It’s easy to get overwhelmed when looking for the best ferro rods to sell. There are so many manufacturers to choose from. To help you get started, this article will break down 10 of the best ferro rod suppliers in Canada today.
Source: Pixabay
What is a Ferro Rod?
Ferro, or ferrocerium, is a man-made metal that’s flammable. Because of this, it serves as an essential source of ignition in outdoor production.
The recipe for ferrocerium might slightly differ for every manufacturer. However, it usually consists of the same chemicals and metals, such as:
- Cerium (50 percent) ferro rod bulk
- Lanthanum (25 percent) ferro rod manufacturers
- Iron (19 percent) ferro rod for sale
- Magnesium ferro rod wholesale
- Neodymium ferro rod suppliers
- Praseodymium
While the quality of the rod is crucial, it’s not as important as the striker itself. The design and construction quality of a striker make a huge difference. So, when you’re looking through different ferro rod manufacturers, don’t forget to check the striker that comes with the ferro rod. ferro rod bulk
You might be wondering: What’s the best ferro rod striker? ferro rod manufacturers
It’s a survival knife with a 90-degree spine. The back of these knives provides a good angle for striking a ferro rod, allowing a person to have strong, well-controlled strikes. ferro rod for sale
The Best Uses for Ferro Rods
Source: LUM3N on Pixabay
You can use ferro rods both indoors and outdoors. Because they can easily start a fire in a wide range of weather conditions, ferro rods have become an important wilderness survival tool throughout the years.
Best used for:
- BBQ grill ferro rod wholesale
- Camping ferro rod suppliers
- Hiking ferro rod bulk
- Hunting ferro rod manufacturers
- Emergency ferro rod for sale
- Fishing ferro rod wholesale
- Gas stove ferro rod suppliers
- Off-grid living
Best Ferro Rod Manufacturers in Canada
Trying to find a supplier that fits your budget and requirements can be a difficult task. It’s easy to give in to frustration when you hit dead ends. But with a bit of patience, finding the right supplier for your new business is possible.
Below are a few suggestions on where you can source good-quality ferro rods.
1. Coghlan’s
Source: Coghlan’s
Business Introduction: Norman Louis Coghlan used to sell camping equipment, such as camping stoves and lanterns, in his store on the side. He mainly supplied his products to hardware stores in Canada and the United States. Then, in 1959, he established Coghlan’s Gas Appliances in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Now, Coghlan’s is one of Canada’s major manufacturers of camping accessories in the world. Their product line has grown to more than 450 products, which include:
- Air pumps ferro rod bulk
- Candles ferro rod manufacturers
- Cooking utensils ferro rod for sale
- Fire starters ferro rod wholesale
- Hammocks ferro rod suppliers
- Hand tools
- Laundry lines and accessories
- Lightsticks
- Rain gear
- Tent pegs and mallets
Best Product: Coghlan’s “Flint Striker” can last up to 4,000 strikes, which is already a lifetime for most people. Securing the ferrocerium rod and striker together is a durable, round-braided cord.
Aside from that, it’s water-resistant, so it still emits sparks even when wet or cold. Its performance isn’t affected by altitude or weather. Lastly, it lets you get a good grip to easily start a fire with only a few strikes.
Pros
Coghlan’s Flint Striker works exactly as advertised. Probably its biggest advantage is its size, which allows it to last for years—if you only start one fire a night with only two strikes.
Cons
The striker that comes with the ferro rod isn’t the best. In addition, Coghlan’s could improve on its handle design and construction quality. Some consumers say the handle falls off the rod easily.
2. Boreal Ventures Canada
Source: Boreal Ventures Canada
Business Introduction: Boreal Ventures Canada is based in Whitby, Ontario, a town popular for its nature and historical sites. They sell outdoor essentials from major companies, such as UCO and Ultimate Survival Technologies.
Best Product: They also make their own camping and outdoor products, including custom ferro rods. Their most expensive is “The Grizzly” ferro rod with a moose antler handle. If you’re on a tight budget, they have ferro rods that cost under $50, such as the “Ferro Rod Wood” with a birch hardwood handle.
