Wondering what to include in your emergency or survival kit? Well, a Ferro rod is a useful fire starter that every camper or outdoorsman should own. Knowing how to start a fire is essential for survival. However, beyond stocking my camping survival kit with tinder, I always keep in handy a Ferro rod as a fire starter. Of course, I won’t lack some rechargeable lighters and waterproof matches in my arsenal. Still, I love that Ferro rods light fairly easily to create hot sparks, and they can even work in any weather condition.
Read on to know more about a Ferro rod and all that entails it.
What Exactly is a Ferro Rod?
Commonly known as a Ferro rod, a Ferrocerium rod is a metallic material that contains a mix of metal alloys known as mischmetal. In general, this includes 50% cerium, 20% of lanthanum, and 19% of iron.
Typically, Ferrocerium rods are designed with a black protective coating that is silver in color once scrapped off. When its surface is struck, a Ferro rod produces hot sparks above 3000 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an excellent fire starter when camping.
What is a Ferro Rod Made Up Of?
As mentioned, Ferro rods contain a mixture of cerium, lanthanum, and iron. Nonetheless, the composition of these metals may vary with the brand as some may also add other elements to improve the quality of fire.
Depending on the brand, Ferrocerium can also contain small amounts of other metals such as magnesium, neodymium, and praseodymium. However, it is worth noting that a Ferro rod is not the same as a magnesium block since it only contains a small amount of magnesium.
This device is made up of two pieces including a piece of Ferrocerium and a scraper. It works by striking the two parts together to create friction, which then shaves off bits of Ferrocerium and produces a bright spark. But this is just the spark, you still need tinder to make the fire This makes it a must-have when you pack for hunting trips and is an essential fire starter in an emergency survival kit for bushcraft.
Ferro Rods V.S. Other Fire Starters
Alongside Ferro rods, there are other fire starter options, each with its pros and cons. Like Ferro rods, magnesium fire starters contain magnesium blocks and Ferro rods. magnesium has a very low ignition point and will burn with just a little spark. So when people use it, they first scrape some powder out of the magnesium block and then ignite it with the spark generated by the Ferro rod. The good thing is that you don’t need to look for extra Tider.
The other common fire starters are waterproof and windproof matches and lighter. These fire starters are easy to use and offer weather protection. The only issue is that you are likely to run out of matches while out in the wild or your lighter can lose charge.
A flint fire starter makes a good fire starter because of its durability. Flint is a tough rock that is often found on beaches and streams. Flint is also known as a construction material, a gemstone, and a tool maker.
Although flint was originally used to make tools, it is now a common source of fire. A flint fire starter is used with steel to create a flickering flame that ignites the fire. In order to create a flame, you simply need to keep striking the steel with the flint fire starter. However, it is harder to create a big spark.
Overall, I love Ferro rods and would recommend them to any rookie camper or outdoorsman. Although flint fire starters will last long, Ferro rods are convenient, versatile, and stand the test of time.
Why Should You Own a Ferro Rod?
Ferro rod is an essential survival device that every fire starter should own. Read on to know why I believe that; unlike a flint, a Ferro rod should not go missing in your arsenal contrary to having a flint fire starter.
· Lights Quickly
This is probably one of the major benefits of Ferro rods as a fire starter when compared to other options. If you use the right tinder, it can spark heat up to 3000 degrees F, which is twice as hot as regular matches and lighters. The device is also easy to use, so getting the fire started will be effortless.
· Versatile
A good number of Ferro rod brands are designed with an attached scraper to produce a nice ember. Unlike lighters and matches that may fail during wet or windy weather, the Ferro rod can produce a consistent flame regardless of the weather condition.
Like a flint fire starter, Ferro rods also use steel. Impressively, the scraper part of some Ferro rods can serve as bottle openers, a scraper, bit drivers, or hex wrenches. This makes it a highly versatile ignition device that will give you value for money during camping and other outdoor activities.
· Durable
Although a flint fire starter is very durable, most survival experts like me will agree that Ferro rods are highly durable. Made from metal, this fire starter can burn at high degrees and can resist rain, snow, and other harsh elements. Moreover, it is possible to light up to 4000 fires with one Ferro rod. Besides, bigger Ferro rods can last longer and can give more than 20,000 strikes.
· Weatherproof
Ferro rods can survive in extreme weather conditions. That means that you can still register a spark and light a fire whether it is windy, snowy, or rainy. It can work well even after being submerged in water.
Steps for Using a Ferro Rod
Planning to go hiking but don’t know how to use a Ferro rod? Well, these are some steps that I follow:
Step 1: Prepare the Tinder
I always start a fire with dry tinder. Start by preparing the tinder bundle. If you can’t find tinder, consider getting a drying lint, dried grass, a tree’s inner bark, or biofuel tabs to start your fire.
Some people also use a paracord to start a fire. Besides being a fashionable accessory, a paracord is an emergency survival gear that is often overlooked when it comes to lighting fires. Some paracord contain a tinder as an inner strand, It is waxed jute. You just need to cut it and use it as a tinder. Whether you use dried grass or a paracord, make sure that the tinder can get ignited by the Ferrocerium rod in order to create a flame.
