Best Ferro Rod Striker for EPIC Strikes!!

[@Limicola1]

I've been using a Speedy Sharp for several years and they are excellent. You can also use tungsten carbide paint scraper blades which work just as well and will fit easily into a mini kit. All ferro rods are not the same. Far from it. And before you scrape off all that coating, remember that ferro rods will oxidize (erode). Some oxidize more than others. Keep your rods coated. Scrape off the part you plan to use. You can give them a light coating of wax for storage and carry The wax can be easily scraped off when you need to use your rod.

[@wthisahandlefor]

Ferro rods are not all the same, some are softer than others, you want the soft ferro rods, they throw bigger sparks. I have several ferro rods and there is a huge difference between them, the hard ones suck. Great video, I'm off to the big box store for the tool sharpener.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Thanks for watching!!

[@jasonedwardledburynewzeala9897]

100% agreed brother.👏👏👏👏

[@Peterinnerbickler]

Yes, I recently bought a small farro rod that is a bit more than 1/8 inch thick. The scraper that came with it did not work. They typical piece of high-quality hack saw blade that works on my other farro rods produced only tiny sparks. The only thing that worked well was the back of my Swiss army saw blade. I suspect that the saw blade is harder than the other blades. Today I received another farro rod that seems to spark well with all of the things I had used in the past and the striker that came with it. Big improvement.

[@Movement-l6l]

How can you tell the difference? I have Uberleben.

[@FREEFILMSALEX]

@@STOKERMATIC Man! You look just like Bruce Willis! 😊

[@bighill5680]

I had some old hack saw and reciprocal saw blades laying around. Instead of throwing them away, I'm using them for ferro rod strikers. They work pretty well.

[@Shane-Singleton]

Great video! I agree 100%. Most of the "strikers" are just a piece of painted saw blade that isn't worth anything. Didn't take me but a minute to find these sharpeners on Amazon. So if you can't find one in a Walmart or other big box store then Amazon has what you need.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Right on!

[@buddycarroll9641]

I started watching your video to see the Best striker then realized I had the same one laying here on the table. Works great. Thanks.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Lol. Hell yeah.

[@robertruis2968]

Those style “strikers” are indeed superb. I use the Corona brand. Drilled a few extra holes in the handle to lighten it up. Changed the rubber handle to a cocobolo wood grip to match the one on my ferro rod and they are a beautiful match!

[@stefanbertasz4690]

After doing this for nearly 35 years, I will mostly agree with you. Yes, there are some differences with ferro rods but majority are negligable. The striker makes more difference. A few years ago i purchased some tool steel strikers from Amazon. They were game changers. For the people saying ferro rods need to be coated to prevent oxidation...I'll say this... I've got a ferro rod that's nearly 40 yo. It's lived it's life in S Texas at 90% humidity and suffered only mild surface oxidation. Unless you're in a saltwater environment, i don't think it's an issue.

[@Isabelle511]

warning: long comment! can I just say a HUGE THANK YOU for making this video!! I am new to camping and bush craft and I have been struggling to use the ferro rod correctly. I kept getting peewee sparks and I have absolutely no strength in my hands or wrists to apply the same amount of pressure as my partner. He lights up kindling in 2 strokes using the standard thin striker. I however, had no flame after 100+ attempts and was left sore and frustrated! I went searching KZbin on Monday and stumbled across your video after searching for the right 'technique'. After you mentioned the pruning sharpener with the carbonide, I immediately did a google search and bought one off amazon. it arrived today and without fail, I have lit up 5 kindling bundles all within 5 tries using the new striker / sharpener BEST. THING. EVER!!! I am tempted to buy more but they are a bit costly so will wait for a sale (Aus dollar currency rate not the best!) just want to thank you again, you have no idea how happy and confident this has made me :-)

[@STOKERMATIC]

The striker will last a long time. Be mindful that, as I’m sure you’re seen, it will eat thru your ferro rod pretty quickly. *STOKED* it helped! You got this!!

[@michaelslater627]

Friend, I discovered the back of the blades of my first aid kit scissors do a wonderful job of making sparks

[@TheInvisibleOrange26]

Just ordered mine this is just what I need I want those glowing metal fragments that how you light paper on fire easily

[@wemcal]

Great video and information

[@westcoastwarriorsarchive7929]

I bought one of those light my fire fire steels since ive seen them pretty heavily recommended. First thing I noticed was that the striker that comes with it effective but kind of hard to use due to how short it is. I thought about those carbide "sharpeners" but I wanted to find some information on if they worked since I think they are garbage as sharpening tools. Your video had exactly the information I was looking for!

