EverStryke Match

Magnesium Fire Starter (Here Are The Best)

October 3, 2020 By EverStryke Match Leave a Comment

Magnesium fire starter tools are cheap, reliable, waterproof and readily available at dozens of online retailers (see below for our list of the 6 best magnesium fire starter tools and the best place to buy them).

They are also lightweight, relatively safe, easy to use, highly transportable, and compact, which is why they are one of the most popular fire starting tools among outdoor enthusiasts, survivalist and preppers.

A magnesium fire starting tool usually includes a block of magnesium with a built-in ferro rod or flint and a scraping and striking tool.

Simply scrape-off some magnesium shavings onto a dry leaf or other kindling and strike the built-in ferrocerium rod with the back of your knife or the included scraper to produce a shower of sparks and the shavings will ignite.

Once ignited, the magnesium will burn very quickly producing flames that reach over 5,000 degrees so it’s very important that you have your fire bed and kindling prepared and ready to go.

If you’re planning on getting a magnesium fire starter tool but have never used one before, it’s a good idea to practice with it a few times before you find yourself in a situation where it’s your only option for fire or survival.

Best Magnesium Fire Starter

Here are the 6 Best Magnesium Fire Starters (I may earn a commission from Amazon for qualified purchases)…

Fire-Fast Trekker
The Friendly Swede 3-pack
SE FS374 Magnesium Firestarter Kit
Doan (U.S. Military Government Issue)
Survival Spark
Fire-Fast Inferno

1. Fire-Fast Trekker Magnesium Fire Starter

The Fire-Fast Trekker is a combination Ferro Rod and Military Grade Magnesium Rod of massive proportions that’s made in Austria for old-world reliability and craftsmanship.

The Trekker has a hardwood handle that provides for the surest of grips, even under the most extreme weather conditions including freezing cold temperatures, snow flurries and even pouring rain. An added bonus is that the hardwood handle can be shaved-off and used for tinder in an emergency situation.

The included striker/scraper is made from hardened steel and is sharp enough to create a shower of sparks to light your fire with ease, but not sharp enough to cut your hand.

The paracord strap has a tensile strength rating of 550lbs and is made in the United States by a certified U.S. government contractor, so it shouldn’t rot or break even under the most adverse conditions.

The Fire-First Trekker hardwood handle and the striker/scraper both come with pre-dilled holes that allow them to be attached to the paracord strap, so you’ll never have to worry about losing one the most important pieces of your fire-starting kit (try that with those chintzy little steel-ball straps that other lower-quality fire starting tools come with).

The Fire-Fast Trekker is durable, reliable, waterproof, and designed to light thousands of fires, even when wet. It’s one of the toughest fire-starting tools around, and it’s built to stand-up to years of use and abuse.

Click here for the best price for the Fire-Fast Trekker on Amazon.

2. The Friendly Swede Magnesium Flint Fire Starter – 3 Pack

If you’re looking for a smaller tool, then the Friendly Swede has you covered. It’s only 3 inches long, less than ¾ inches thick and less than 1 ¼ inches wide and only weighs a few ounces, which means it easily slips into your pocket, your EDC backpack, your get home bag, or anywhere else where your gear needs to be compact and lightweight.

This handy 3-pack of The Friendly Swede means you’ll be able to keep one in your glove box (which is what I do), one in your bug-out bag or with your camping equipment, and one on your keychain or around your neck so you’ll always have quick access to a dependable waterproof fire-starting tool when you need one.

Each one can be use approximately 5,000 times and contain a solid block of magnesium, a steel scraper to shave off the magnesium, an embedded flint rod and steel striker to throw sparks hot enough to ignite the magnesium shavings and a steel ball chain that helps prevent losing the individual tools. It even has a built-in bottle opener, so you can use it to enjoy your favorite cold-beverage in front a roaring fire!

**The Friendly Swede Magnesium Fire Starter 3-pack**

The Friendly Swede is waterproof, lightweight, compact, dependable, provides its own tinder and it’s own spark to light your fire, and it’s easy to use even under the most severe weather conditions including extreme cold, snow, rain, high winds and high altitudes. Try all that with a butane lighter!

Click here for the best price available for the Friendly Swede Fire on Amazon.

3. SE FS374 2-in-1 All-Weather Magnesium Firestarter Kit

If you’re looking for an inexpensive pocket-sized tool that you can toss in your fire-starting kit, then the SE FS374 is worth checking out.

It comes with a solid magnesium bar that should last for a few hundred uses, a built-in flint striking rod, a metal striker with a serrated edge, a ball chain link, and a bonus mini-compass (I wouldn’t bet my life on the accuracy of any compass included as a bonus at this low of a price, but it’s nice to have around for a quick bearings check).

SE FS374 Magnesium Fire Starter — SE FS374 Magnesium Firestarter

The SE FS374 Fire Starting Kit may not be the sexiest option, but it is a reliable option that gets the job done.

Click here to check-out the best price for the SE FS374 on Amazon.

4. Doan Magnesium Fire Starter U.S. Military Government Issue

This is an Authentic Doan that’s made in the U.S.A. and ships in the exact same packaging that is supplied to the U.S. Military. It even includes that same easy-to-follow instruction sheet that is standard U.S. Government issue.

They manufacture the Doan U.S. Military specs to be durable, reliable and dead-simple to use. They even clearly mark the Magnesium block side with big, bold letters that read “Shaving Edge” and the flint rod side with the words “Sparking Insert”, so there’s no confusion about which side to use during even the most stressful emergency situations.

All you have to do to do is shave the magnesium into a pile the size of a quarter, sprinkle the shavings on a small mound of kinder, flip the tool over and strike the built-in flint rod with the edge of your knife and a shower of red-hot sparks will ignite the magnesium to start your fire.

Doan Magnesium Fire Starter U.S. Military

The genuine Doan is designed to be one of the most reliable and dead-simple fire starter tools you’ll ever use.

Click here to get the best price on a certified-genuine Doan on Amazon.

5. Survival Spark Magnesium Fire Starter

The Survival Spark is wind-resistant, waterproof, lightweight, easy to use and consistently provides a huge shower of fire-starting sparks up to 15,000 times.

It includes an extra-long striker/scraper that is easy to grip (even when you’re wearing gloves). Use the serrated edge as a scraper to create a small pile of Magnesium Shavings from the included rod, and then use the flat side as a striker to create a cascading shower of sparks to ignite the Magnesium and start a fire. You could also use a permanent match to ignite the shavings.

The Survival Spark also includes an integrated emergency whistle that has been tested at 150 DB, as well as a small compass to help you find your general bearings in the wilderness.

The Survival Spark is a 3-in-1 survival tool that makes a great addition to any fire starting or survival kit.

Check out the lowest prices on Amazon for the Survival Spark.

6. Fire-Fast Inferno Magnesium Fire Starter

The Fire-Fast Inferno features a superior European Flint made from rare earth metals, a large chunk of highest quality Magnesium that is 97% pure, and a generously sized spine and handle made from hardwood which can be scraped for wood shavings and used as tinder for your fire.

It also includes a spring steel striker that is attached to the hardwood handle with U.S. made high-tensile strength paracord.