Step 2: Place the Rod and the Striker
Then, place the Ferro rod in the middle of the tinder and apply the right pressure while holding it with your left hand. Use the other hand to hold the longer scarper at a 45 degrees angle. If you don’t have a scarper, I recommend getting a survival knife that has a 90-degree angle in order to save the sharp edge of the blade.
Step 3: Produce Sparks
Place a decent amount of pressure while sliding the striker on the rod surface. This will produce sparks, although it requires practice and a bit of patience. This is especially true if you are using a new rod. Continue sliding the striker along the rod at the same spot until there is a glowing ember.
How to Choose the Best Ferro Rod Bulk
Not all Ferro rods are made equal. Based on your needs, there are several things that you need to keep in mind when making your selection.
1. Material
Different manufacturers use different methods to manufacture Ferro rods. Ferro rods are crafted from elements like cerium (50%), iron (19%), and lanthanum (25%). They also contain small amounts of earth metals like praseodymium and pyrophoric. The type and amount of metal used usually determine the hardness level.
Ideally, Ferro rods with a high amount of iron fall under the hard category. This is because they are hard to scrape off and are quite durable. Also, they don’t produce a lot of spark like their counterparts in the soft category.
If you are looking for cheap Ferro rods, softer Ferro rods may be ideal for you. These rods contain high amounts of magnesium, which causes them to produce gobs of molten burning metal rather than spark. Furthermore, they are prone to wearing out faster. However, this should not be much of a problem if you don’t use your Ferro rod often. Overall, the best hardness will depend on the kind of tinder you use, whether dried grass, lint or a paracord.
2. Size of the Ferro Rod
Ferro rods come in varying lengths and widths, and the best choice will depend on where you intend to use them. An advantage of bigger Ferro rods is that they have a large surface area, making them easier to work with. Because of this, they also give more strikes, thus giving you fire. Unlike smaller Ferro rods, bigger-size Ferro rods last longer and can be used for at least 600 fires.
Better still, large Ferro rods are easy to grip in your hands even in adverse survival conditions. This is very crucial for me because my hands usually lose dexterity in cold conditions. Ultimately, pick larger Ferro rods if you are a novice and want to practice and hone your skill. On the downside, big Ferro rods tend to be heavy. Therefore, if the weight matters, you may want to change it to a compact device.
On the other hand, smaller Ferro rods can measure between 3 and 4 inches and come with a lightweight design. Because of their small size, compact Ferro rods are easy to pack. They are also ideal for everyday wear, and you can put them on a keyfob or wear them with a lanyard. However, they may be difficult to work with because of their small surface area. Additionally, it may be difficult to get good fire with small Ferro rods unless you have fine motor skills.
3. Quality of the Striker
Something else that I find paramount when choosing my Ferro rod from a supplier is the scraper design and quality. I have used brands with low-quality scraper that quickly lost their sharp edge.
I’ve also found such scrapers difficult to grip while others are difficult to get flicker even when I use the correct technique. Therefore, I highly recommend double-checking the striker of your Ferro rod to ensure that it gives more friction for better fire results. You may want to ask the supplier to help you choose the best quality.
4. Ease of Use
A good Ferro rod should be easy to use and hold; otherwise, you might not get much from it. That is why most are designed with a lanyard hole. The lanyard hole lets you put it on a keychain for ease of carrying. Personally, I find the lanyard pretty useful because I can hang it around my neck at all times, and I don’t have to worry about losing the Ferro rod.
Other than the lanyard, the handle should also be well-fitting and ergonomic. It should be made from a durable material that will withstand wear and tear, and it should offer a comfortable grip even with gloves on.
5. Additional Features
Something else to keep in mind is the additional features that come with the Ferro rod. This can include things like an emergency whistle, fatwood handles, tinder compartments, magnesium blocks, a lanyard hole, and more. Some even come with a carrying case to protect them from moisture and rust. Something else to consider is that Ferro rods with extra features may be more expensive than their counterparts. Nevertheless, they offer more convenience and comfort.
6. Price
Although not the most important factor, considering the Ferro rod’s price will help in making a decision. In general, softer Ferro rods are more affordable than harder Ferro rods. Nonetheless, you can expect to pay around $10 to $15 for Ferro rods which will get the job done.
However, if you want extra features like an emergency whistle or lanyard hole, a Ferro rod supplier can charge a heftier price tag of around $20 or more. It also helps to inquire about the shipping charges as this can add to the price of the product. Generally, shipping can vary from one supplier to another.
Conclusion
Ultimately, you and I cannot deny the importance of a Ferro rod compared to other sources of fire like flint. This tool is vital to pack in your Bug Out Bag as it can help you survive in emergencies and keep you from freezing in extreme conditions when out hiking or camping. To register optimal results, make sure that you purchase from a reputable supplier and continuously practice how to strike the rod.