[@STOKERMATIC]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jasonedwardledburynewzeala9897]

Using a light my fire small rod comes down to a different technique. They are a hard rod. Look on you tube at ferro rod techniques.

[@doncrawford1255]

Thx buddy, you make great sense.

[@CRosa-tt6tl]

Great video I purchased the Uberleban 1/2. 5 inch rod I keep it in my emergency bug out bag. I will be adding the striker you just presented also useful for sharpening knives 👍👍

[@STOKERMATIC]

Awesome! I almost picked that one up myself.

[@jestr102763]

Late to the party but just seen the video. Awesome content. I like a sawzall blade. Strip the paint off and u can either cut it down for a good striker or keep it full length as a striker and a last ditch saw.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Those blades work awesome and are a great tool to have! Right on!!

[@vyacheslavioffe5132]

I always have leatherman multitool with me. Saw blade of it strike ferro rod very well !!

[@JRkota318]

You can cut down a hacksaw blade and get the same results as the sharpener. I have both but prefer the hacksaw blade over the sharpener because it doesn't chew up the rod as much.

[@STOKERMATIC]

You sure can! I don’t mind so much, but totally understand not using one.

[@leveretth]

It's been several years since I've seen those: forest litter that includes Redwood needles. I was born and raised in coastal Mendocino County.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Right on!

[@Beastro777]

get yourself an Ontario Rat 1 or 2, they have a 90 degree spine specifically made to be used as a striker for your ferro rod. That's what I use with mine, and it kicks ass.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Awesome!

[@trerounds1273]

Love the video dude. Subscribed.

[@nimroddiaries_]

Interesting idea. I use a small square of steel that came with my small rod. Just picked up 2 grown up 1/2" rods and have been using the spine of knife. Works ok, will look into that sharpener. Have a great week!

[@STOKERMATIC]

Same to you too! All kinds of things to be used and tested.

[@tomcatt998]

@@STOKERMATIC I'm 65,, every time that i think i have the "perfect" plan tool etc,, i end up trying something different,,, by the time I'm 300 i "might" have it all figured out. LOL

[@edwardzacharijr8892]

Try ceramics. I bought a ceramic striker for about 9.00 and then i bought a cheap 1.00 ceramic knife. It keeps its sharp edge on its spine and the blade is perfect for shaving and scraping fatwood

[@livefree2028]

Got my sub just for the spaceman spiff reference.

[@kyleb4151]

Ferro rods are not made the exact same way, some have different ratios of the metals that make up the alloy. However, the differences between them are mostly negligible. Some are harder, some are softer (likely more magnesium), but they are functionally the same. You also don't "need carbon" - nearly anything that holds a sharp enough edge to scrape the rod has carbon. You can literally strike a rod with glass with a sharp edge, and it will throw sparks. It's the edge of the striker, and how well it keeps it's edge (higher carbon steel will have better edge retention, nothing more) that determines how well/long it functions.

[@fordmanfisher]

Ive used the speedy steel for years. I agree it is the best striker that I have found. Great vid. Keep it up.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Thanks Drew!

[@plowboy006]

Hey stoker I have learned a technique that works great for me, I hold the striker in place" usually the spine of my knife" and pull the rod back.

[@STOKERMATIC]

I’ve done the same thing in the past too.

[@justinsmith1571]

Thanks for the tip. Just ordered one

[@STOKERMATIC]

Hope you like it!

[@justinsmith1571]

@@STOKERMATIC thanks. I started kayaking and camping doing so last year. A couple kayak trips my fire starter got wet. That's. a no no lol. Hoping something like this and the rod will make this year and future years easier. The striker that came with my rod is ok but nothing like this in video.

[@justinsmith1571]

@@STOKERMATIC hey I got this in the mail. I went to go use my rod and this. Maybe my rod is a junk ferro rod? Cuz this thing doesn't create spark. It just eats the ferro rod. I've tried slow hard soft fast methods. Cant get a spark..its shaving this thing like crazy though. And I used my other striker and it's still getting spark? And this is the same one you have looking at mine and your vid.

[@STOKERMATIC]

@@justinsmith1571 man I don’t know! That’s very weird!

