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… [Read More]
Ferro Rod FAQ
Ferro Rod FAQ
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… [Read More]
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… [Read More]
