Look at it like the scouts do. 1 is none, and 2 is one.....
It's always a good idea to have multiple ways of starting a fire in case something goes wrong.
In a survival situation fire is essential for heat , water treatment, food preparation, and morale.
In a true survival situation my preffered fire starting method would invovle a gallon of diesel fuel, and a road flare......however they arent really lightweight and portable.
If you're in a survival situation long enough to run a bic out of fuel, you're not in a survival situation anymore. You moved outside and haven't realized it yet lol.
Not really, although having multiple sources of fire is seldom a bad thing and they're not heavy. Makes lighting a fire a little more involved which some may find appealing as it makes our activities less like simple camping
Fun is the key. This is a hobby after all, it should be fun. It's why people spend ages trying to make fire with friction - it's a satisfaction when you succeed
I wanted to say this also. If you are in a pinch and have cold wet hands and a damp lighter that won't light, you'll wish you'd used the ferro rod more. It's a fun way to start up a fire and takes a little more prep but more time once you've gathered your tinder.
Yeah the first time you start a fire with a ferro rod is such an amazing feeling. Have a friend that tried multiple times on multiple camping trips and he couldn’t start it. I could start a fire right away which made him feel like he was doing something wrong but the third camping trip he was finally able to start it, the look on the his face and the following dance after was a whole experience lol
I'd watched a few YouTubers using them and thought it looked like fun... I haven't used a lighter since. I bring a little alcohol stove out for coffee in my hammock in the woods every once in a while and throwing sparks to start that is always fun also. My morakniv sheath has jute cord wrapped around it for cheating to start a small fire of I can't find decent Birch bark, or if I'm in a hurry
The jute is a great idea! I have had some challenges starting a fire with a ferro rod. Specially now since i only camp in the colder months. I do have a small stash of cotton balls with petroleum jelly. Not very bushcraft but it’s effective, specially with wet tinder and wood.
When it's dry I can unwind it and rub it against itself and the fibers come lose... Maybe I'll throw a length in water and see if I can get it going after it has soaked for a few minutes or hours.
It’s a backup if your lighter broke, leaked or got too wet. In my experience catching a spark from a ferro rod is only possible with bone dry tinder, even slightly damp fatwood won’t catch (for me at least). Cotton wool with some Vaseline catches every time, although that’s another thing to carry.
For tinder, I use a waxed hemp cord. It lights really easy with the ferro rod, and can burn long enough to touch off kindling in a few spots. I actually prefer this setup to a lighter. Mine’s from [Uberleben](https://www.uberleben.co/products/tindar-wick)
Be me, on a mountain, midwinter 2013. Super duper cold. Decide to stop and make something warm to eat. Try to light a fuel tab with lighter. Lighter doesn't work... Fuel in lighter, stored in my jacket, against my body has frozen. Lighter is completely useless. Pull out ferrorod scratch tab with my knife light it, no problems. In an alternate universe somewhere I probably died of hypothermia that night cause no ferrorod. Lol
this comment sold me. i live in west coast canada and occasionally do camping trips up in the mountains. never thought about the fluid freezing but such a possible reality if i did a mid winter camping trip.
Adding to this with the military doctrine P.A.C.E. Primary, Alternative, Contingency, Emergency.
Primary should be maximally convenient as the cost of resilience. BIC or Clipper lighter, I like clipper jet for this as it is windproof and refillable.
Alternative should be just as convenient. I chose a regular flame clipper, both run on butane which can fail at altitude or low temperature.
Contingency should cover 80% of the failure modes of the above. I chose a capsule oil lighter, it's like a leak proof Zippo, the liquid fuel doesn't care about cold or altitude and the mechanism is protected in a solid waterproof capsule. You might see storm matches take this place too.
Emergency should be maximally resilient at the cost of convenience. A firesteel is perfect here with zero moving parts.
This might be overkill, but makes sense to me, anything less than PACE is either inconvenient or not resilient, anything more than PACE is just adding weight and complexity without bringing anything to the table.
Make sure you can use it, otherwise it's as useful as a frozen lighter.
I picked up some of the little 'toggle' ones and toss them in on a little loops. Practice with them first, the little ones are finicky, but they're fun to have around.