The Fire-Fast Inferno is the probably the most functional (and coolest looking) fire starting tool you will ever own!

Click here for the best Fire-Fast Inferno price on Amazon – you won’t be sorry!

Magnesium Fire Starter FAQ

What is a magnesium rod used for?

Magnesium rods are best used for starting a fire when the material to be lit is damp or wet. Scraping shavings from these soft metal rods and then applying a spark or a flame will create a fire that burns at more than 4000 degrees Fahrenheit. Magnesium fire starter rods have a natural resistance to water making them a perfect fire lighting source for all types of environments.

How To Use A Magnesium Fire Starter

The basic process of using a magnesium fire starter is easy. Simply use the included scraper or the back of the blade of your knife to scrape off a small pile of shavings from the magnesium block, place the shavings on a tinder bundle or kindling and then strike a ferro rod with the scraper or knife to create sparks and ignite the magnesium shavings.

Here’s how to use a Magnesium fire starter to start a fire in 7 simple steps:

Prepare your fire bed, preferably in bare soil or on exposed rock. Make sure your fire bed is at least 10 feet away from dry grass, leaves and other combustible material that could accidentally catch fire.
Gather your dry tinder and kindling and set it aside. Dry leaves, bark, twigs, pine needles, fatwood shaving or even cotton balls dipped in petroleum jelly can be used for your tinder bundle. For kindling, use fatwood or smaller twigs and branches that are completely dead and dried out.
Create a pile of magnesium shavings. Use the included scraper or the back of you knife to shave off a small pile of magnesium that’s about the size of a quarter. Collect the shavings on a dry leaf, bark or even a piece of paper.
Sprinkle your magnesium shavings on top of a small pile of dry tinder (or a tinder bundle), a cotton ball fire starter, and some kindling in your fire bed.
Use the ferro rod and the scraper (or the back of your knife) to ignite the shavings. Tip: Hold the ferro rod close to the magnesium pile at about a 45-degree angle. Place the scraper near the top of the rod (so it makes solid contact with the rod). Pull the rod back (away from the tinder) with a slow and steady motion to create a show of sparks that will eventually ignite the magnesium. Tip: see our How To Use A Ferro Rod article for more info.
Add more tinder to the fire to help build a solid flame-foundation for the rest of your fire.
Carefully add larger sticks (less than 2 inches in diameter) and twigs to the burning tinder bundle. Be careful to not smother out the flames… fire needs to breathe.
Tip: Check out our How To Build A Campfire article to learn more about how to build a roaring fire.

What is the best magnesium fire starter?

The best magnesium fire starters are compact, durable, come with a striking rod and attached scraper, and are made of high-quality materials. Though you can use your own knife, I prefer to always get one with an attached striker and scraper as a backup in case you forget or lose your knife.

There are fire starting kits that come with a lot of extras that may seem nice to have, like a compass or a whistle.

If you do think things like a whistle and compass would be useful – and I personally think any camping or survival kit should have these things – then it’s better to buy quality versions so you know they’ll work when you need them.

What is a magnesium fire starter made from?

A magnesium fire starter is typically made from a solid block of magnesium with a ferro rod or flint embedded in one side. You shave the magnesium off the block into a small magnesium pile and then you strike the ferro rod or flint with a metal blade or striker (like the back of your knife) to create sparks and ignite the magnesium.

Most magnesium fire starting tools will also include a striker and scraping tool made from steel that is attached to the magnesium block with a small metal ball chain or a paracord strap.

Is magnesium a good fire starter?

Yes, Magnesium is a good fire starter because it’s highly flammable and burns even when wet. Plus, they are inexpensive, reliable, simple to use, and waterproof.

Magnesium fire starters are also lightweight, relatively safe, compact and highly transportable, which is why they are one of the most popular fire-starting tools used by outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, and just about anyone that needs a reliable way to start a fire, especially in adverse weather conditions.

How does a magnesium fire starter work?

Magnesium is a soft and highly flammable metal that burns by reacting with the oxygen and other gases in the air. Shaving the Magnesium creates greater air flow and more surface area for the magnesium to react with the oxygen and other gases. That’s why you shave your magnesium block… it allows the magnesium to ignite more easily and burn more intensely.

Magnesium also reacts with water to create hydrogen gas, which is an extremely flammable gas that provide even more fuel to burn. That’s why you should NOT try to put out burning magnesium with water. Use dry sand to smother it out.

Magnesium fire starting kits usually come as either a single magnesium stick with a flint or ferrocerium rod (ferro rod) embedded in the side, or as a set with the magnesium block and sparking rod attached to a chain. Sometimes, a small blade will be included in the set or you may need to use your own pocket knife; A knife is a useful tool you should always carry with you while adventuring, and you should always include one in any emergency bag!

In order to get a fire started, you will need to use the attached metal blade or your own knife to shave bits of magnesium into a quarter-sized pile. Be sure to situate this pile in easily-flammable material such as moss, wood shavings or a tinder bundle. Once your pile is ready, ignite it by striking the blade with the flint or ferro rod. This will eventually produce sparks which will ignite the pile of magnesium shavings.

It should be noted that the best way to do this is to hold your blade still and strike the flint or ferro rod against it, scraping your sparking material upwards toward you with considerable force at a 45-degree angle to the blade. This will put the sparking point closer to the ground which will increase your chances of igniting your magnesium powder faster. This also reduces the chances of having the blade slip and potentially injure yourself.

Magnesium burns at 5,610 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to catch even damp materials on fire if necessary. Once your initial material catches fire, quickly add small sticks to the pile and work your way up to bigger sticks and eventually logs. While magnesium burns hot, it also burns quickly, so you’ll want to work fast once you get it going. Just be sure you don’t put out the flames or smother your fledgling fire in your hurry.

How to store a magnesium fire starter

The best way to store Magnesium is in block form because it’s incredibly stable and difficult to accidentally ignite when it is stored in block form. Getting it wet will not decrease its effectiveness a fire starter, and it tends to be light and easy to carry. Because of these properties, there is really no precautions that need to be taken when storing magnesium in block form. You could carry it around in your pocket or throw it in your bag if you wanted to.

Some people choose to carry magnesium fire starter in its own plastic bag, store it in a metal tin like those used for breath mints, or wrap duct tape around it for added safety and convenience.

It should be noted that if you have pre-shaved magnesium powder or flakes you need to keep them dry and as sealed-off from the air as possible so they don’t oxidize too quickly. If the shavings get wet or oxidize they won’t ignite as well, but as long as it’s in its block form, magnesium is pretty hassle-free when it comes to storage.

How safe is a magnesium fire starter?

A magnesium fire starter is generally considered to be safe because it’s hard to ignite unless it is broken down into shavings or powder and exposed to an intense energy source such as a open flame or sparks. That means it a magnesium fire starter can be safely left in a hot car or direct sunlight without fear of it bursting into flames. However, magnesium is highly flammable under the right conditions, so you should handle it with caution,

Warning: Burning magnesium can NOT be extinguished with water. In fact, adding water will only intensify the fire and cause it to burn more violently, which is why dry sand is traditionally used to smother-out the flames of burning magnesium.

How long will a magnesium fire starter last?

