If you’re shopping for a ferro rod, look for one with a quality striker. Long strikers like those found on knife blades or the Y-shaped striking mechanism included with your rod will produce more sparks than their shorter counterparts.
Duct tape can serve many functions, from first aid in wilderness settings to travel repair. Furthermore, it makes an excellent fire starter and extender.
Lifespan
As your first consideration when purchasing a ferro rod, its intended use should come first. Is the rod going into your bug out bag or camping trips? Ultimately, your answer will dictate all other elements.
Modern ferro rods are composed of an alloy of rare-earth metals called mischmetal, consisting of iron, cerium and small quantities of neodymium, praseodymium and magnesium. When hit against hard steel surfaces this combination creates sparks at very low temperatures – an advantage over steel’s spark-producing capabilities.
A well-made ferro rod will generally last a long time with proper use and storage practices. When used properly, its lifespan should increase considerably; proper technique involves striking with enough force to generate sparks without creating excessive wear on its surface; excessive force or striking at inappropriate angles will hasten wear on the rod’s surface and eventually compromise its effectiveness over time. Furthermore, keeping your ferro rod free of debris may further extend its life expectancy.
Technique
Ferro rods are metal sticks which produce intensely hot sparks when struck with a knife blade or saw blade, and have become indispensable tools among outdoors enthusiasts, campers, hikers and survivalists.
Ferro rods remain effective outdoor tools over time. Before being put to use in an emergency situation, however, it’s wise to practice using one – although their ease of use does require some skill and understanding.
Striking the rod requires using a sharp striker such as the spine of a multi-tool or the blade of a survival knife; using only these methods will avoid dulling their edge quickly. Wrapping some tape around the end of the rod may help scrape more effectively while providing first aid should an accident occur while working with it; additionally, don’t strike too hard or you risk ruining it altogether.
Cleanliness
Ferro rods emit hot sparks that ignite tinder material, similar to what flint rocks create when struck against steel; however, their sparks are much hotter and reliable.
Ferro rods are lightweight, more durable than magnesium fire starters and do not require fuel. Some preppers also utilize duct tape wrapped around their ferro rod to add additional benefits; such as acting as a handle in wet and cold conditions as well as acting as an emergency travel repair item – from fixing backpack straps to taping broken sporks!
Some small ferro rods, like the Exotac nanoSTRIKER and UST BlastMatch, feature built-in strikers. Unfortunately, their soft strikers are less powerful than Light My Fire Swedish Army and don’t save as much space compared to more costly options. Also note that salt can damage magnesium blocks and bars so coating them in clear nail polish or similar material may help.
Storage
A small ferro rod can easily fit inside its sheath on your belt and serve as an efficient fire starter.
An important component in making a ferro rod work properly is having quality tinder. A pile that is ready to catch fire will quickly ignite with the shower of sparks produced by a ferro rod, including really dry grass, thin strips of birch bark and dried seed husks. Modern fire-starting products like UCO Sweetfire biofuel tabs also work extremely well when using this kind of device.
Coalcracker Bushcraft instructor Dan Wowak suggests wrapping a piece of duct tape around the end of a ferro rod to add an easier handle and make use more suitable in wet or cold conditions. Duct tape also serves as an invaluable wilderness first aid item that provides quick travel repairs such as fixing ripped backpacks or broken sporks.
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