[@justinsmith1571]

@@STOKERMATIC yes it is.. ferro rod is from amazon.. maybe it'd a fraud? It is a new purchase as well? No idea. It shaves so much easier than the one your using. I know you say there all the same but is it possible could be just some foreign junk rod?

[@steveconnor8164]

I thought that was Bruce Willis teaching bushcraft👍

[@STOKERMATIC]

Ha! Yes!! Bruce is my doppelgänger!

[@steveconnor8164]

I'm sure that I'm not the first person to have said that. Great video mate....

[@graftedin3]

A folding box opener makes a great striker and the other side of the blade can be used for cutting

[@Peterinnerbickler]

As mentioned about practice. You need to what you normally carry with you will work. There is a few blades on a Swiss army knife that work in particular the back of the saw blade is especially 90 degree and sharpish. I was curious about the P38 can opener. I have a few somewhere that I have not rediscovered to try. It seemed clear from the video that there was not good 90 degree angles on it. Looks like the P38 needs to be put on a sharpening stone to gat that good angle on it. People don't like to use it but if you have a decent hardness on a knife blade edge that works.

[@graftedin3]

if you misplace your striker a piece of sharp flint works great,try it

[@thegrinch77]

Great vid. Thank you! 🙂

[@STOKERMATIC]

Stay Stoked!

[@AllWeatherFirestarters]

Great Video and Channel! Any chance on doing a product review of our Firestarter?

[@wc3202]

I have read that there are two types of Ferro rods: dense versus soft. I want to get a really good one, and some say dense is better because it lasts longer and makes bigger Sparks. Is this true?

[@STOKERMATIC]

I think there are many that include more magnesium making them softer. Either way is going to last a super long time.

[@mgtowanonymous3120]

Pruner sharpener 8)

[@egomaniac8510]

Am I correct in assuming that since carbide is what makes that striker so good that any carbide drill bit would work.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Anything with a 90 degree spine Will work

[@christopherhall406]

Great video brother

[@STOKERMATIC]

Thanks Christopher!

[@TacticalRick507]

P.A.C.E. Fire starting, and of course 2 is 1, 1 is none. Always have dbl back ups. 1SGT what kinda coffee you drinking? I have not had a cup of Folgers in 5 years. The one thing that sucks about being over seas.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Have a back up for the back up! I’d think you’d have some decent coffee beans down your way? I don’t fancy anything in particular, but won’t buy Maxwell to save my life. Dark roast and I’m good.

[@TacticalRick507]

@@STOKERMATIC true, there lots of good coffee farms here. But you have to be careful. There was a brand that I am not legally allowed to mention they got caught using a blend of diesel fuel and some other stuff as an insecticide. Even though that's not done anymore, some of the farms have no field bathrooms. And that can contaminate the product. If you catch what I am trying to say. Although the export brands are a very high quality with strict controls.

[@concretecowboy4212]

Carbide tool sharpener does make a great striker

[@STOKERMATIC]

Right!?

[@PastorPeewee20]

I have a paraclaw bracelet it comes with a very small ferro rod but I can't get it to spark not even a tiny bit!

[@STOKERMATIC]

Some of them are garbage. Hate to hear it!

[@tomcatt998]

B sure 2 get all the paint coating off

[@DesignatedDkHd]

Why go out and buy one when I can dig through the carbide scrap at my work! Plus having the machinery to cut a flat section in a rod helps too so I can get that sharp edge.

[@STOKERMATIC]

There you go!

[@louiemorris9598]

I use one. Mine is a EZ Sharp brand. When I use my rod and striker I use a different technique. I start off like you do. But I pull the rod back that way my striker doesn't keep going and hit my fire tender.

[@STOKERMATIC]

I’ve done that too Louie. 6 of one 1/2 dozen of the other, so long as the end result is a fire.

[@jodyklocko6696]

Keep it real, no BS, thanks

[@STOKERMATIC]

I do what I can Jody!

[@Abe18874]

I totally agree with you that ferro rods are the same. There is very little if any demand for a higher iron ferro rod in non-automated applications.

[@thanoshalo7102]

I have used the carbide shapener. It dose produce massive sparks💥💥but leaves little lines on the rod ////. But found that the multi tool from mossy oak 8 in 1 tool. The saw blade in it strike just as good without leaving any marks. Clean and powerful sparks plus that tool is cheap at Wal-Mart. 😊. Nice video by the way.

