Once you find yourself in the wilderness, you will quickly discover that fire will be your best friend. With the best ferro rod, you can start a fire to make food and safe water to consume. Since the beginning of times, starting a fire has been a huge problem for us. It takes a skilled and professional person to know how to start a fire without the help of such a rod.
In fact, you must be Bear Grylls if you can start it without spending numerous hours and energy. In addition to this, if you somehow manage to get lost, this object can save your life. By starting a fire, you will be able to signal for help and provide warmth for yourself. If you want to have a successful camping trip you will appreciate the importance of it.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Bayite Small Ferro Rod | • Accessories Included: No accessories included • Dimensions: Diameter: 5/16” Length: 1” • Suitable Environment: Wet and Dry | Check Price |
 | Exotac FireRod Ferrocerium Fire Starter | • Accessories Included: Waterproof tinder storage capsule • Number of Sparks: 12,000 • Suitable Environment: Wet and Dry | Check Price |
 | Titan Paracord SurvivorSteel Ferrocerium Fire-Starter | • Accessories Included: Paracord and whistle • Dimensions: Diameter: ½” Length: 5” • Suitable Environment: Wet and Dry | Check Price |
 | Bayite Drilled Ferrocerium Rod Flint Fire Starter | • Material: ChromPlated • Features: Dual venting system • Weight: 2 Lbs | Check Price |
 | Stärke Ferro Rod Fire Starter | • Accessories Included: Striker and paracord • Number of Sparks: 12,000 • Suitable Environment: Wet and Dry | Check Price |
Important Features To Consider
Size
As they say, size matters. When it comes to these rods, it’s best that you look for longer and larger rods as they will provide you with a better performance. The scrape should be longer if you want fast results.
However, some companies will offer you more than 1 in the package if the rods are small. After all, the fire comes from the magnesium ignition. The size matters only on how fast you want to get the fire started.
Coat
In order to ensure its efficiency in different weather environments, you need to ensure that the model you are considering has a coat. The better the coating, the better the oxidation.
Tip
Make sure that you use the shiny area on the road in order to initiate the fire. As well as, the coating will take off quicker.
Scraper
Also called a striker, is also very important. This is the device you want to use on the ferro rod to create sparks. However, if you have experience, you can use any sharp object such as a hard steel scraper.
Top 5 Best Ferro Rod
1. bayite Small Ferro Rod
Quick Summary
- Number of Sparks: 6,000 per rod
- Suitable Environment: Wet and Dry
- Accessories Included: No accessories included
- Dimensions: Diameter: 5/16” Length: 1”
Even though they don’t measure a lot, you will find that you inside of the package you will receive 6 ferro rod fire starters. You will find these very efficient as you can toggle them to your gear such as keychains or shoelaces.
You can also add them inside of your backpack as they won’t take up a lot of storage space. We recommend these for beginners as they are much easier to maneuver and handle.
The greatest thing about it is the fact that they are coated so you can use these in humid weather conditions. In addition to this, you will find this very convenient if you don’t want to spend additional money. Each time you finish a rod, you don’t have to purchase a new one.
In order to use it, you can hold the ferro rod close to the tinder at about 45-degree angle. You can use dry grass or weeds. As well as, dry wood shavings, dryer lint or cotton balls in case you find yourself in critical situations.
Place the scraper near the top of the rod and pull the rod back with a slow and steady motion.
2. Exotac fireRod Ferrocerium Fire Starter
Quick Summary
- Number of Sparks: 12,000
- Suitable Environment: Wet and Dry
- Accessories Included: Waterproof tinder storage capsule
- Dimensions: Diameter: 5/16” Length: 5”
If you want superior efficiency, you will find that this model is one of the best ferro rod currently on the market. It functions so well that you can use it even when it’s raining or the humidity levels are high.
This is due to the fact that it works even if it’s soaking wet. Additionally, you will find that when it arrives, it comes in a waterproof tinder storage capsule which will ensure that you can carry it with you wherever you go. Even if you walk through water with it.
The stick measures 5/16” which means that it can handle up to 5000 fire-starting strikes. Therefore, it’s inevitable that you will have it for a whole year in different weather environments.
You will find it very accessible that its handle is designed to carry with a knife. Therefore, it won’t take up a lot of storage space. You will also find it convenient that you can replace the rod once it runs out. Therefore, it limits any additional costs.
In order to use it efficiently, it’s important that you use a sharp 90-degree edge to strike it properly. Unlike the other models, you can use whatever you have available. This includes the spine of a knife.
3. Titan Paracord SurvivorSteel Ferrocerium Fire-Starter
Quick Summary
- Number of Sparks: 12,000
- Suitable Environment: Wet and Dry
- Accessories Included: Paracord and whistle
- Dimensions: Diameter: ½” Length: 5”
This full-size ferro rod fire starter has been designed to function even when it’s wet. You simply have to scrape it with the back of your knife and it’s guaranteed to start the fire. In fact, the company has highlighted that it’s guaranteed to spark more than 12,000 times.