Pros ferro rod bulk
The wood handles offer a unique and sophisticated style to each ferro rod. They’re also available in different styles and sizes to meet a wide variety of customer needs.
Cons ferro rod manufacturers
Only three of their in-house products come with their own striker. They’re also not a big manufacturing facility, so they might not be able to keep up with high-volume demand.
3. Baiyuheng Outdoor
Source: Baiyuheng Outdoor
Business Introduction: Baiyuheng Outdoor has over 15 years of experience producing high-quality camping and hiking equipment. The company is more than capable of fulfilling bulk orders, thanks to its large workforce and ISO-certified manufacturing facility.
The company offers customization services to help you make the most of your investment. For instance, you can put your business logo on the items. You can even get a sample before placing a bulk order.
Best Product: Baiyuheng’s ferro rod is long-lasting and safe. It doesn’t ignite by itself. Your customers will also like its striker, which can function as a bottle opener and ruler.
Pros
Baiyuheng Outdoor can keep up with high-volume orders because they’re a big manufacturing company. They can customize your product’s logo, packaging, and graphics to make sure it stands out from your competitors. Another great thing about them is their short lead time (around a week).
Cons
At the moment, they don’t offer a lot options for their ferro rod survival kit. However, you can always get in touch with them and talk about your requirements.
4. Leonard LeatherWorks
Source: Etsy
Business Introduction: Leonard LeatherWorks is another great option. The owners, Leonard and Renae, make their products in their small shop in the woods of Fort Frances, Ontario.
Leonard, or Len for short, is a skilled leather craftsman with more than three decades of experience. People buy from him because of his commitment to creating quality products that don’t disappoint.
Best Product: Leonard and Renae offer their ferro rods in sets of 3, 5, and 10, which are low in stock at the moment of writing this. You can also buy it by the piece.
The size of the ferro rods is 5/6 inches, with a total length of 4 inches. Each ferro rod handle has a hole for a string (included). The blade of the striker doubles as a bottle opener and ruler.
Pros
Leonard takes pride in his creations. His superb craftsmanship and great customer service are two of the reasons people keep coming back to him.
Cons
If you want to start small, you might want to consider small independent ferro rod suppliers. In that way, if things don’t work out according to plan, you’re not stuck with a large inventory of ferro rods. But if you plan to sell to a lot of people, you might want to consider bigger and more established manufacturers, such as Baiyuheng Outdoor.
5. Arbutus Coast
Source: Arbutus Coast
Business Introduction: Arbutus Coast makes all their products in Victoria, British Columbia. They personally test their handcrafted goods in the toughest weather conditions Canada has to offer to make sure they live up to expectations.
Best Product: Arbutus Coast’s 10-in-1 survival necklace is available in two colors: black and bronze. It consists of the following items:
- Fish hooks
- Fishing weights
- Water purification tablets
- A cotton string (for sewing clothes or cuts)
- A fishing line
- A weather-resistant tinder
- A 550-pound parachute cord
- A pill bottle
- A flint with a striker
Pros
Arbutus Coast’s product doesn’t only look great; it also consists of tools that people who love the outdoors need.
Cons
The downside is that the company doesn’t have different types of ferro rods for sale. The one that they have is too short. So, it might not be the best option for people who engage in activities that require them to frequently start a fire.
6. Blades Canada Cutlery Corp.
Source: Blades Canada Cutlery Corp.
Business Introduction: Blades Canada Cutlery Corp. (then known as Warriors and Wonders) was established in Vancouver, Canada, in early 2000. It started out as a one-man operation selling fantasy swords and figurines in a physical shop. After those items became less popular, the business started to focus on outdoor gear, including axes, hunting knives, and tactical backpacks.
Best Product: The company’s ferro rod has a simple yet useful design. It has a lanyard loop and an attached lanyard, so the user can carry it with a knife. The unique handle design gives sufficient space for storing tinder, water purification tablets, or other small items.