[@STOKERMATIC]

So true - it does leave the scrapings behind. Saw blades work really well as well as you noted!

[@mgtowanonymous3120]

There us definitely different types of ferro rods. An when u buy dif types u learn this...

[@STOKERMATIC]

which ones we talking about? I’ve bought large, small, cheap, expensive, and have found all the ones I’ve purchased to be the same material.

[@tikkidaddy]

@@STOKERMATIC different amounts of magnesium and other "rare earth metals" make them softer...the iron makes them hard...of course...they are composed basically of the same materials...but not all sparks last as long or are able to light marginal damp tinders. Very good examples of softer rods are the ones sold by firesteel dot com or the Pathfinder School. Hard would be best represented by Swedish Firesteels, UST StrikeForce etc. The cheape " Chinese "versions...ebay is the most common source... are probably all the same...made probably by the same company. These companies scrimp on more expensive components of the rod...magnesium being one of them. It's like baking a cake. Not all cakes are the same...but there are processes you have to go thru to get a cake in the VERY GENERAL sense... But don't take my word for it....ask a reputable source you can believe...hope I helped...

[@STOKERMATIC]

mark, I don’t disagree at all. Very good use of analogy. Thanks for the contribution, and stay stoked!

[@tikkidaddy]

@@STOKERMATIC dude...I just bought Nathan4071s BEAST ferro...huge thing...I've used an old carbon steel (Queen) knife blade, the reamer on my Leatherman Surge. Still can't get Dragon Snot out of it so I'm going to get a couple of these sharpeners...if that doesn't work I guess I'll end up with a high speed steel striker😂 Trying to figure out a man's gumbo is difficult if all you have is taste to go by...never made a ferro rod...but I made a lotta gumbo me!😂😂😂

[@jasonedwardledburynewzeala9897]

A Square High Speed Steel lathe Bit Glued into a Handle works better. Do it yourself its cheap as. I put them in a fatwood handle. Aswell as my ferro rods.

[@Limicola1]

One other point. How well your striker works has little to do with the carbon content of the striker. A broken piece of glass will create a shower of sparks. You need a sharp edge. Tungsten carbide works well because it is tough and tools like the Speedy Sharp have a very sharp edge (and hold it because they are tungsten carbide).

[@frankkelly6016]

Great instructional Stoker ! I teach basic survival skills to a lot of office type people & this is a great idea for teaching a beginner ! I’ve read a few comments here & what I’m seeing is you guys n gals need to remember this is a hands down very basic skill here ! Great job my brother thanks for taking my place in serving my country ! Keep your powder dry bro 👊 👍

[@STOKERMATIC]

Thanks Frank!

[@redmiller7524]

I prefer my knife no extra stuff to carry and it works great for me I use my fixed blade knife though

[@swtsoph]

Um...actually, they're not all the same. They all contain the same materials, but in slightly different ratios. Some rods are quite a bit harder than others. I find the softer ones are much more effective. I use the spine of my knife to strike mine, but I use that exact sharpener to give the spine a sharper edge for striking. Just my humble opinion, of course.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Thanks for sharing it!

[@faviolaandaya1079]

Thank you very much for making this video!😊 I was looking for the best! And here it is! Thank you! 😊 subscribed! 💕💞💟👍

[@STOKERMATIC]

Thanks Favoila, I really do love mine. Works so good!

[@glennmurphy2588]

You said step one is to remove black coating on the ferro rod. Best way to do that? Scrape it off? Thanks.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Glenn - yeah, I use sand paper to remove it. If you just use it with a knife or other striker it will remove it as well though. But I like to get it prepped and have a known good area that I can strike.

[@glennmurphy2588]

@@STOKERMATIC what was the item you recommended as the best scraper? Some sort of carbon sharpener?

[@alex_123more]

They are NOT all the same…I own about 10 different brands of ferro rods and I can confidently say there’s at least 3 different “compounds” of ferrocerium rod makes

[@TacticalRick507]

Try using a hacksaw blade. Clip it down and it works. Don't bring space people into this. Dang Sargent, you will use any excuse to make fire and coffee. Are we sure your not a coffee addict pyromaniac like me? Hahahahaha. NEED MORE COFFEE.

[@STOKERMATIC]

I am a Stoker! Lol. Hacksaw blades work good too!!

[@TacticalRick507]

@@STOKERMATIC Next time I am state side I am gonna swing by your area, and KY to visit some SF friends of mine. But that may be 1 year or 2.