How long a magnesium stick lasts will really depend on how frequently you use it, and how good you are at getting it to work. Most sticks say that the flint or ferro rods are good for up to 15 – 16 thousand strikes.

Having said that, the fact that only a small amount of material is needed and the rods can produce thousands of sparks means that these kits can last a long time, even for the clumsiest of users. You should be able to get a minimum of 100 fires from a good kit, but it’s possible they can last longer. They don’t expire or need replacing unless the material is gone, so theoretically you may only need one of these kits in a lifetime, especially if you are using it for emergencies or the occasional camping trip.

What happens when you throw magnesium in a fire?

Magnesium in block form is very stable and hard to ignite, so you shouldn’t be too worried about dropping it in your fire when trying to get one started. Magnesium needs to reach 883 degrees Fahrenheit to burn, so a small or even moderately sized fire will take a while to have an effect on a magnesium block. This means you should have plenty of time to use a stick or something similar to knock it out of the fire before anything too drastic happens.

However, it’s important to know that magnesium blocks aren’t completely impervious to fire. If you were to throw it into a hot enough fire it will eventually ignite after a few minutes. When this happens, it will burn with a bright, white light for around 5 minutes or so depending on the size of the magnesium block. Eventually it will go out and turn into a pile of molten slag. If a magnesium block catches on fire, it’s not easy to put out, especially with water. If you do need to extinguish burning magnesium, then you should try to smother it out with dry sand.

Due to the intense heat and the difficulty in putting out a magnesium fire, I would not recommend throwing your starter kit into a fire for fun. However, it should be noted that magnesium in these small amounts doesn’t explode, and it does burn incredibly brightly for a few minutes. If you are ever in a situation where you need rescue, this could be a good way to get the attention of a helicopter or search and rescue team. The downside is that the blaze won’t last long, and once it’s out you’ve lost your means of making a fire, which greatly decreases your chance of survival.

Does magnesium burn hot?

Yes, magnesium burns hot reaching temperatures of well over 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit/3,000 degrees Celsius.

What color does magnesium burn?

Magnesium metal burns with an intensely white flame. Magnesium also burns very brightly, so you should avoid looking directly at the flame with the naked eye. Eye protection is strongly recommended when burning magnesium.

Will magnesium burn underwater?

Yes, magnesium will burn underwater by burning the hydrogen gas it produces when reacting with the water.

How To Put Out A Magnesium Fire

Magnesium reacts violently with water and several different sources of oxygen in the air. So, the best way to put out a magnesium fire is with a Class D fire extinguisher or to smother the fire with sand to choke off its source of air.

Cotton Ball Fire Starter Ignites With Just A Spark

August 26, 2020 By EverStryke Match 1 Comment

Here’s how to make fire starter tinder with cotton balls and Vaseline or petroleum jelly… Simply add a little Vaseline or petroleum jelly to a couple of cotton balls and watch this cotton ball fire starter burst in to flames (yes, vaseline is flammable).

All it takes to start a fire with cotton balls smeared with Vaseline or petroleum jelly is a single spark from the Everstryke Match,no lighter fluid required (it’s a permanent match!)

Tip: Use a magnesium fire starter to add some magnesium shavings to your cotton ball fire starters and they’ll burn even hotter.

Cotton Ball Fire Starter Video

Watch this Everstryke Match Review video to learn how to use Vaseline and cotton ball fire starters…

Grab Your Free Everstryke Match Here or your Free Everstryke Pro Here… Good While Supplies Last!

And just so you know, the Everstryke Match and Everstryke Pro are free but I am an affiliate for Survival Life so if you ever decide to order something from them I may earn a commission. If I’m lucky I may earn enough to buy myself some lighter fluid for my everstryke matches… I own several of them, and I love them!

How To Make A Cotton Ball Fire Starter

Step 1: Gather your materials including cotton balls (you’ll need one per cotton ball fire starter), a jar of Vaseline or petroleum jelly, a knife or spoon to smear the Vaseline on the cotton ball, and a small plastic baggie, tin or plastic container.

Step 2: Smear a generous amount of Vaseline or petroleum jelly on the cotton ball using your finger, a knife or a spoon.

Step 3: Store your finished cotton ball fire starters in a small plastic baggie, a small tin (e.g. a sucrets or altoids tin), or a small waterproof plastic container to help keep them from getting wet.

Step 4: Toss your small containers of Vaseline soaked cotton balls into your bug out bag, go bag, get home bag or survival kit and you’ve got yourself a great waterproof fire starter for any emergency survival situation.

Just make sure you also have matches, a lighter or a Ferro Rod in your survival kit to provide the necessary spark or flame to ignite the cotton ball fire starters. Plus, be sure to include some additional dry cotton balls or cotton fibers, kindling, dryer lint, wood chips, twigs, etc. in your fire starting kit to help stoke the flames into a roaring fire.

Benefits Of Using Vaseline Cotton Balls As A Survival Fire Starter

One of the benefits of using a cotton ball fire starter covered in Vaseline or petroleum jelly for tinder is that they are pretty much waterproof (don’t even think about trying to start fire a with wet dryer lint, sawdust, dry cotton balls or wood shavings after they’ve been water soaked in the rain or dropped in the river on a camping trip).

Which means that you should be able to use your survival skills to start an emergency fire even during a severe rainstorm or in unusually wet conditions.

Cotton ball fire starters also happen to be extremely lightweight so they add an insignificant amount of weight if you’re backpacking in the woods, camping, or toss a container of them into your everyday carry bag, go-bag or emergency kit. Tip: a great way to store your vaseline cotton balls is in a plastic baggie or a small plastic plastic or metal tin (e.g. a sucrets or altoids tin make for a great pocket survival kit).

Plus, the little amount of space that a few petroleum jelly soaked cotton ball fire starter take up in your bug out bags means you’ll have more room for the rest of your wilderness survival gear.

But the biggest benefit of learning how to build a fire with a cotton ball and a little vaseline or petroleum jelly is that it’s just so darn cool that you can’t help but smile when you watch them burn.

Cotton Ball Fire Starter FAQ

Are cotton balls good fire starters?
Yes, cotton balls are good fire starters, especially when they are smeared with Vaseline or petroleum jelly because the Vaseline helps cotton balls burn much longer.
How do you make a fire starter with cotton balls (how to make cotton ball fire starter)?
Step 1: Gather your materials. You’ll need one cotton ball per fire starter, a jar of Vaseline or petroleum jelly and a plastic bag or container to store your finished cotton ball fire starters in.
Step 2: Smear a generous amount of Vaseline or petroleum jelly on the cotton ball by using your finger, a knife or a spoon.
Step 3: Store your finished cotton ball fire starters in a plastic bag, metal tin, or a small plastic container.
How long do Vaseline cotton balls last?
A typical cotton ball fire starter will last between 3 and 5 minutes. The bigger the cotton ball and the more Vaseline you use, the longer they will burn.
Storing Vaseline cotton balls
The best way I’ve found to store Vaseline cotton balls is in a small plastic bag, a small tin, or a small plastic container. This makes them lightweight, extremely portable, and helps keep them from getting wet.
Is Vaseline flammable
Yes, Vaseline is flammable, and so is petroleum jelly. That’s why we use Vaseline or petroleum jelly to make cotton ball fire starters!
How do you light a cotton ball fire starter?
You can light a cotton ball fire starter with a lighter or matches. Or, you can watch this video to see how I’m able to light a cotton ball fire starter with a single spark from a Ferro Rod.