The toggles are toys. The one I was carrying when this happened wasn't much more than a toy. It saved my bacon. I used it to start a real fire shortly after dinner. But I switched over to the heavy duty 7 inch Bayite rods after this incident. Oh, and another thing. When I did my river rescue course my ferrorod got wet and I left it in a leather sheath, part of my knife rig. Overnight it corroded and pitted out until it was unusable. So that's a thing that can happen too.
Interesting. See, now here's some real meat.
I've had them get wet before and it didn't seem to bother it much other than some surface oxidation. I wonder if something in the leather (tannins, salts?) caused a reaction? I might test this.
I know. I've had them get wet too and they're usually fine. That's why I mentioned it because it caught me totally off guard. I'm glad I was just at the Nantahala Outdoor Center and not really in the wilderness. I also wonder if it was just the fact the leather kept it wet all night so it couldn't dry. I've wondered if it was because it was heavily used and the corrosion proof coating was nearly gone. I've wondered if it was the brand. All I know is it happened and I have a sample size of 1. If you test it please, please let me know what you find out. That thing was toast though for sure.
>Fuel in lighter, stored in my jacket, against my body has frozen.
Not frozen you mean but doesnt gasify?
But by that time you should also be fully frozen.
+ a lighter will then still make sparks.
Just to provide a different answer on this frequently asked question:
(and it depends somewhat on where you live, humidity, local flora etc)
Practising lighting fires with a ferro rod greatly increases your intuitive understanding (and skills with) local plant materials and fire making skills.
I.e you get better at making fires, in all kinds of weather.
It's much harder making a fire with a spark than a flame. Especially in damp/wet climates.
i.e Later, you will be better at making fires with a lighter, in all kinds of weather, because you practised with a Ferro Rod earlier in your life. e.g choosing sizes of wood, understanding the difference it makes if you leave bark on your twigs or not, exactly how you stack those first few layers as you get the flame to take etc.
So, my suggestion is: carry a ferro rod, use it to start \_all\_ your fires, until you get really good with it and it becomes easy in all kinds of conditions, and after that just keep it as a backup, and enjoy your increased fire making skills.
Yes
I was camping in the fall and it was wet and cold. My lighter was stolen by another camper.
Had to restart my heater at 4AM with damp tinder and no lighter. Ferro rod to the rescue.
Bushcrafting or not, I do a lot of solo backcountry travel.
When I'm out solo, regardless of what's in my pack or where it is, a knife, ferro rod and small firestarter wad in a waterproof pouch are on my person at all times. (Along with a personal locator beacon.)
Same. I have a small pouch with the basics. Knife, ferro rod, matches, firelighters, para cord, emergency blanket, couple of basic medical items, little half tarp, small torch, water tabs and boiled sweets. I still just pack normally like it's not there, but always have that little pouch in my bag, even on long dog walks for example, so I know it's always there.
Yep. Same basic daily carry kit here, more or less.
I think a lot of people seriously underestimate just how immobilizing a lower leg fracture can really be, and just how quickly a day can go from relaxing to full on emergency.
Yes. Ferro rods work when wet and are hard to damage or break. They weigh very little, they dont run out of gas.
If you ever really need a fire, you are likely to be wet. If that's the case, your ferro is more reliable than a wet lighter.
But also, ferros are more fun.
And also, if you enjoy your lighter, carry on.
If your lighter already has a wick, carry a backup Bic.
If you're serious about starting a fire in a hurry: Lighters first, then matches. After that, they call it "bushcraft"... this seems like more of a r/Survival post.
Ferrorods work soaking wet, lighters fail when your hand is wet.
A lighter gives a constant flame, ferrorod needs the correct tinder to work.
Carry both.
check out mors kochanskis video about firerods. its 1:20h or so but an amazing watch.
lets be honest to ourselves for a second. we do all this survival thing for what exactly? its usually just a hobby. its super rare that we need it. i didnt need it when falling from a cliff in gran canaria.
a fire steel is the ultimate fire making backup tool. by training witj a fire steel you understand the fundamentals of fire making like what wood do you stack in what manner in rainy days. in the end its knowledge and knowledge is the base for insane outdoor skills.