The model has been designed with 9 feet of braided SurvivorCord in the handle so you can use it for numerous things. This includes a paracord, fishing line, waxed jute, and snare wire.
In addition to this, it also has an integrated high-decibel emergency whistle in case you find yourself in critical situations.
You can get the attention you need as the whistle has a rating of 95dB. We recommend that you integrate this in your emergency kits as you can rely on it in whatever situation you find yourself in. You can easily scare away any animals that perceive you as pray.
You will be thoroughly pleased with the fact that this is an American company. This means that you don’t have to worry about this product for numerous years. The company stands strong with its product and the model comes with a lifetime guarantee against any damages or concerns. If you’re unhappy with the product, you will be fully refunded.
4. bayite Drilled Ferrocerium Rod Flint Fire Starter
Quick Summary
- Number of Sparks: 12,000
- Suitable Environment: Wet and Dry
- Accessories Included: Striker and stainless-steel wire chain
- Dimensions: Diameter: 3/8” Length: 4”
This is one of the best ferro rods as it measures 6” in height and ½” in diameter. You will be thoroughly pleased to know that it comes with a striker which means that it’s suitable for beginners.
You can start fires fast with the Pro High-Speed Steel HSS Striker. This means that you don’t have to damage the back of the knives just to get the sparks starting. The rod has been designed with a stainless-steel wire keychain which you can use to fit accessories with it.
You can use it in different weather conditions. It doesn’t matter whether it’s raining, snowing or windy. It will last for as long as you need it without losing efficiency. Even though it’s made from metal, you don’t have to worry that it will catch rust.
In fact, the coating will protect it against any damages. What’s important to highlight is that the company has guaranteed that the rod can spark up to 12,000 strikes.
Due to the fact that it’s extra-long, you will find it very easy to spark it fast. In addition to this, you will be provided with more sparks than the average sized ones. You can use it for a range of activities without worrying that it will let you down. You can use it as an emergency signal or deter attackers
5. Stärke Ferro Rod Fire Starter
Quick Summary
- Number of Sparks: 12,000
- Suitable Environment: Wet and Dry
- Accessories Included: Striker and paracord
- Dimensions: Diameter: 5/16” Length: 2 ¾”
By purchasing this model, you will be guaranteed for a lifetime in case of any damages. The company will replace it at no extra price or questions asked. The maple handle is ergonomic which means that you can hold it for a long period of time without getting hand fatigue.
It’s also made from solid maple which means that it won’t get damaged by excess water or humidity. The solid grip is far more durable than plastic and it will provide you with a solid grip.
The rod measures 2 ¾ long which means that it will provide you with 12,000 strikes. The tinder will be able to catch fire fast as the product provides a shower of sparks in any climate. Regardless if it’s wet or dry.
In addition to this, it also comes with a 60” paracord. This is very useful if you want to survive in the wilderness for a period of time. You can attach it to your belt, knife, or lash it to your backpack.
The multi-purpose steel striker can be used as tinder scraper, ruler, map scale, bottle opener, or hex wrench. This will limit additional costs. Due to its weight and length, you will find it very handy when facing difficult situations.
FAQ's
What is the correct technique to get the fire started?
You should angle the scraper at about 45-degree angle. Place it at the end of the rod right next to the tinder. You should place the scraper on top of the rod, and drag the rod back. Keep it positioned into place so you don’t bump the tinder away from the sparks.
What tinder is the most efficient?
If you don’t find anything else, you should use dry grass, dry pieces of wood, and leaves. However, we advise that you use sisal fibers, jute twine or cotton balls. In addition to this, cotton balls infused with petroleum jelly or charcloth will catch a spark. If you want a cheap yet efficient solution, you can use dryer lint.
What can I use if I don’t have a striker?
If you don’t have this specific tool, you should use any sharp objects. This is why numerous people prefer to use the back of a knife. In addition to this, we also advise using any hard steel scraper with a sharp 90-degree angle. If you have run out of all of the options, a sharp rock will also do the job. However, this would need to be your last solution.
Is the paracord just fabric?
No. You will notice that once you take it apart, it proves to be a multi-tool. Inside of it, you will have a metal wire, fishing line, and waterproof tinder in case you find yourself in emergency situations. However, please remember that this depends on each individual company.
Can I use fixed or folding knives?
Since you will have to strike with the back of the blade, it doesn’t matter whether it’s fixed or folding. As long as the knife has a strong spine, it will do the job. It also depends on how much experience you have. Beginners would prefer a fixed blade.
You may also like: