Ferro rod is also called fire steel, fire striker, ferro stick, and flint stick. There are plenty of manufacturers that make this an essential survival tool. Unfortunately, not all of them are reliable. To help you find the right one, I’ve listed 10 of the best ferro rod manufacturers in the United Kingdom, plus much more!
Source: Pexels
Are Firesteel Blanks Better Than Fire Steels with Handles?
Firesteel blanks are stripped-down versions of ferro rods. They don’t have a handle or a striker. You’re only getting the fire starter rod.
So, what’s the purpose of these fire starter blanks?
- Firesteel blanks form part of the survival kits of some special forces. Since they’re compact and small, they’re easy to carry.
- If you search the internet, retailers or wholesalers often offer firesteel blanks for sale. They supply them individually or in different pack sizes (3 per pack, 25 per pack, 50 per pack, etc.).
- Small firesteel blanks are great for beginners or children who are new to fire-making or want to use them for crafts.
- People can use firesteel blanks to make their own firesteel survival kit.
Do Firesteel Survival Kits Expire?
The standard firesteel blanks last anywhere from 8,000 to 12,000 strikes. This might not look like much, but it would take casual users years before they reached that mark.
Ferro rod has a protective coating on the surface, this is to prevent oxidation and rusting, when the coating is not done properly or when the surface is wet after scraping off the coating it will rust or form a powdery substance on the surface for this reason.
With that said, read on to find out about some of the high-quality manufacturers of ferro rods in the UK.
If you want to know more about Ferro rod, you can refer to this article：What is Ferro Rod: The 7 Most Important Things You Should Know
Top 10 Best Ferro Rod Manufacturers
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Bison Bushcraft
Source: Bison Bushcraft
Business Introduction: Bison Bushcraft was established in 1996. It’s one of the pioneering businesses in the wilderness skills training industry in the UK. Roger Harrison started the business because he recognized the need for fun wilderness skills training, as well as a steady supply of essential and thoroughly tested wilderness survival kits and crafts.
Best Product: Bison Bushcraft’s “Strikefire Firesteel” is available in two types of handle materials: handcrafted antlers with brass lining and recycled ocean plastic. Every firesteel comes with a scraper, which is attached to the rod handle with a paracord lanyard.
The great thing about this item is that it has a vegetable-tanned leather belt loop. (But this item is only available for their online bulk deals.) You can also get a discounted price if you buy their firesteel and leather belt loops together.
Pros
Their firesteel seems to work well as an emergency fire starter for different purposes (bushcraft, camping, hiking, etc.). I love that this item comes with its own leather belt loop, which not a lot of businesses offer. Another thing that’s impressive is the business’ dedication to creating eco-friendly products without compromising quality.
Cons
They don’t allow customers to request a refund or cancel orders if they bought any item (except for the knives) that’s made to their specifications.
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BCB International
Source: BCB International
Business Introduction: BCB International is an award-winning company that’s based in Cardiff, United Kingdom. They design, manufacture, and supply products for the military, Marines, and leisure markets.
Their facility has an MHRA GMP license, which they have held for more than three decades. This means they’ve consistently manufactured high-quality products in compliance with the principles of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
Best Product: The “Fireball” firesteel weighs roughly 40 grams (approx. 1.30 ounces) and is 3 inches (approx. 8 centimeters) long, which is ideal for people who are new to using a firesteel. The rod handle has a built-in, liquid-filled compass. It also has a solid scraper with a serrated edge that creates good sparks.
Pros
The company has been designing, manufacturing, and supplying products for different sectors for over sixty years. They’ve also received numerous awards. So, it’s safe to say you’re working with a reputable company.
Cons
This firesteel survival kit is available only in one size. If your main market is casual campers or those who use firesteel for crafts, this won’t be a problem. The good thing is that you can always talk to the company about your requirements and ask for a price quote.
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Baiyuheng Outdoor
Source: Baiyuheng Outdoor
Business Introduction: Baiyuheng Outdoor started with paracord. Then, over the years, they’ve successfully increased their product line to include (but not limited to):
- Camping and hiking equipment
- Blankets
- Firesteel and other fire starters
- Outdoor cooking gadgets
- Ropes
- Survival kits
- Tents
- And much more.
Note: If you’re after free postage to save money, you can contact the manufacturer to negotiate shipping details.
Best Product: Baiyuheng Outdoor made sure their firesteel with striker would continue to work in any altitude or weather condition. It can last up to an approx. of 15,000 strikes. It’s capable of producing sparks that can reach temperatures of over 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to ignite a variety of tinder.
Pros
Based on the product specifications, this firesteel is worth considering. The average firesteel will only last approx. 8,000 to 12,000 strikes (compared to this firesteel’s 15,000 strikes).