Some of my favorite methods for lighting a cotton ball fire starter include a ferro rod such as the free Everstryke Match or Everstryke Pro, waterproof matches, or a weatherproof survival lighter.

Best Hatchet For Camping, Survival and Backpacking

August 5, 2020 By EverStryke Match Leave a Comment

Hatchets are a must-have tool for activities such as camping, survival, backpacking and for quickly and easily clearing brush and small limbs around your house.

However, there’s no such thing as the best hatchet for all jobs… the best hatchet for camping may not be the best survival hatchet, it may not be great for chopping wood at home, or for lugging around in a backpack or a bug-out bag.

When it comes to selecting the right axes and hatchets, there are quite a number of options available.

The best camping, survival, and backpacking hatchet should be heavy-duty, easily transportable, and one that can be utilized efficiently.

Best Hatchets

Here’s a list of 12 of the best hatchets available for any job, including camping, survival and backpacking (I may earn a referral commission on qualified purchases):

1. Fiskars x7

I own several Fiskars x7 Hatchets and they are very easy to carry. I like to keep one by the woodpile for splitting kindling and Fatwood, and another by the campfire or firepit to take care of any last minute chopping needs that pop-up while I’m enjoying a roaring bonfire with my friends and family.

The Fiskars x7 is a 14 inch, ergonomic, and relatively light camping hatchet mostly suited for small to medium-sized jobs such as chopping wood. The long handle provides an excellent grip and can comfortably accommodate the two-handed operation. The blade is super sharp and comes with a low friction coating that ensures you get clean cuts with less effort. It’s one of the lightest and well-balanced power to weight ratio. With this hatchet, you get a lifetime warranty and value for your money.

Find the lowest price for the x7 on Amazon.

2. SOG Tactical Survival Hatchet

My wife and kids bought me a SOG Tactical Hatchet for Father’s Day one year. At first I didn’t think I’d be able to chop much wood with it. However, I discovered that it’s perfect for attaching the included sheath to my belt as I walk along my property line clearing brush and pruning small branches from the trees overhanging my driveway.

The SOG Tomahawk Tactical Survival Hatchet is a multi-purpose tool with an overall length of 15.75 inches and features a razor sharp 2.75 inch straight edge made from 420 hardcased black stainless steel (rc 51 – 53), a piercing spike for breaking through glass or breaching a door, a checkered hammering surface a glass reinforced nylon handle and a ballistic nylon sheath that accommodates 1.5 inch belts. The SOG Tomahawk Tactical Survival Hatchet is perfect for camping, throwing and even emergency or fire rescue. Weight: 24 ounces.

Tip: Knowing how to start a fire without matches is a skill everyone should have for emergency situations.

Click here for the lowest SOG prices on Amazon.

3. Estwing Special Edition Camper’s Axe 16 inches

The Estwing Special Edition Camper’s Axe features a slightly-longer-than hatchet length 16 inch handle and is the perfect year-round axe for camping due to its high-quality materials and classic compact design. From chopping logs to splitting wood, the Estwing Special Edition Camper’s is ideal for heavy-duty tasks. The ergonomic leather handle ensures you have a perfect and useless effort. Additionally, the grip has shock reduction features that reduce impact vibration for your comfort. The included sheath is made of ballistic nylon for durability. Hand sharpened, polished and proudly Made in the USA with American Steel.

Check out the best price available on Amazon for the Estwing Camper’s Axe.

4. Helko Werk Germany Rheinland Hatchet

The Rheinland Hatchet sports a traditional German wide-bit blade and is handmade and hand forged in Germany using c50 High Carbon Steel. The hickory handle is made from Grade A American Hickory that is hand selected to provide maximum durability and finished with a boiled linseed oil finish for a silky-smooth finish that will feel great in your hands. The included sheath is made of premium leather that protects the head and increases its durability. Dimensions: Head weight 1.25 lbs, handle length: 14 inches, total weight equals 1 3/4 lbs.

176 years of axe-making experience goes into hand-making each Rheinland Hatchet… and it shows!

5. Husqvarna Wooden Hatchet

The Husqvarna 13-inch wooden handle hatchet is Made in Sweden. It features a curved hickory handle and a hand-forged axe head made from Swedish Steel. The 1 1/3 lbs axe headI provides excellent one-handed striking power and is ideal for chopping large chunks of wood or for pounding in tent stakes. The sheath is made of leather for added durability. The handle is attached to the head using a steel and wooden wedge for durability and safety purposes.

Click here to see the lowest available price on Amazon.

6. Hults Bruk Tarnaby

Hults Bruk Tarnaby Hatchet — Hults Bruk Tarnaby

The Hults Bruk Tarnaby made in Sweden in a foundry that was founded in 1697. has an axe handle that is 15 inches long and a head weight of 1.25 lbs, which makes it small compared to others. It is an all-purpose device, and its uses include kindling, chopping, and clearing brush and limbs. The head is made of high quality hand-forged blasted steel, and the American Hickory handle has a linseed oil finish for comfort and durability. For added durability, during the production process, the steel is struck several times, which increases the density. The sheath comes with protective and decorated leather.

Compare prices from multiple sellers at Amazon.

7. Hultafors SV

The Hultaafors SV Hatchet is the perfect size camping axe that is still small enough to make for a great survival, gardening or backpacking hatchet. The forged steel head is Hand-forged from Swedish steel and is struck multiple times to increase hardness using production methods dating back to 1697. The curved handle is made from hickory and treated with linseed oil, which helps protect this camp axe from moisture in the wilderness. Includes a leather edge protector for the forged steel head.

Check it out… it’s a classic!

8. Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet

Beyond its looks, the Gransfors Bruks Wildlife camp axe boats a 13.5-inches long handle, a tanned leather sheath, and a 1 lb head. Moreover, it is durable, well made, and comes with a twenty-year warranty. Although the price is almost similar to others in the market, the quality and performance of this are better. It is reasonably light and has a nice handle. The axe has been in the market for many years and is one of the best camping axes around.

Lock-in the lowest price available on Amazon.

9. Schrade Outdoor Survival Hatchet

If you want to enjoy your camping adventure with a more modern camp axe, this is the perfect one for you. It comes with a titanium coated black stainless steel head, rubber grip, fiberglass handle, and a thermoplastic sheath. It measures 11.8 inches, weight of 1lb, and a blade length of 3.8 inches. One of the significant advantages of this axe is the secure blade that does not slip. The thermoplastic rubber handle is well shaped to fit in hand for a solid grip and makes for a great camp axe.

Check out the lowest prices available on Amazon.

10. Gerber Gator Combo Axe II

The Gerber Gator Combo axe II makes for a great survival hatchet and is one of the lowest-cost and highly versatile devices in the market. It comes with a long handle, which results in a greater striking force. The handle is rugged and made from glass-filled iron yet lightweight. It has a sharp 3-inch head. The overall length of this axe is 15.6 inches and weighs 2.26 lbs.

