grooves in the wood handle allow for an insanely strong grip.
If you’ve ever tried to use a Ferro rod with a small handle, it’s extremely frustrating. Small handles will slip repeatedly and quickly, causing soreness and fatigue in your hand muscles.
Not so with this gem of a Ferro rod!
Plus, it’s designed to start over 12,000 fires – so it very well could be the last Ferro rod you’ll ever need to buy.
↓Holtzman’s Wooden Finger Grip Ferro Rod Gift Set↓
Schrade Delta Class Fire Starter 4in Ferro Rod
The Schrade SCHFS1 Ferro Rod comes in at only 4 inches long and 1.1 ounces.
It’s the perfect example of practical simplicity.
It includes the Ferro rod and a striker connected by a simple black lanyard.
Schrade uses only the highest quality materials, so this Ferro rod will perform when needed.
↓Schrade Ferro Rod and Striker Review↓
Überleben Zünden Ferro Rod Fire Starter
Consider the überleben Zünder the luxury edition Ferro rod.
It includes a wooden handle and a high-quality Ferro rod. This survival rod is advertised as having between 12,000-20,000 strikes.
That’s 12,000-20,000 times this small piece of survival equipment can save your life.
The striker on this Ferro rod even comes with a built-in can/bottle opener. It’s also embossed with a 50mm measuring stick.
↓Review of the Uberleben Zunden Traditional Bushcraft Fire Starter↓
Light My Fire Ferro Rod Fire Starter
Simple and versatile, the Light My Fire Ferro rod is several tools built into one.
Sort of like a firestarter multitool.
The grips on this Ferro rod are made of high-durability plastic, and the rod is good for around 12,000 strikes.
Plus, the striker can double as an emergency whistle as well.
So, if you are stuck in a tight spot, you can always use your fire starter to call out for help.
↓Light My Fire Army 2.0 Firesteel↓
Swiss Safe 5-in-1 Fire Starter with Compass
This Swiss Safe survival package includes a whole host of useful items, including two Ferro rods.
Each Ferro rod acts as a multi-tool with a whistle and a compass on top of being a fire-starting tool.
One of the best parts about this item is its money-back guarantee.
So if you’re not satisfied with your Fire Starter Survival Pack, return it for a full refund.
↓Swiss Safe Fire Starter Review↓
Bayite 4 Inch Survival Ferrocerium Drilled Flint Fire Starter
This option is basic but a proven, highly durable, highly rated Ferro rod.
The rod itself is connected to the striker by a braided length of paracord.
This comes out to 9 ft worth of cordage.
Paracord you can unravel and use for hundreds of survival purposes. Making this a great option for your survival kits.
↓Start a fire with a Bayite Ferro Rod↓
West Lake Tactical Pack of Eight
If you end up using your Ferro rod thousands of times, eventually, you’ll wear it down to a nub of its former self.
That’s when it’s time to invest in a new rod.
Luckily, you do not have to buy a new Ferro rod setup every time you wear one out.
You can buy these replacement rods from West Lake Tactical and use them to refresh your trusty Ferro rod setup time and again.
↓West Lake Tactical Ferro Rods?↓
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How To Use A Ferro Rod The Right Way
The first order of business (as with any fire) is to get your tinder in order. Ensure you have a small pile of dry twigs, bark, grass, or cotton.
Now situate your tinder so there’s plenty of air underneath and throughout. That way, when the sparks touch the tinder, there’s enough oxygen to produce a flame.
Once your tinder bundle is ready, hold the rod and the striker in one hand.
Next, place the end of it right underneath (or against) your tinder pile. Angle the striker at 45 degrees and drag it forcefully and quickly along the Ferro rod’s length.
Great, bright sparks will erupt from the friction between the two pieces of metal.
Direct the hot sparks straight into your tinder pile. The more sparks land within the tinder, the hotter it will get, and the faster a flame will manifest.
When you notice smoke coming from your tinder pile, STOP, bend, and blow gently into your tinder bundle.
The air from your lungs should nurture the spark burning within the tinder into a growing flame. Be careful not to blow too hard because you can accidentally blow out your hard-earned flame!
Once the fire has a life of its own, start piling larger sticks and logs on top until you have a roaring bonfire.
Proper Ferro Rod Use and Discussion
How to Start a Fire with Firesteel Ferro Rod
What Is A Ferrocerium Rod Anyway?
To understand what a Ferro rod is, you need to understand what it is made of. So, allow me to introduce you to Ferrocerium.
What is Ferrocerium?
Ferrocerium is like flint – but it’s not like flint at all.