The company itself has a certified facility with a large workforce to accommodate large order volumes from around the world. They can customize your brand logo, product packaging, and firesteel survival kits.
Cons
They’re not a local manufacturer, so you can’t inspect the facility anytime you want. But the good thing about them is that they have a quick response time (approx. less than 7 hours). Customer reviews also show they produce high-quality items at a reasonable price.
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Helko Werk
Source: Helko Werk
Business Introduction: One of the members of the Helsper family started the “Helsper Tool Factory” (or “Helsper Werkzeugfabrik” in German) in 1844 in Cronenberg, Germany. After Mr. Kotthaus became a business partner in the early 1930s, the company’s name changed to “Helko” (a combination of Helsper and Kotthaus). Today, Helko is popular worldwide for their premium axes, hatchets, and forestry tools.
Best Product: If you’re looking for a long and chunky firesteel, the Helko Werk Hex Fire Steel might be what you need. The 1/2-inch thick and 6-inch long, it can last approx. 20,000 strikes. Its sturdy striker serves six functions: scraper, striker, map sale, mini ruler, hex wrench, and bottle opener.
Pros
They’ve done this for over a century, so you can expect only the best from their firesteel. One of the simplest ways to determine the quality of their firesteel is by inspecting the handle. They used only the finest hardwood, such as American hickory, for the handles. Then they treated it with Swedish linseed oil to repel water and prevent rotting.
Cons
Many people believe Helko Werk is an underrated brand, despite producing premium tools. If you’re willing to pay a premium price for their products, they’re worth checking out.
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aZengear
Source: aZengear
Business Introduction: AZengear is a London-based company that mainly sells sports compression socks for men and women. But they also make practical camping and outdoor equipment, including firesteel, a folding hand saw, a loud whistle, paracord, silicone ear plugs, a titanium toothpick, a survival bracelet, and a survival whistle with a flint fire starter.
Best Product: AZengear’s “Ferro Rod Striker with Fluorescent Paracord” is only 0.35 inches thick and 2.55 inches long (less than the length of a normal-sized soup can). Despite its smaller size, it can generate up to 10,000 strikes, with sparks reaching up to 3,000 degrees Celsius (approx. 5,432 degrees Fahrenheit).
Pros
This firesteel would make a great gift for anyone, including children. It might be small, but it can quickly produce hot sparks with minimal pressure. If you ever get lost in the woods or want to stock the very best firesteel, you’d want to have this in your survival kit.
Cons
AZengear makes great products. Despite this, they might not be the best option as your brand grows. You need a big manufacturing company (e.g., Baiyuheng Outdoor) to handle your production and compete with more established brands.
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Forest Fundamentals
Source: Forest Fundamentals
Business Introduction: Forest Fundamentals is a family-run business operating in Bath, England. Elvis Jai, the founder and owner, started the business out of pure passion for the outdoors and the process involved in making a handcrafted item. Today, the business makes a variety of camping and survival gear, such as:
- Fire starters (e.g., firesteel)
- Fire strikers
- Tinder
- Tinder pouches
- Utility candles
Best Product: Forest Fundamentals makes four types of ferro rods, one of which is the “Artisan Fire Starter” with a handcrafted wood handle. It’s available in three sizes: 12mm (20,000 strikes), 10mm (15,000 strikes), and 8mm (12,000 strikes).
Pros
Forest Fundamentals doesn’t only develop and manufacture their own products; they also test them before releasing them to the market. According to satisfied customers, they have great fire starters, delivery time, and customer service.
Cons
It’s difficult to find fault with this company because most of their customer feedback is positive. Perhaps since they’re a small, family-owned business, it’s easier for them to become overwhelmed by increasing demands from their clients.
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TBS Outdoor
Source: TBS Outdoor
Business Introduction: According to the owner, he put up “TBS Outdoor” because he couldn’t find retailers and manufacturers that sell outdoor gear kits that fit his purposes. He started with a fixed knife that’s efficient and easy to maintain. Then, he later focused his attention on other products, such as canteen pots, fire steels, and water bottles.
Best Product: There aren’t a lot of details about the “TBS Firesteel.” But based on the pictures and demo video, the striking rod is approx. between 2 and 3 inches long. It has a wooden handle (available in black and orange) and a multi-function striker. This piece doesn’t come with a paracord lanyard or storage case.
Pros
The business sources its steel from the best foundries in Europe. They took their time in choosing and testing the materials for their fire steel (and other products) to give you the best value for your money.
Cons
Their products are perhaps not the cheapest on the market. But the business takes pride in their quality items and great customer service, which is a rare combination nowadays.
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Polymath Products
Source: Polymath Products
Business Introduction: Polymath Products is a Somerset-based business that has been around since 2013. They’re known worldwide for their practical and top-notch outdoor survival kits and EDC gadgets. To show confidence in the products they produce, they back them up with a full forty-day guarantee.