Grab your Gator at the lowest price on Amazon!

11. Husqvarna Fiberglass

This axe is a must-have for your camping activities. It’s small in size, 13.5 inches, which enhances its portability and makes it a great hatchet for backpacking. It is perfectly designed for one-handed use and effortlessly balances weight and power. The axe head is coated with non-stick materials to reduce friction while cutting. The handle is soft, made from composite fiberglass material. Apart from splitting wedges, it can be used as a hammer. The Husqvarna camping axe also offers a lifetime warranty.

Click here to lock-in the lowest price.

12. Estwing Sportsman’s Axe

This 12-inch Estwing Sportsman’s Axe is beautifully Made in the USA from the finest tool-grade American forged steel. It’s forged in one piece, tempered for strength, hand sharpened and polished and then wrapped with a hand sanded and lacquered leather grip. The Sportsman’s Axe is an excellent camping axe for splitting wood and kindling, cutting logs, and branches. It has a super sharp blade, and you can use the head to hammer the tent pegs during camping. This axe also boasts a ballistic nylon sheath that protects the edges of the axe.

Grab yours at the lowest available price on Amazon.

What Is Fatwood

July 15, 2020 By EverStryke Match Leave a Comment

What is Fatwood? Fatwood is one of nature’s best all-natural waterproof fire starters and comes from the heartwood of various species of pine trees from around the world.

What Is Fatwood Made Of?

Fatwood, also known as pitch pine, pine knot, lighter wood, heart pine, or lighter knot, is harvested from old pine stumps and tap roots that were leftover during the logging process. Fatwood firestarter also comes from trees that have fallen over, been damaged, or have died from other natural causes.

After the pine tree has been cut or damaged, the tree sends a terpene-rich sap into the damaged area and it becomes fatwood soaked in resin.

As the tree dies, the resin-soaked wood near pine knots and at the base of the stump gets hard and remains. The resin includes an all-natural hydrocarbon called terpene, which is also used in the production of turpentine. That is what makes fatwood fire starter so flammable.

Terpene is an organic but highly volatile chemical, which is why terpene is the “secret sauce” that helps turn dead pine wood and pine stumps, including the tap root, into Fatwood fire starter… one of nature’s best water repellent (some would say waterproof) firestarters.

What Kind Of Tree Does Fatwood Come From?

Fatwood comes from many different types of resinous trees but historically the most common source of Fatwood is pine. Historically, in the United States, fatwood was most commonly associated with the longleaf pine (Pinus palustris).

However, those pine trees were over harvested in the U.S. and takes up to 100 – 150 years to grow to maturity, so other faster growing species of pines have replaced it for commercial replanting… and the commercial harvesting of Fatwood.

What Is Fatwood Used For?

The most common use for fat wood is as kindling or tinder to start a fire. True Fatwood is all-natural, with no chemical additives and is 100% organic. It’s wind resistant, lights quickly and easily, burns even in the dampest conditions, and burns hot enough to ignite significantly larger fuel logs.

Which it’s a favorite for outdoor use and should be strongly considered as a must-have survival tool for any emergency situation.

You can shave Fatwood sticks into tinder and mix it with magnesium shavings, or chop it up small enough to be used for tinder (a popular size for tinder is approximately 5 or 6 inches long by about ¾ inches in diameter).

The pine resin (which makes Fatwood such a great fire starting tool) also produces pitch and tar. Pitch and tar have been used as preservatives and sealants for rope and wood. Tree resin is also used in nail polish and household cleaners such as pine oil or turpentine.

Is Fatwood Toxic?

All-natural Fatwood is not toxic. The best Fatwood (IMHO) is 100% naturally harvested from the sap-rich heartwood of the pine stump. It should never be treated or chemically enhanced in any way.

Technically speaking, any chemical produced during combustion could possibly be toxic, as well as the “toxicity” of inhaling smoke in general.

However, 100% all-natural fatwood is generally considered safe for indoor use in your fireplace, your wood stoves, coal stoves, pellet stoves and chimneys. You will also find it very useful for outdoor use as kindling for campfires, barbeques, and even your fire pit.

What Is Fatwood Soaked In?

All-natural Fatwood is soaked in a naturally occurring resin called terpene that collects in the stumps of dead trees. Fatwood is a 100% organic, chemical-free fire starter and kindling that lets you start a fire with a single match (you can even use it to start a fire without a match, if that’s your thing).

However, some companies choose to soak their wood in very toxic and extremely volatile chemicals to help it ignite. Chances are this is because they are using inferior pine (less sap, lower levels of terpene, etc.) for harvesting.

The fumes that are emitted from chemically treated wood can cause those that are exposed to it to have headaches and nausea, which is why I strongly recommend against using any type of chemically treated wood indoors or other areas with bad ventilation. In fact, I’d avoid using chemically treated Fatwood in an indoor wood stove or fireplace.

What Is Fatwood Firestarter?

Fatwood Firestarter is pinewood that has an extremely high concentration of the naturally occurring resin that is created by the pine tree. That resin is highly flammable, which is why Fatwood make such a great fire starter.

How To Find Fatwood

The best way to find Fatwood in the wild is to look for areas where pine trees have been logged or killed by a fire. Look for ones that have old, dry stumps. These will have the most Fatwood.

The stumps should be grey and rotting as this will have allowed time for the resin to collect. The pine tree stumps are where you will find the resin more concentrated and well kept. You will find the highest concentration of fatwood between the trunk and the roots.

How will you know if you have found it or not? The first clue will be the strong scent of pine in the air. Look on the surface of the stump for any noticeable pools, streaks, or beads of dried sap. You will also notice that the wood has a yellow or golden tone in contrast to the grey wood that is surrounding it.

The best place to look is in a pine tree that has been dead for quite a while. This will have allowed the resin to rise to the stump from the roots.

You will be able to easily pull the stump up from the ground. You will want to use a hatchet to chop away all the rotten wood to uncover the Fatwood. You may want to put some lubricant on the blade because fatwood resin is very sticky. If you need to clean your blade, it is best to use a degreaser or gum remover.

What are the benefits of using Fatwood?

Fatwood is easy to light – a Fatwood stick or two kindling and a single match is it all it takes to start a roaring fire, that’s it. Tip: Use a permanent match or a ferro rod and cotton ball fire starters to ignite your Fatwood.
Fatwood is water resistant – It’s water-repellent (some even call it waterproof), making it extremely easy to light, even when wet (which is why it’s a must-have product when going on your next camping, hiking or canoeing trip).
Fatwood has a very long shelf-life and is easy to store.
Fatwood is environmentally friendly – All-natural Fatwood comes from renewable and sustainable forests. Plus, it’s collected from surplus stumps and roots that have been left behind after the tree has been harvested for other purposes (lumber, paper, etc.).
Fatwood is non-toxic – Naturally sourced Fatwood is generally considered safe and non-toxic because it doesn’t contain added chemicals or toxins, which is why it produces a very pleasant “burning pine” odor when burned (unlike kerosene and other chemical soaked fire starter products, which smell like toxic chemicals when used for starting a fire).
Fatwood is great for cooking outdoors – It doesn’t leave a chemical taste in your food (unlike charcoal lighter fluid), which makes Fatwood the perfect fire starter for your next cookout or backyard BBQ.
Fatwood just makes starting a fire (and your life) so much easier!

