Certain metals, known as ferrous metals, spark when struck due to their iron content.
The most common are iron, steel, and alloys like ferrocerium.
When metal is struck, it can produce sparks due to a process called frictional heating. The impact generates heat, causing small particles to break off the metal surface. These particles react with oxygen in the air, leading to a brief combustion that manifests as a spark. The phenomenon is commonly observed in metal-on-metal contact, such as striking a hammer against an anvil.
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Here’s how the process works:
Iron is a pyrophoric substance that spontaneously catches fire at a relatively low temperature when exposed to air.
All steels contain iron (although some steels contain significantly more iron than others).
When you strike a piece of high-iron-level steel with something like the sharp edge of a knife or a piece of flint or quartz, it causes very small pieces of fresh unoxidized iron to “shower” into the air.
When exposed to the oxygen in the air these tiny pieces of iron quickly oxidize and catch fire, creating a “shower” of sparks.
This is the basic principle that makes ferro rods and Flint and Steel work, except that they also contain other metals.
For more information, see How are Ferro Rods Made or Is A Ferro Rod Better Than Flint?
- 5ft Paracord included, gives you a good grip and never comes off. Comes with a bayite Striker-Pro striker attached to the paracord, always be prepared to start a fire
- bayite 6 Striking Edges Striker-Pro striker is made from TOOL GRADE HSS STEEL and has a distinct hardness, maximizes a shower of hot sparks, no matter whether you prefer to use your left hand or right hand to scrape. Don’t use bad quality Knife as striker. Otherwise it will not produce enough sparks due to insufficient hardness of blade
- Ferrocerium Rod Length:4″(10cm). Diameter: 3/8″(10mm). Large enough for a shower of sparks and small enough to carry
- Made of high effective ferrocerium rod. Waterproof & Weatherproof, fits all weather, works in any weather condition
- Sparks shower at 5,500 F (3,000 C) to ignite a fire in any weather (even wet), at any altitude. Perfect emergency fire starter for Bushcraft, Hiking, Hunting, Fishing, EDC, Emergency, BBQ, Gas Camp Stoves, etc
- FERRO ROD FIRE STARTER – Includes a 3.15″(Length) X 5/16″(Diameter) ferro rod. Made of a high quality ferrocerium and magnesium blend, each fire rod can withstand over 20000 strikes at 5,500 F (3,000 C). Start fires in any weather (even wet), at any altitude.
- WITH LANYARD & MULTI-TOOL – Comes with a leather lanyard and a 6-In-1 multi-tools that function as a straight-edge striker, tinder scraper, map scale, ruler, hex wrench, and most importantly – a bottle opener.
- QUICK & EASY TINDER – 4 tinder ropes and 2 tinder tabs included. Wax-infused natural tinder is easy to ignite from the sparks of ferro rods and also has strong weather resistance, so you can safely start a fire whenever you need it!
- LIGHTWEIGHT & COMPACT – Fits easily in your pocket, backpack, and is the perfect fire starter kit for camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, EDC, emergencies and more.
- Quality Service – BCHARYA is a professional brand of Sports & Outdoors Survival Tools and we provide 24×7 after-sales support service to solve any of your worries, please feel free to contact us.
- HIGH QUALITY FERROCERIUM RODS: The fire steel rod is the perfect balance between softness & durability, consistently outperforming the leading fire starters. Will ignite a 5,500º F shower of sparks, light a fire instantly when you need.
- START FIRE ANYWHERE: This ultra-durable flint fire starter works in any weather conditions – rain, snow, high-altitude. With the rust-free ultra-strong ferro rod those fire lighters are suitable for camping, survival, bushcraft and other outdoor activities.
- EASILY GRIP: Ergonomic handles on the fire starter allow use by even the most frozen of fingers! This fire starter kit is easy to hold. Easy to produce showers of sparks.
- COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT: More reliable than matches or lighter, weighs less than 2 ounces, only 4″ long. Included is a strong 550 paracord lanyard that is long enough to carry around your neck.