The rod can last up to more than 5,000 fire-starting strikes. And since it’s replaceable, your customers don’t need to discard this tool when worn out or wet.
Pros
Blades Canada Cutlery Corp. ships (within 24 to 48 hours) only within Canada and the United States, which is both a good and a bad thing. It’s a good thing because it’s easier for them to guarantee the time of delivery.
Cons
If you’re living outside Canada or the United States, Blades Canada Cutlery Corp. isn’t the best option because they won’t ship to you. They won’t make exceptions to this policy.
7. Blueridge Craft Shop
Source: Etsy
Business Introduction: Another small independent producer of beautifully handcrafted ferro rods is the Blueridge Craft Shop. Craig makes these handcrafted items in North Vancouver, British Columbia.
Best Product: He currently offers five selections of ferro rods, which last 12,000 strikes. Each kit costs $40 as of the time of writing this article.
The handle is made from naturally shed antlers, giving each ferro rod a distinct feature. The rod striker is attached to a deer lace with an antler toggle. Each kit also comes with a thick tinder rope to start the fire quickly.
Pros
Craig’s handcrafted ferro rods are rare to find. They appeal more to collectors or people who love items that are great conversation starters.
Cons
Since this is a one-man operation, the order quantity is limited for every customer. It might also take time for Craig to fulfill your order.
8. GearTrade
Source: GearTrade
Business Introduction: GearTrade has been around since 2012. Jesse Hebenton, the owner and operator, is a certified outdoor gear enthusiast. It also doesn’t hurt that he has a degree in Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership, which means he has the know-how for all types of outdoor activities (backpacking, biking, mountain climbing, etc.).
The business used to carry pre-owned equipment, but that has long changed. Now, Jesse and his wife only provide the latest outdoor equipment on the market.
Best Product: GearTrade’s ferro rod comes in two sizes:
- Large (2.75 inches long, excluding the handle)
- Small (1.5 inches long, excluding the handle)
Aside from the length, the large ferro rod has magnesium for quickly creating fire in whatever weather condition. The small one doesn’t have it.
Pros
GearTrade’s ferro rods work great. They’re handy, light, and less expensive compared to a typical ferro rod. The owners are also helpful and welcoming.
Cons
If you’re going to the store for whatever reason (browse, buy, or online order pick-up), please be aware that they’ll only accommodate you if you have scheduled an appointment.
9. Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co.
Source: Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co.
Business Introduction: You might be puzzled as to why a supplier of home-built aircraft parts is selling ferro rods. You’re not alone. I was surprised at first, too.
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Company has been in business since 1956. It’s an American company, but they have multiple facilities, including one located at Brantford Airport in the county of Brant, Ontario, Canada.
Best Product: The company’s fire starter tool is made of anodized aluminum. The cylinder has small ridges along its surface and a built-in, stainless-steel blade outside its base. When you strike this cylinder using its 1/4-inch-thick ferromagnesian rod, it instantly creates a spark.
Here’s a YouTube video showing how to use this type of fire starter tool: https://youtu.be/aNzsFuHxYpI
Pros
As an aircraft spare parts provider, Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co. Received mixed customer reviews. Some people were impressed because the company shipped their orders fast and correctly. The ferro rod they’re selling looks durable and easy to use.
Cons
Just by their name alone, you already get the idea that they don’t specialize on manufacturing outdoor gear and accessories. Some customers also had trouble returning defective parts and receiving refunds.
10. North49
Source: Forest City Surplus Canada
Business Introduction: North49 is a Canadian company with more than a decade of experience in producing outdoor survival tools. It’s difficult to find more information about this company. They don’t seem to have an official website or accounts on any social media platforms.
Best Product: North49’s “Swiss Flint Survival Tool” has a striking area that measures 2-3/4 inches in length and 1/4 inches in diameter. It comes with a striker, which is secured to the ferro rod handle by a lanyard. It’s ideal for boating, camping, and hiking, among others.