Chemically, ferrocerium, the metal used in Ferrocerium rods, is entirely dissimilar to natural flint rock. But they do the same thing: generate sparks.
Flint vs. Ferrocerium Definition & History
The main feature of ferrocerium vs. flint is it produces sparks that burn at around 5500 degrees F!
And can even result in molten globs of metal from the steel striker.
You can strike it using all sorts of dense materials, such as:
- glass shards
- knife spines
- or even flint
Whereas flint is stingy with giving up sparks without steel.
Ferro Rod / Striker / String
A typical survival Ferrocerium rod consists of three components:
- The Ferro rod itself
- A striker
- A small length of string to bind them together
The Ferro rod was invented by the German scientist Carl Auer around 1903. Since then, they’ve been widely adopted and used throughout the world.
They’ve been used in every modern war and have become embedded in survival culture.
Why? Because they are ideal for the outdoors as a staple survival tool in any scenario.
Ferro rods are a specific tool with a specific purpose. However, they’re not like survival multi-tools that can function to serve a variety of purposes.
They do one thing and do it damn well; they conjure fire.
Ferro Rods Explained – Size Does Not Matter
Why Ferro Rods Are Awesome
Let’s cover all the reasons why you should own and carry a Ferro rod.
Extremely Hot Sparks
As mentioned, when you strike one, you create a spark that burns upwards of 5000 degrees F.
At those temps, anything in its way can melt or ignite easily. They can even produce these hot sparks when they are soaking wet.
Making them a lot easier to use than the conventional steel-and-flint striker.
Size and Weight
Their size and weight play a lot in their usefulness.
Some are not much bigger than the size of a zipper. They are lightweight and fit comfortably into a pocket or compartment.
You can even attach one to a keychain, so you always have a method for starting fires.
The bottom line is they are a useful tool for fire starting and a perfect addition to your:
- bug out bag
- survival pack
- get home bag
- tackle box
- glove box
- medical kits
- everyday carry kit
- etc.
Easy To Use
We touched on this earlier, but this tool (one learned) is dead simple to use.
Even without much practice, you can quickly figure out how to use a Ferro rod without much guidance.
It’s a surefire way to bear flames even in the darkest, coldest circumstances.
It’s easy to take fire for granted in a world full of gas-powered stovetops, Bic lighters, and blowtorches.
Other Uses
Ferro rods are useful for more than just starting fires.
They also make decent signaling tools in the dark. The sparks they produce are so hot and so bright they are like a firecracker or a small flare.
So if you find yourself lost in the dark, and people are looking for you, use it as a backup signaling device. They can help people locate you in the dark.
Creating sparks may seem like simple technology. But the purpose it serves is essential to civilization.
I can’t think of a single instance when having one on hand wouldn’t be useful.
Dispelling Several Ferro Rod Myths
As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our
Ultimate Survival Gear Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.
How To Make A Ferro Rod Yourself
I have good news for those creative souls out there who want to take Ferro rods into their own hands.
Homemade Ferro rods can often function better than those commercially available.
Because you can add whatever you want to it:
- Add a compass to your setup. Sure.
- Stick a little ruler on it? You bet.
- Add a bundle of fishing supplies. Why not!
- Attach it to a knife or a walking staff? Cool.
- Tie on a container full of cotton tinder? Smart.
- Attach a flashlight, a signal mirror, a small folding knife, or whatever else you might think of. Hell yes!
Making your own Ferro rod allows you to customize and personalize your survival gear.
First, buy yourself a plain Ferro rod (like those in the HOODDEAL Ferrocerium Rod pack). Then make your own handle.
Then braid a length of paracord to use to attach the striker to the rod.
Finally, attach the striker and other tools you want, seal it off, and pack it away with the rest of your survival gear.
They also make great gifts for friends and family.
Few things say “I love you” like a tool that can help someone survive a shit storm!
Final Thoughts
A fire has not always been such an accessible resource to come by.
Ferro rods offer survivalists a confident way to start a fire. They generate sparks hot enough to melt steel.
They are good for tens of thousands of strikes. And they’re lightweight and packable, and some of them act as multi-tools.
So keep one in your bug-out bag, with your camping gear and survival gear to boost your survival chances.
Granting you the ability to start a fire wherever, whenever, no matter if it is soaking wet and miserable out.
Plus, it has near-mystical power. Our ancestors would have been utterly blown away by the ability to conjure flames with a rod.
Ferro rods are just freaking useful. And once you start using one, you won’t understand how you ever felt confident without one.
Will Brendza
P.s. Are you ready for the tough times ahead?
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