- WHAT YOU GET: 2 5/16 Inch thick ferro rod, 2 multi-purpose steel striker, 2 23 inches long 7-core paracode lanyard.
- Length of the rod: 6″(15.3cm). Diameter of the rod is approx 1/2″(12.7mm). 9ft Paracord included, gives you a good grip and never comes off. bayite new Striker-Pro striker included, always be prepared to start a fire
- bayite 6 Striking Edges Striker-Pro striker is made from TOOL GRADE HSS STEEL and has a distinct hardness, maximizes a shower of hot sparks, no matter whether you prefer to use your left hand or right hand to scrape.
- EXTRA LARGE. Super thick and large rod throws a MASSIVE shower of hot sparks to light fire instantly in any conditions. Windproof & weather resistant. Fits all weather
- You can also use the back of a blade from an box cutter. That’s the most efficient scraper that can be found easily. Don’t use bad quality Knife as striker. Otherwise it will not produce enough sparks due to insufficient hardness of blade.
- Provides up to 3000 degrees C spark in all weather, at any altitude. Durable, lasts for approximately 12,000 strikes. Perfect emergency fire starter for Bushcraft, Hiking, Hunting, Fishing, Camping, EDC, Emergency, BBQ, Gas Camp Stoves, etc
- AS TIMELESS AS FIRE – Our Zünden Fire Starter is a ferro rod that is as timeless as fire and will help get your flames lit. Made from ferrocerium, a sparking metal used with steel, our igniters will remind you nothing feels better than natural wood
- BEST FERRO BLEND, PERIOD — Our trademark Sånft-korr ferrocerium blend is a perfect balance that boasts both softness & durability. Ignite any fire with ease at any altitude you find yourself at or in any weather you get caught in, even when wet
- HANDCRAFTED HARDWOOD HANDLE – The handle of our fire starter is handmade from premium 100% hardwood to provide a natural textured grip while you rain down molten spark showers of up to 5,500F/3,000C and turn that natural finish into a seasoned one
- WITH LANYARD & MULTI-TOOL – Each fire rod comes with an included mil-spec 550 paracord lanyard and a 6-function multi-tool that serves as a straight-edge striker, tinder scraper, map scale, ruler, hex wrench, and most importantly – a bottle opener
- AVAILABLE IN 3 DIFFERENT SIZES – The Zünden Fire Starter comes available in 3 thickness options for your preference: The Trad at 5/16″ / 8mm(12,000 strikes), The Pro at 3/8″ / 10mm(15,000 strikes), and the Fatty at 1/2″ / 12.5mm(20,000 strikes)
FAQs
Why does metal spark when struck?
Metal sparks when struck because striking steel with a harder substance releases extremely small iron particles into the air. These iron particles spontaneously ignite when exposed to the air, creating sparks.
What types of metals typically produce sparks?
Ferrous metals that contain iron, such as steel and iron alloys like ferrocerium, will produce sparks when struck due to their iron content. Titanium, while not a ferrous metal, also produces bright white sparks.
How does the sparking process work on a molecular level?
When a piece of high-iron steel is struck with a hard, sharp object, tiny pieces of fresh, unoxidized iron break off and become exposed to the air. Due to iron’s pyrophoric properties, these iron particles quickly oxidize and catch fire, creating a shower of sparks.
Do all metals produce sparks when struck?
No, only certain metals produce sparks when struck. Non-ferrous metals like copper, brass, and aluminum generally do not throw sparks. The ability to spark depends on the metal’s iron content and chemical properties.
What affects the amount and color of sparks produced?
The carbon content of the steel influences the sparking characteristics. High-carbon steels produce more sparks than low-carbon steels. The color of the sparks can also vary based on the specific composition and alloying elements in the metal.
Are the sparks produced by striking metal dangerous?
Yes, the sparks and molten metal particles ejected when striking or grinding metal can be very hot and can start fires if they land on flammable materials. Safety precautions should always be taken when working with metal tools and grinding operations.
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