Pros
The “Swiss Flint Survival Tool” is relatively affordable compared to the other ferro rods on this list. It’s not the best out there, but it would work well for beginners and casual users.
Cons
It’s difficult to find their contact information. Many online retailers, such as Forest City Surplus Canada, sell their products. If you’re determined to get your ferro rods from North49, consider calling or emailing any of these online retailers to find out how to get hold of the company.
Other Things You Need to Know About Ferro Rods
Source: Annie Spratt on Unsplash
If this is your first time hearing about ferro rods, it’s a good idea to learn more about them before making a major investment. In this part of the article, I’ll focus on the following things:
- Features you should look for in a ferro rod
- How to choose a manufacturer
What Should You Look for in a Ferro Rod?
Like other products, ferro rods vary from each other on different features. Depending on your needs, you need to pay close attention to their size. It usually dictates how long they’ll last.
With that in mind, here are a few things to keep in mind when picking ferro rods:
Length
The typical length of ferro rods is around 4 inches (excluding the handle length). While a short ferro rod is easy to carry, it doesn’t last long, especially if the diameter isn’t too thick.
Diameter
The diameter and length of the rod go hand-in-hand with each other. You wouldn’t want a 3-inch ferro rod that’s only 1/4-inch thick. Not only will it quickly wear out, but it’s also going to break easily. For casual users, a ferro rod that’s 1/2-inch thick and 5 inches long will last them for at least half a year.
Hardness/Softness
Ferro rods can be hard or soft. They’re both made of the same materials, but the only difference is the content ratio. Softer varieties have more magnesium than iron. The opposite is true for harder varieties.
If you want your ferro rods to last longer, you’ll want to get the harder ones. But if you want to offer your customers something more affordable, go for soft ferro rods.
Extra Features
Does it come with a lanyard, tinder, or water purification tablets?
Can your customers use the striker for other things, such as opening a bottle?
These are only a few extra features to think about. If you don’t find what you like, most suppliers (such as Baiyuheng Outdoor) offer customization services to meet your requirements.
Suggestion: You might want to include a water- and moisture-resistant pouch since ferro rods can rust if they get wet.
Tips for Choosing Manufacturers of Ferro Rod Bulk
Source: Jonathan on Pixabay
A successful business starts with finding a manufacturer that listens and understands your needs. To make the process less frustrating and costly, let’s discuss four considerations for choosing a manufacturer.
1. Are They a Manufacturer, Retailer, or Supplier?
At the risk of stating the obvious, retailers are businesses that order from manufacturers and suppliers, then sell them to customers. Suppliers in a business act more like the middleman between a manufacturer and a distributor or retailer. Manufacturers, such as Baiyuheng Outdoor, are responsible for producing products and/or services.
Depending on your product demand and customer base, it’s always a good idea to buy directly from a manufacturer for many reasons. Manufacturers usually offer better pricing, warranties, and lead times.
2. Local Manufacturer vs Overseas Manufacturer
If you pick a local manufacturer, it can boost your local economy. Communication is easier and faster because of a similar time zone and a lack of cultural differences. It’s also easier to check the status of your production because you’re closer to the manufacturer. ferro rod for sale
But here’s one of the major drawbacks of picking a local manufacturer: higher production costs. ferro rod wholesale
Working with overseas manufacturers, like those in China, isn’t a bad idea at all. It’s not a secret that most major brands source their products abroad because it’s cheaper, which often leads to better gross profit. ferro rod suppliers
Here’s a suggestion: Source your ferro rods abroad, and then keep your local manufacturer as a backup.
3. How is Their Customer Service?
This is often a deciding factor in whether you should consider doing business with a manufacturer or not. So, once you have your to-consider list, give those manufacturers a call or send them an email. If they don’t respond within 24 to 48 hours, you might want to consider others.
Conclusion
Ferro rods are one of the most reliable fire-starting tools any survivalist could have in their kit. Baiyuheng and the other suppliers I’ve mentioned in this article are only a few of your options.
Remember: Take your time and perform thorough research before making a final decision.