Now that you know the answer to the question “what is Fatwood“…

Check out our Fatwood For Sale article for some great deals on our highest-rated Fatwood suppliers.

Best Ferro Rod (Battle-Tested and Highly Rated)

May 10, 2019 By EverStryke Match 6 Comments

Choosing the best Ferro Rod, also known as a Ferrocerium rod or Firesteel, and learning how to use one to start a fire is like learning to use any other survival gear; it’s better to learn how to do it now rather than waiting until you actually need it to save your bacon (or cook it).

12 Best Ferro Rods

Here are 12 of the best ferro rods that have been reviewed, highly-rated and battle-tested by thousands of outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists alike (I may earn a referral commission on qualified purchases).

1. Uberleben Zunden Ferro Rod Review

When things go wrong in the outdoors, your best chances of making it out are the survival tools. This is precisely why you can count on überleben firecraft to get you out of the trouble quickly, and überleben Zünden Ferro Rod Fire Starter is no exception.

Inspired by tradition, this fire steel can generate an amazing 5,500-degree spark in any weather condition. It means you can easily light up tinder, kindling and other fire-starting materials with ease. Unlike some of the other products in the market, it does not require repeated scraping because the trademark Sanft-Korr ferrocerium produces a shower of sparks with a single strike.

The Ferro Rod itself is more than 2.75 inches long. Depending on individual requirements, there are three different thickness levels that correspond to the number of strikes each level can generate over a lifetime.

The Zunden comes in three sizes starting with the Trad, which is 5/16″ thick and is expected to last for nearly 12,000 strikes. For long-lasting results, you can also choose the Pro model (3/8″ thick) or the 1/2″ Fatty version that can provide 15,000 and 20,000 strikes, respectively.

Each of these sticks comes with a handcrafted wooden handle that is designed for natural grip. The grip makes it easier to use with either hand. In fact, the seasoned finish offers a very strong grip for oily, greased or bare hands even in the coldest weather.

The Uberleben Zunden is a very popular choice among survivalists, preppers and outdoor adventurers looking for the perfect balance of softness and durability. It consistently outperforms the other leading fire starters by quickly and easily throwing off a shower of white-hot, fire-starting sparks… even in the most demanding weather conditions.

Click here for the best available price for the Uberleben Zunden on Amazon.

2. Fire-Fast Trekker Fire Starter

The Fire-Fast Trekker is a combination Ferro Rod and Military Grade Magnesium Rod of massive proportions that’s designed to provide you with years of hassle-free fire starting. It’s the perfect fire-starting tool for hiking, hunting, backpacking, bushcraft, camping and survival.

The Fire-Fast Trekker is made in Austria and combines over a century of old-world craftsmanship with high tech know-how. It’s designed to produce a massive shower of white-hot sparks and thousands of one-strike fire starts.

The built-in Military Grade Magnesium Fire Starter can be shaved off and used as a source of waterproof tinder that bursts into intensely hot flames when ignited by sparking-up the Trekker.

The Fire-Fast Trekker has a hardwood handle that provides for the surest of grips, even under the most extreme weather conditions including freezing cold temperatures, snow flurries and even pouring rain. An added bonus is that the hardwood handle can be shaved-off and used for tinder in an emergency situation.

The included striker/scraper is made from hardened steel and is sharp enough scrape the ferro rod and ignite your kindling with ease, but not sharp enough to cut your hand.

Click here for the best price for the Fire-Fast Trekker on Amazon.

3. Arcadia Gear Fat Boy Ferro Rod

This super-sized tool is designed for long-lasting use in extremely rugged conditions. Dubbed as “Fat Boy”, it’s twice as thick as other large-size fire sticks. The added thickness offers improved performance for up to 35,000 strikes.

Arcadia brand distinguishes itself for offering the highest-quality products, which is reflected in the high magnesium content of the Rod that enables it to keep ablaze in wet conditions. To ensure smooth operations, manufacturers have also added a high-quality suregrip wooden handle. This wooden grip is critical for wet conditions when it often becomes impossible to grip the stick with bare hands.

For added security, the exposed part of the rod is nearly 5.75-inch. Such exposure definitely comes handy when you’re lightening up in dark conditions. It is also super helpful for amateurs and first-timers to learn the art of firecraft.

As a long-term survival tool, the “Fat Boy” is designed to last a lifetime. The quality is guaranteed by Arcadia, which means you can return it if you don’t like it – no questions asked.

Search for the best price for the Arcadia Gear Fat Boy.

4. Uberleben Zunden Hexa Ferro Rod

The Uberleben Hexa fire starter stands out from other ferro rods due to its hexagonal shape.

Six flat sides offer you more striking surface area, which gives you more control over the shower of white-hot, molten ferrocerium that this bad boy easily throws off with each strike.

The included striker has additional uses as a multi-tool:

Concave tinder scraper to help make kindling with softwood like Fatwood.
Straight-edge spine with a fifty-millimeter ruler
Hex wrench
Bottle opener to enjoy your favorite cold beverage by a crackling fire (that you started with your Uberleben Hexa ferro rod, of course).

The Uberleben Hexa will work at any altitude or weather conditions to produce 5,500-degree sparks and are long-lasting for up to 20,000 fire-starting strikes.

The Uberleben Hexa is available in two lengths including a more compact three-inch (3”) version and a six-inch (6”) version for longer strikes. Both are half-an-inch thick and made with Überleben’s exclusive Sanft-korr ferrocerium that is the perfect combination of softness and durability.

The Uberleben Hexa includes a full-grain leather lanyard that can be used to secure the fire starter to your gear where you’ll quick and easy access to both the ferro rod and the striker when you need it.

The Uberleben Hexa is great for serious grill-masters, backpackers and campers, or to keep with your emergency supplies for situations where you need a quick fire to cook food or provide heat.

Here’s the best part:

The Uberleben Hexa comes with a hassle-free guarantee – If you’re not happy for any reason at all… simply let Uberleben know and they’ll fix it. It really is that simple.

Check out all the 5 star reviews for the Uberleben Hexa on Amazon.

5. Schrade SCHFS1 Ferro Rod

The Schrade SCHFS1 is a no-frills product and an extremely affordable price.

The Schrade SCHFS1 is relatively short and thin, so you need to be extra careful about making a solid contact and using a smooth stroke with the included metal striker.

However, it has an easy-grip handle, a steel striker, and a handy lanyard that holds them altogether. Plus, it’s extremely lightweight at 1.1 ounces with a space saving of 4 inch length, so it’s perfect for anyone looking for an extremely compact and portable fire-starting tool.

Not to mention, it’s also one of the least expensive all-in-one fire-starters you’ll find.

Schrade SCHFS1

Check out the best prices for the Schrade SCHFS1 on Amazon.

6. The Friendly Swede Ferro Rod

The Friendly Swede is an extremely durable fire starter that works under the most extreme weather conditions, including torrential downpours and blinding snow storms.

The rust-free ferroceriums rod are durable, lightweight and are designed to last for thousands of fire-starting strikes.