Best Product: The “Spitfire” firesteel will surely tick all the boxes of any outdoor enthusiast. It might be small (9.5 mm wide x 55 mm long), but it can generate a large volume of sparks at 3,000 degrees Celsius (around 5,400+ degrees Fahrenheit) with just one strike. It stays effective for up to 12,000 strikes.
Pros
If ever you need a compact and reliable firesteel, you can’t go wrong with the “Spitfire” firesteel. It would make a great gift for adults, whether they’re preppers or not.
Cons
While most of their products are great, not all people can take advantage of them. Polymath Products only ships to customers within the UK.
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Casstrom Limited
Source: Casstrom Limited
Business Introduction: When you have a founder and CEO who’s been raised in one of Europe’s last wilderness areas, you can expect products that truly resonate with outdoor enthusiasts. Casstrom Limited was catapulted to fame when they released the “Casström No. 10 Swedish Forest Knife.” Since then, they’ve become a go-to brand for premium outdoor knives and other equipment for fishing, foraging, and hunting.
Best Product: Casstrom offers four types of firesteel products, which share the same dimensions and materials (except for their handles). All of them are approx. 2.35 inches in length (excluding the handle) and 9.5 millimeters in diameter (full army size). The striking rod is made of all-weather ferrocerium steel and can last up to 12,000 strikes.
Pros
Casstrom has built a good reputation throughout the years. When it comes to their ferro rods, they almost always work as advertised. They throw good sparks when struck, regardless of the weather.
Cons
Despite being an established brand, Casstrom has its fair share of quality issues. For instance, a few customers complained about the firesteel handle falling apart almost immediately.
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Gerber
Source: Gerber
Business Introduction: Gerber started in 1939 as the knife company Gerber Legendary Blades. The knife collection community cherished their premium knives. By the time the 1960s rolled along, Gerber developed other tools and accessories for making life outdoors simpler.
Best Product: The Gerber firesteel is 12.2 centimeters long and 2.3 centimeters thick (army size). Aside from the usual components of a firesteel kit, this product comes with air rescue instructions, waterproof storage for tinder, and an emergency whistle.
Pros
It’s difficult for Gerber to stay in business for almost a century if they don’t consistently produce premium products that people value. On top of that, they offer a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty for all their products to give you peace of mind.
Cons
It seems that Gerber outsources the production of some of their products. This isn’t totally a bad thing, but it leaves them with little control over the quality of their products.
Other Facts About Ferro Rod Bulk
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Are Firesteel Blanks Safe?
Source: Gerd Altmann on Pixabay
Unless you eat them or inhale the smoke they produce for a long time, firesteel blanks are generally safe. According to CAMEO Chemicals, ferrocerium may cause irritation if it comes into contact with your eyes, skin, and other sensitive areas of your body. If that happens, contact a healthcare professional immediately.
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What Happens When You Throw a Fire Steel in a Fire?
Source: Marko Horvat on Unsplash
Firesteel blanks are flammable, but don’t expect them to explode or flare up like an emergency flare when you burn them in a fire. As shown in the video below, the rod started to break apart and became soft like a paste after 15 minutes in the fire.
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Are Fire Steels Better Than Lighter?
Source: Josch13 on Pixabay
Ferro rods are better than lighters for several reasons:
- Water-resistant
Ferro rod blanks will still work even when wet. Wiping them dry with any dry cloth is all you need to do to use them again. On the other hand, lighters will not get damaged by being exposed to water for a short or long period. The problem is that their spark wheel can’t generate any good sparks when wet. But once it dries out, you can use it again.
- Long lifespan
Normal-sized cigarette lighters will continue working for approx. 55 to 60 minutes before they run out of fuel. On average, ferro rod blanks can last for 8,000 to 12,000 strikes. That usually means it’s going to take years before you need to buy a new one.
- Durability
For this one, it really depends. Both ferro rod blanks and lighters are durable. However, any damage to a lighter’s body could compromise the pressure inside, which causes it to stop working. Thin and/or soft ferro rod blanks are prone to breaking while striking.
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Do Firesteel Rods Wear Out?
The short answer is “yes.” Over time, firesteel rods will naturally wear out due to frequent use or exposure to different weather elements (e.g., heat and moisture). As a result, it’s important for retailers to choose a manufacturer that can consistently supply them with high-quality ferrocerium rods.
But with proper use and care, one firesteel is all you need for the rest of your life, which could save you money in the long run.
Conclusion
Source: KhanaBadosh on Pixabay
Ferro rods are undoubtedly one of the best alternative fire-starting tools out there. Because they’re a crucial component of a good survival kit, it’s important to do thorough research. Get in touch with as many manufacturers as possible. If you can’t make up your mind, any of the top three manufacturers on this list could be a good match for you.