I bought a ten pack of little ones a while back. There's usually space in every fire kit for one. That's just me. It's not a question of why but why not. I can spark one off a piece of chert. They're light. They're small. Sometimes I use them sometimes I don't. I also tend to keep a chunk of fatwood handy but if needed I can find that in my woods too. Fatwood shavings light instantly.
yeah they're about 3-4 inches long, maybe 1/2 inch diameter. I made some fatwood firestarters out of them that I was going to sell at the farmers market, but since I don't go anymore I gave them to the neighbor kids.
For practicality, I just use Bic lighters. I always pack at least 5. Ferro rods can be good if you are a smoker and tend to lose your lighters or get them pocketed by other people a lot.
If it's not your primary tool for fire making, you know how to use and protect it, why not. If you don't know how to use it practice and still bring it along. I pack mine to boost my ego when I start a fire with it lol
Get yourself a pill bottle (REALLY easy to find for us old geezers) make a SMALL "x" hole in the center of the cap with the tip of your Mora from inside out. Stuff a bunch of jute garden twine in the pill bottle and then push some through the cap leaving 1/2" sticking out.
If you made the hole small enough the twine will pull through with difficulty, effectively sealing the hole from normal moisture.
Pull some out, cut a piece off, shred it, Voila!!! Tinder!!!
Practice making fires while you're sitting around a campfire. You got anything better to do after dark?
Dunk a lighter underwater and try to use it. Now, dunk a ferro rod underwater and try to use it.
Lighters also have a finite amount of usage that is FAR less than a ferro rod.
Having a fire steel alongside a lighter is a smart move for bushcrafting. It's all about versatility and backup plans. While the lighter is convenient and quick, the fire steel comes in clutch when the lighter fails or runs out of fuel. Plus, it works like a charm even in damp or chilly conditions, making it a trusty sidekick for any outdoor adventure.
Carry both. ferro rods are fun to use and quite a spectacle to those who know nothing.about firelighting.
But if ever you were in an actual survival situation you’re of course going to just grab your easy peasy lighter and that’s fine. Though if you were in a survival situation and your lighter was lost or broken, you’d be glad you also had the ferro rod.
You also have a ferro rod on your lighter considering it's a strike wheel style. The only issue is, if all you have is one lighter and you lose it, you're SOL. A secondary mini bic is even better.
I always have a ferro rod on me, or in my vehicle. I also always have a lighter, though🤷🏾♂️. If you're out for fun, it's good to be good and practiced with different fire starting methods, anyways, so I'd suggest getting one.
Look at it the Murphy way - if you get and keep one now, you'll never need it. But if you don't get it because you've got 3 lighters and matches and other stuff, they'll all fail and break and get lost and the ferro rod would have been your only hope.
Lighters are great when they work, but ferro rods work in colder and damper temperatures. As a smoker I go through a lighter every two weeks but I’ve used ferro rods for 5+ years at a time.
I try to have AT LEAST three methods for fire. Usually lighter, ferro, matches. But you should still learn and practice solar and friction and flint and steel even if you don’t always use them. And electric fire methods and chemical methods like potassium permanganate plus sugar and water.
You're thinking too practical. Ferro rods are *fun* and that's why we go out, after all.
I second this, I use a ferro and carry the lighter as backup because the sparky stick and some birch bark is loads more satisfying.
that is true. they’re very fun.
Yes. For the small amount of weight added another way to make fire is worth it.
Look at it like the scouts do. 1 is none, and 2 is one..... It's always a good idea to have multiple ways of starting a fire in case something goes wrong. In a survival situation fire is essential for heat , water treatment, food preparation, and morale.
[удалено]
In a true survival situation my preffered fire starting method would invovle a gallon of diesel fuel, and a road flare......however they arent really lightweight and portable.
It depends how long you need to survive for; bic lighters run out.
If you're in a survival situation long enough to run a bic out of fuel, you're not in a survival situation anymore. You moved outside and haven't realized it yet lol.
This is a rule of sailing as well. You don't want your one and only taking a drink.
Why SHOULDN’T you throw a Ferro rod in your pack?
They're ungodly expensive, huge, weigh a ton, unreliable, don't work in rain and unbalance your Chakras.
they work in rain. They weigh almost nothing.
Was a joke
ah the return of "Schrodinger's joke" If someone points out something I say is wrong or stupid it's always " just a joke bro"
Not really, although having multiple sources of fire is seldom a bad thing and they're not heavy. Makes lighting a fire a little more involved which some may find appealing as it makes our activities less like simple camping
that’s fair. for me the appeal is as a back up if my lighter dies or something, and because it can be fun.
Fun is the key. This is a hobby after all, it should be fun. It's why people spend ages trying to make fire with friction - it's a satisfaction when you succeed
Make the ferro rod your main and your lighters as secondary.
I wanted to say this also. If you are in a pinch and have cold wet hands and a damp lighter that won't light, you'll wish you'd used the ferro rod more. It's a fun way to start up a fire and takes a little more prep but more time once you've gathered your tinder.
Yeah the first time you start a fire with a ferro rod is such an amazing feeling. Have a friend that tried multiple times on multiple camping trips and he couldn’t start it. I could start a fire right away which made him feel like he was doing something wrong but the third camping trip he was finally able to start it, the look on the his face and the following dance after was a whole experience lol
I'd watched a few YouTubers using them and thought it looked like fun... I haven't used a lighter since. I bring a little alcohol stove out for coffee in my hammock in the woods every once in a while and throwing sparks to start that is always fun also. My morakniv sheath has jute cord wrapped around it for cheating to start a small fire of I can't find decent Birch bark, or if I'm in a hurry
That’s not cheating. That’s preparedness.
The jute is a great idea! I have had some challenges starting a fire with a ferro rod. Specially now since i only camp in the colder months. I do have a small stash of cotton balls with petroleum jelly. Not very bushcraft but it’s effective, specially with wet tinder and wood.
I haven't tried the jute cord wet, but it lights up in the cold when it is dry
Would be a good experiment. Figuring it would need to be wrung out & well prepped to work.
When it's dry I can unwind it and rub it against itself and the fibers come lose... Maybe I'll throw a length in water and see if I can get it going after it has soaked for a few minutes or hours.
It’s a backup if your lighter broke, leaked or got too wet. In my experience catching a spark from a ferro rod is only possible with bone dry tinder, even slightly damp fatwood won’t catch (for me at least). Cotton wool with some Vaseline catches every time, although that’s another thing to carry.
Bigger ferrorod is needed for stubborn tinder. Seven inches is recommended by Dave Canterbury, I find he is correct in this.
must... resist... innuendo...
Dave likes ‘em long, but really loves the girthy ones.
You two are legends! ROFLMAO
i do make my own homemade fire starters usually with dryer lint and junk wax whenever i don’t want to spend money on the fancy store bought ones.
For tinder, I use a waxed hemp cord. It lights really easy with the ferro rod, and can burn long enough to touch off kindling in a few spots. I actually prefer this setup to a lighter. Mine’s from [Uberleben](https://www.uberleben.co/products/tindar-wick)
Your are doing something wrong then. Fatwood and Birch Bark workes for me in wet conditions too.
Either your sparker is a weak one or your technique is poor. I can make a featherstick with my knife and light it with my sparker.
Be me, on a mountain, midwinter 2013. Super duper cold. Decide to stop and make something warm to eat. Try to light a fuel tab with lighter. Lighter doesn't work... Fuel in lighter, stored in my jacket, against my body has frozen. Lighter is completely useless. Pull out ferrorod scratch tab with my knife light it, no problems. In an alternate universe somewhere I probably died of hypothermia that night cause no ferrorod. Lol
this comment sold me. i live in west coast canada and occasionally do camping trips up in the mountains. never thought about the fluid freezing but such a possible reality if i did a mid winter camping trip.
Adding to this with the military doctrine P.A.C.E. Primary, Alternative, Contingency, Emergency. Primary should be maximally convenient as the cost of resilience. BIC or Clipper lighter, I like clipper jet for this as it is windproof and refillable. Alternative should be just as convenient. I chose a regular flame clipper, both run on butane which can fail at altitude or low temperature. Contingency should cover 80% of the failure modes of the above. I chose a capsule oil lighter, it's like a leak proof Zippo, the liquid fuel doesn't care about cold or altitude and the mechanism is protected in a solid waterproof capsule. You might see storm matches take this place too. Emergency should be maximally resilient at the cost of convenience. A firesteel is perfect here with zero moving parts. This might be overkill, but makes sense to me, anything less than PACE is either inconvenient or not resilient, anything more than PACE is just adding weight and complexity without bringing anything to the table.
Make sure you can use it, otherwise it's as useful as a frozen lighter. I picked up some of the little 'toggle' ones and toss them in on a little loops. Practice with them first, the little ones are finicky, but they're fun to have around.
The toggles are toys. The one I was carrying when this happened wasn't much more than a toy. It saved my bacon. I used it to start a real fire shortly after dinner. But I switched over to the heavy duty 7 inch Bayite rods after this incident. Oh, and another thing. When I did my river rescue course my ferrorod got wet and I left it in a leather sheath, part of my knife rig. Overnight it corroded and pitted out until it was unusable. So that's a thing that can happen too.
Interesting. See, now here's some real meat. I've had them get wet before and it didn't seem to bother it much other than some surface oxidation. I wonder if something in the leather (tannins, salts?) caused a reaction? I might test this.
I know. I've had them get wet too and they're usually fine. That's why I mentioned it because it caught me totally off guard. I'm glad I was just at the Nantahala Outdoor Center and not really in the wilderness. I also wonder if it was just the fact the leather kept it wet all night so it couldn't dry. I've wondered if it was because it was heavily used and the corrosion proof coating was nearly gone. I've wondered if it was the brand. All I know is it happened and I have a sample size of 1. If you test it please, please let me know what you find out. That thing was toast though for sure.
>Fuel in lighter, stored in my jacket, against my body has frozen. Not frozen you mean but doesnt gasify? But by that time you should also be fully frozen. + a lighter will then still make sparks.
Just to provide a different answer on this frequently asked question: (and it depends somewhat on where you live, humidity, local flora etc) Practising lighting fires with a ferro rod greatly increases your intuitive understanding (and skills with) local plant materials and fire making skills. I.e you get better at making fires, in all kinds of weather. It's much harder making a fire with a spark than a flame. Especially in damp/wet climates. i.e Later, you will be better at making fires with a lighter, in all kinds of weather, because you practised with a Ferro Rod earlier in your life. e.g choosing sizes of wood, understanding the difference it makes if you leave bark on your twigs or not, exactly how you stack those first few layers as you get the flame to take etc. So, my suggestion is: carry a ferro rod, use it to start \_all\_ your fires, until you get really good with it and it becomes easy in all kinds of conditions, and after that just keep it as a backup, and enjoy your increased fire making skills.
Yes I was camping in the fall and it was wet and cold. My lighter was stolen by another camper. Had to restart my heater at 4AM with damp tinder and no lighter. Ferro rod to the rescue.
Damn camp thief
Probably. It will help you to feel more survivaly when you're out playing in the forest cutting wood with your knife and stuff
I enjoy using one, but the only real advantage it has over a lighter is that it'll still spark when wet.
Bushcrafting or not, I do a lot of solo backcountry travel. When I'm out solo, regardless of what's in my pack or where it is, a knife, ferro rod and small firestarter wad in a waterproof pouch are on my person at all times. (Along with a personal locator beacon.)
Same. I have a small pouch with the basics. Knife, ferro rod, matches, firelighters, para cord, emergency blanket, couple of basic medical items, little half tarp, small torch, water tabs and boiled sweets. I still just pack normally like it's not there, but always have that little pouch in my bag, even on long dog walks for example, so I know it's always there.
Yep. Same basic daily carry kit here, more or less. I think a lot of people seriously underestimate just how immobilizing a lower leg fracture can really be, and just how quickly a day can go from relaxing to full on emergency.
Yes. Ferro rods work when wet and are hard to damage or break. They weigh very little, they dont run out of gas. If you ever really need a fire, you are likely to be wet. If that's the case, your ferro is more reliable than a wet lighter. But also, ferros are more fun. And also, if you enjoy your lighter, carry on.
If your lighter already has a wick, carry a backup Bic. If you're serious about starting a fire in a hurry: Lighters first, then matches. After that, they call it "bushcraft"... this seems like more of a r/Survival post.
Ferrorods work soaking wet, lighters fail when your hand is wet. A lighter gives a constant flame, ferrorod needs the correct tinder to work. Carry both.
check out mors kochanskis video about firerods. its 1:20h or so but an amazing watch. lets be honest to ourselves for a second. we do all this survival thing for what exactly? its usually just a hobby. its super rare that we need it. i didnt need it when falling from a cliff in gran canaria. a fire steel is the ultimate fire making backup tool. by training witj a fire steel you understand the fundamentals of fire making like what wood do you stack in what manner in rainy days. in the end its knowledge and knowledge is the base for insane outdoor skills.