This Friendly Swede kit includes 2 5-inch ferro rods with easy-grip handles, 2 2 ½ inch steel striker and 2 steel ball chains.

Click here for the best prices on Amazon for The Friendly Swede 2 pack.

7. EricX Light Ferrocerium Rod

Fire sticks don’t come any better than EricX Light because it includes all the classic elements of style, durability, and function associated with exceptional products. The original pack comes with 2 ferrocerium rods that are each 6-inches in length and almost ½ inch thick.

The Ericx Light is weather resistant and water-proof making it suitable for the most extreme outdoor environments. For improved results, it is highly recommended that you scrape the protective coating off the outer surface of the rod before using.

Each stick comes with a lanyard hole that can be used to create your own survival kit. For outdoors, the super-size stick will fit in a pocket-sized bag. Survival instructors find the length convenient for teaching fire skills to amateurs as new learners like the added space to scrub the striker.

The original pack does not come with a striker, but these sticks are made to be used with a variety of striking materials. It can be scraped with a knife, saw blade or a scissor. Some users have reported that the high-quality ferrocerium works with natural strikers such as glass and sea shells.

Due to the durability of the material, it’s not uncommon for experts to build wooden handles on the stick when required. Overall, it’s an exceptional product considering that the company offers these rods at unbeatable factory rates on Amazon.

EricX Light Ferro Rod

Click here for the lowest prices on Amazon for the EricX Light

8. Bayite Ferro Rods

If you ever dreamed of finding the perfect tool for your fire starter kit, then the Bayite is as close to perfection as it can get. This all-in-one solution consists of a 1/2 inch by 6 inch long drilled ferro rod, a striker, and a high-quality paracord, which works in all weather conditions.

The six-inch-long Bayite offers a lot of extra lengths to use, which allows survival guides and drill instructors to train their students, safely. The rod produces huge sparks on scrapping the underlying silver metal. The build-up of energy during the process is almost 5,500 degrees Fahrenheit.

If used appropriately, a single rod is capable of lasting nearly 12,000 strikes. You can easily use any sharp object as a scrapper; however, low-quality knives are unable to produce the high-amount of heat energy that this rod is able to generate. For maximum performance, scrap the black coating to reveal a shiny layer underneath before use.

This kit also comes with 6 striking edges striker-pro, which is an industry leading striker that can easily get the job done even when used by an amateur. The multi-edged TOOL GRADE HSS STEEL can be used with either the left or the right hand. In addition, you also get a complimentary 9-feet of paracord included in the kit ensuring that you don’t lose it during emergency situations. Overall, it is among the best survival kits that you can own for an extremely low price.

Bayite 1/2 x 6 inch Fire Starter

Click here for the best prices available for the Bayite in a wide assortment of sizes.

9. Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel

If you’re tired of using the typical fire stick, try the military-grade fire starter that is also used by the Swedish Department of Defense. Developed by survival expert, Lars Falt, Swedish Firesteel uses the hardened aluminum alloy for maximum durability and results. Instead of using ferrocerium, the alloy provides consistency at higher altitudes, freezing temperatures, and wet conditions.

Since its development, Fire Steel has stood the test of time by offering a reliable solution to survival professionals around the world. Weighing only 50 grams, it can also be easily used to light up barbeque grill and stoves. It is an ideal companion for camping, hiking, and outdoors.

The included striker is built from high-end precision-ground stainless-steel material. Designed for maximum effectiveness, the striker can easily generate sparks of up to 3000 Celsius, with a single swipe. The Firesteel rod and the starter are tied to a built-in emergency whistle offering a comprehensive survival kit.

The entire Firesteel kit has been tested in the harshest of conditions, which is a testament to its design and durability. It is an essential tool for mountain survival where low temperatures can make it difficult to ignite a fire using traditional fire sticks. Your Ferro rod will not be affected by dampness and low oxygen when you need it the most.

Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel

Click here for the lowest prices for the Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel.

10. 4DB Ferrocerium Rod

The 4DB can theoretically last 400,000 strikes due to its hard cerium and soft metal core. Scrubbing a sharp object on ferrocerium will yield multiple hot burning globes that are visible from a large distance. In fact, its unique quality to produce fire globes makes it a great source of emergency signals.

Another distinguishing feature of Rod Firestarter is a 34 cm long snake braid that also doubles as tinder, whenever you need it. There are eight inner strains of jute twine tinder on paracord. Offering all-in-one solution, you can easily start a fire anywhere using the fire stick and tinder without searching for a source.

For hiking enthusiasts, the kit comes with a 4DB camouflage carabiner. It is not rated for climbing, but you can also use it to easily clip to handbag, emergency kit, or hiking gear. For young scouts, Rod Firestarter is purposefully built to be soft. The extended length and softness of the stick ensures that it can be used by small children under the supervision of adults.

While similar fire sticks can be expensive, this 4DB 1/2″x5″ Firestarter is significantly more affordable. It will work with any kind of striker that has a 90-degree edge. You can either buy a stand-along striker in stores such as Amazon or use household objects including glass, knife or sharp metal.

4DB Ferro Rod

Lock-in the lowest price o n Amazon for the 4DB 1/2″x5″ Firestarter

11. Exotac fireROD

The Exotac fireROD Ferro Rod is an “Amazon’s Choice” for a reason. It is one of the few sticks that have a custom handle (there are 4 custom colors to choose from), which can be used to replace the ferrocerium rod whenever your old stick gets out-dated. The replacement rod can be ordered on Amazon or directly from the manufacturer.

The Exotac fireROD has over 4 inches of exposed material that can be easily scraped using a striker. When needed, just use the spine of a knife at 90-degree angle to easily ignite a fire. A single stick will last over 5000 strikes under normal conditions. It can produce intense sparks in adverse weather conditions including torrential rain.

You can use this ferrocerium rod for every imaginable activity including hiking, survival training, and Bushcraft . Designed to carry with a knife, the waterproof storage capsule on top of the handle can store a variety of tinder. The storage is also used to carry water purification tablets and other useful emergency accessories.

When needed, just use the spine of a knife at 90-degree angle to easily ignite a fire. A single stick will last over 5000 strikes under normal conditions.

Overall, the Exotac fireROD is a versatile fire stick that has one of the most unique designs you’ll find.

Click here for the lowest prices available on Amazon for the Exotac fireROD

12. Everstryke Match (It’s Free)

The Everstryke Match is a combination waterproof permanent match and Ferro Rod.

You can use the Everstryke Perma-match just like a traditional permanent match because it uses ligher fluid and a wick.

Or, you can use the built-in Ferro Rod and striker to produce a shower of white-hot fire-starting sparks without lighter fluid. It’s your choice.

Here’s the best part… You can get the Everstryke Match for Free… Good while supplies last!

Ferrocerium

Ferrocerium is a man-made alloy that produces extremely hot sparks that can reach temperatures of over 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit (3,000 degrees Celsius) when struck with a metal object like a knife, striker or scraper. The sparks are caused by the rapid oxidation of the tiny Ferrocerium particles thrown off when striking the Ferrocerium Rod with a metal object.

How to Use A Ferro Rod

It’s important to use the proper technique when starting a fire with a ferro rod:

Hold the ferro rod close to the tinder at about a 45-degree angle.
Place the scraper near the top of the rod (so it makes solid contact with the rod).
Pull the rod back (away from the tinder) with a slow and steady motion.

