It’s important to use the proper technique when starting a fire with a ferro rod: 1. Hold the ferro rod close to the tinder at about a 45-degree angle. * 2. Place the scraper near the top of the ferro rod so it makes solid contact with the rod, just below your hand. 3. Pull the rod back (away […]
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 (which ferro rods are made of) 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 […]
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 […]