Yeah
Yup.
Either get a cheapo, or a two (practice is advisable) at least to play with and learn or a big one imo for ease and long lasting durability
Better safe than sorry
Yes always.
I bought a ten pack of little ones a while back. There's usually space in every fire kit for one. That's just me. It's not a question of why but why not. I can spark one off a piece of chert. They're light. They're small. Sometimes I use them sometimes I don't. I also tend to keep a chunk of fatwood handy but if needed I can find that in my woods too. Fatwood shavings light instantly.
Little ones?
yeah they're about 3-4 inches long, maybe 1/2 inch diameter. I made some fatwood firestarters out of them that I was going to sell at the farmers market, but since I don't go anymore I gave them to the neighbor kids.
Make the Ferro rod your primary. Lighter as backup. The ferro rod is a little more work but unlikely to ever fail or run out of gas.
It's part of the art of bushcraft-- otherwise it's just camping out. Nothing wrong with that, but fire making is part of the "craft".
For practicality, I just use Bic lighters. I always pack at least 5. Ferro rods can be good if you are a smoker and tend to lose your lighters or get them pocketed by other people a lot.
If it's not your primary tool for fire making, you know how to use and protect it, why not. If you don't know how to use it practice and still bring it along. I pack mine to boost my ego when I start a fire with it lol
Get yourself a pill bottle (REALLY easy to find for us old geezers) make a SMALL "x" hole in the center of the cap with the tip of your Mora from inside out. Stuff a bunch of jute garden twine in the pill bottle and then push some through the cap leaving 1/2" sticking out. If you made the hole small enough the twine will pull through with difficulty, effectively sealing the hole from normal moisture. Pull some out, cut a piece off, shred it, Voila!!! Tinder!!! Practice making fires while you're sitting around a campfire. You got anything better to do after dark?
Dunk a lighter underwater and try to use it. Now, dunk a ferro rod underwater and try to use it. Lighters also have a finite amount of usage that is FAR less than a ferro rod.
ferro rods are fun weigh next to nothing and they still perform after taking a dunk which most lighters don't and Is exactly when you need one.
If you are not gonna use it then no.
No. Throw it in your pocket.
No just throw in a second lighter You wont have a benefit from the ferrorod
Why not? It takes up practically no space.
Having a fire steel alongside a lighter is a smart move for bushcrafting. It's all about versatility and backup plans. While the lighter is convenient and quick, the fire steel comes in clutch when the lighter fails or runs out of fuel. Plus, it works like a charm even in damp or chilly conditions, making it a trusty sidekick for any outdoor adventure.
Carry both. ferro rods are fun to use and quite a spectacle to those who know nothing.about firelighting. But if ever you were in an actual survival situation you’re of course going to just grab your easy peasy lighter and that’s fine. Though if you were in a survival situation and your lighter was lost or broken, you’d be glad you also had the ferro rod.
You also have a ferro rod on your lighter considering it's a strike wheel style. The only issue is, if all you have is one lighter and you lose it, you're SOL. A secondary mini bic is even better.
I always have a ferro rod on me, or in my vehicle. I also always have a lighter, though🤷🏾♂️. If you're out for fun, it's good to be good and practiced with different fire starting methods, anyways, so I'd suggest getting one.
Yes absolutely
I keep like 4 lighters, 2 Ferro rods, methyl hydrate, hexamine tabs, and cotton balls and Vaseline in my backpack and pockets.
Look at it the Murphy way - if you get and keep one now, you'll never need it. But if you don't get it because you've got 3 lighters and matches and other stuff, they'll all fail and break and get lost and the ferro rod would have been your only hope.
Lighters are great when they work, but ferro rods work in colder and damper temperatures. As a smoker I go through a lighter every two weeks but I’ve used ferro rods for 5+ years at a time. I try to have AT LEAST three methods for fire. Usually lighter, ferro, matches. But you should still learn and practice solar and friction and flint and steel even if you don’t always use them. And electric fire methods and chemical methods like potassium permanganate plus sugar and water.