Tip: Many people will hold the ferro rod next to the tinder and rub the scraper toward the tinder. By pulling the rod back (instead of rubbing the scraper forward) you’ll create a spark at the same place. But you’ll do it without risking bumping the scraper into your pile of tinder and scattering it all over the place.

Learning how to master the use of a ferro rod as a survival fire starter technique is a survival skill that can save your life in an emergency situation, even if your matches are wet… or your lighter runs out of fluid… which is why a ferro rod fire starter is a must-have survival tool!

What Is A Ferro Rod?

A Ferro rod, also known as a Ferrocerium Rod, is a tool used by campers, survivalists and other outdoor enthusiasts to quickly start a fire without matches. A Ferro Rod looks like a small steel rod, which is probably why some people call it “fire steel”. Ferrocerium is a man-made metallic alloy that produces sparks of 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit (or hotter) when scraped with a rough edge like a rock, or a sharp edge like a knife. Ferro rods work without lighter fluid, and can start a fire even when wet.

What Is A Ferro Rod Made Of?

Ferro rods are made of Ferrocerium, which is a man-made alloy of iron, magnesium, cerium and several other rare-earth metals.

The combination of metals creates sparks when the ferrocerium rod (firesteel) is scraped with a rough surface or a sharp edge. And it works under cold, wet, windy conditions that would defeat matches or a lighter.

Some Ferro rods come with strikers. Almost any sharp-edged item will do, even a rock. But you’ll get the most consistent sparks from a hard steel object, like the spine of a knife blade.

(Because Ferro rods contain iron, they’re often coated to prevent oxidation. You’ll need to scrape away the coating to expose shiny metal before first use.)

The process of starting a ferro rod fire is like using flint and steel, but with an important difference. Flint and steel produce a spark of about 800 degrees F.

Better quality Ferro rods can produce a spark of 3000 degrees or hotter. That’s roughly 30% hotter than a blast furnace and almost 70% hotter than the hottest molten lava.

A Ferro Rod Expands Your Options

That extra heat can make a big difference when you’re lost, cold or hungry and you don’t have a waterproof survival lighter handy like the Life Strike Lighter.

When you know how to use a Ferro rod, you gain a wider range of potential tinder, because the rod will ignite material you can’t light with other tools. And the Ferro rod will be more forgiving of bad luck or inexperience, which make them a perfect for everyday carry survival kits.

When you’re ready to build your ferro rod fire, start by clearing enough protected surface area to contain the fire.

Then gather material, starting with tinder to catch the first sparks. This can be anything that will ignite quickly. If you’re collecting on the spot, consider pine needles, plant fibers, bird nests, hair, shredded strips of duct tape, even fine strands of steel wool. In this video I show you how the Everstryke Match with the built in ferro rod is a great cotton ball fire starter with just a little vaseline and a single spark.

Commercial products are also available, from resin-rich fatwood to manufactured firestarters made of compressed sawdust and paraffin. You can also make your own from materials around the house like dryer lint or cotton balls soaked in Vaseline.

Whatever your tinder and kindling, you should also collect pieces of wood of various sizes from fairly fine, dry twigs to larger pieces that will burn longer. You’ll add these to the fire gradually as it becomes more stable.

How are Ferro Rods Made?

A Ferro rod looks like a small steel rod that is made from Ferrocerium, which is a man-made metallic alloy that produces sparks in excess of 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit when it’s scraped with a rough edge like a rock, or a sharp edge like a knife.

The exact chemical composition of a ferro rod varies from one manufacturer to the next, but a typical rod consists of 50% cerium, 25% lanthanum and 19% iron. There are also trace amounts of praseodymium, neodymium, and magnesium. These rods are a great choice for outdoor lighting due to the fact that withstand a variety of outdoor conditions, including wind and rain.

How Long Does a Ferro Rod Last?

The length of time a ferro rod will last depends on the size of the rod, the quality of the composition and the usage of the rod. A larger rod will generally last much longer than a smaller rod.

A larger rod with a quality composition (at least 20.8% iron and 41.% cerium) and very little usage will typically last much longer than a rod of the same size with poor composition or high-quality composition and high usage.

When choosing a brand one must think about what it will be used for and the durability needed for the job needing to be accomplished. An individual who camps out periodically may not need a high quality or a larger rod because their usage would be low, leading to the rod lasting longer. In contrast, an outdoor enthusiast who frequently needs to start fires will want to opt for a larger, higher quality rod (at least 20.8% iron and 53% cerium) to meet the demands that frequent usage of the rod will bring.

Rods hardened with iron oxide and magnesium oxide tend to create hotter sparks and higher temperature outputs in regards to the fire produced.

Lower quality rods can be identified not only by its lack of iron and cerium but also it’s texture.

High-quality rods tend to be hard in texture making it easy to produce a spark when struck against a rough surface, while low-quality rods are soft and require more strikes to achieve the spark necessary to start a burn.

What’s the Difference Between Ferrocerium and Magnesium?

The primary difference between ferrocerium and magnesium is that ferrocerium is an actual fire starter while magnesium is not.

Ferrocerium is a synthetic material consisting of various elements (typically 50% cerium, 25% lanthanum and 19% iron) that create sparks when scraped across rough surfaces, whereas magnesium ignites when sparks connect with it and create a long-lasting, extremely hot flame.

Another difference between the two is their temperature outputs. While ferrocerium creates sparks that can exceed 3000 degrees Fahrenheit, the flame created by magnesium produces heat that can reach temperatures over 4000 degrees Fahrenheit.

The two can be used together to create a long lasting fire with intense heat output.

Check out our comprehensive Magnesium Fire Starter FAQ for more info.

Why Does Metal Spark When Struck?

Metal sparks when struck because when you strike steel with a harder substance it releases extremely small iron particles into the air, and then the iron particles spontaneously ignite when exposed to the air, creating sparks.

Here’s how the process works:

Iron is a pyrophoric substance, which means it spontaneously catches fire at relatively low temperature when exposed to air.

All steels contain iron (although some steels contain significantly more iron than other).

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.

Are Ferro Rods Waterproof?

Yes, Ferro rods are waterproof and will work when wet, even if you’re trying to light a fire in the rain or the Ferro Rod has been submerged under water for days.

Ferro Rod vs Magnesium

The biggest difference between a Ferro Rod and Magnesium is that a Ferro Rod will create sparks, but it won’t burn. On the other hand, Magnesium shavings will burn, but only if you use an external source of fire to ignite them. So, you use Magnesium shavings as tinder for starting your fire, and you use a Ferro Rod to to ignite the Magnesium shavings. That’s why most Magnesium Fire Starters include a tool to shave the Magnesium off the block as well as a Ferro Rod to ignite the Magnesium.

Check out our How To Use A Ferro Rod and How To Use a Magnesium Fire Starter articles for more info.

Free Ferro Rod

The original Everstryke Perma-Match has a built-in Ferro Rod and striker, and it’s free…

Free Everstryke Match Get Yours Now! or Free Everstryke Pro Grab Yours Right Now, while you still can. Good while supplies last.