[@onionhead5780]

No disrespect but all ferry rods are not the same. They could contain different materials in different percentages with some manufactures adding additional compounds. I own a few and I can tell you the best ferro rod I’ve owned to date came from firesteel.com. It throws massive sparks compared to the others I own. Here’s the drawback. For some reason the firesteel will eventually erode into dust. I had a new one kept in a gun vault with an electric dehumidifier for years and when I went to get it to replace one I had lost. It was all corroded down to almost nothing. Pitted and a plastic bag full of metal dust. No rust, just powdered grey metal dust. With that being said I think it is the best ferro rod I’ve ever used. Long term..meh, obviously not so much. I suggest you purchase one and do a head to head comparison to judge for yourself. Semper fi brother.

[@STOKERMATIC]

I’ll take a look at it - May be a good idea. I suppose you could say that Ferrocerium is kind of like stainless steel. All stainless isn’t the exact same, but close enough that nobody talks about the difference. Semper Fi!

[@onionhead5780]

Ferry rod? Lol. Ferro rod. Stupid auto correct!

[@STOKERMATIC]

It happens! Lol

[@waveman0]

while those carbide tool sharpeners are good they aren't cost-effective anymore. They are too expensive these days. The best striker is a high-speed steel lathe bit, they are actually cost-effective. It's not about carbon content as I can use flint or glass to strike a ferro rod and they have zero carbon content. It's all about a sharp edge.

[@STOKERMATIC]

right on!

[@418emile]

If you have to use a speedy sharp to get a nice big spark, that means you're buying crap.

[@ghffrsfygdhfjkjiysdz]

is it just me or does this man look like Bruce Willis?

[@STOKERMATIC]

Bruce looks like me?

[@ghffrsfygdhfjkjiysdz]

@@STOKERMATIC You look like Bruce; he's older... look here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/np3VnXptebGffNk

[@snagrbuster7343]

English Flint is a kind Of rock used in Flintlock muzzleloaders, and has nothing to do with starting fire.

[@STOKERMATIC]

English flint is a type of rock that when struck with steel will create sparks. Flintlocks do use a small piece of flint but with a larger stone and striker can be used to create sparks in order to start a fire.

[@AverageReviewsYT]

In the words of this man. It’s a grown up lighter rod... imma go buy some small ferro rods from Walmart and plant them in my field. Water them once a day then in a year it will be a full grown 1” 8” rod 😀

[@STOKERMATIC]

Behold my field of ferro rods!

[@Gator-357]

They are NOT all made the same. There are different formulations making some harder and some softer. The softer ones have more magnesium in them and produce more and larger sparks, those made with less magnesium are harder and produce smaller but hotter sparks. Both require different striking techniques to got the most eddicient spark from each one. I would highly discourage you from scarping ALL of the coating off as it preserves the ferro rod and keeps it from oxidizing and crumbling or becoming powdery. The carbide sharpeners work excellent as strikers as do pieces of hacksaw blade or any hardened high carbon steel although anything sharp will work a stainless blade, a piece of sharp ceramic or glass, an old file a piece of sharp flint, you don't have to use a piece of carbon steel like so many out there swear to. Experiment, you'll be surpised what will work, and work well. Basically, if it's sharp or has a crisp 90° angle, it'll give you a spark.

[@frankmarshall9129]

Our scouts were debating if sparks can be different temperatures. Sounds like they can be.

[@dwaynepoz8835]

hacksaw blade. going out back and try it get my hobo stove out

[@STOKERMATIC]

Awesome!

[@followtheciaence]

Can someone timestamp the thumbnail/title

[@followtheciaence]

4:26

[@STOKERMATIC]

Glad you got it! Thanks for hanging out!

[@IngeniousOutdoors]

Holy cow. This dude could be bruce willis' brother.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Or is Bruce my brother?!?

[@IngeniousOutdoors]

@@STOKERMATIC lol same difference.

[@JoelWetzel]

I want to hear what you're going to say but you keep shoving things in my face and doing quick cuts. I'll stay for another minute but my epilepsy now has a much shorter fuse. OK, watched it all and will say that my flint works great on the ferro rod. I'm wondering whether that sharpener will get sparks off other stuff like a file and flint steel. Peace.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Joel, I thought I had responded...my bad for it taking so long. Sometimes I do quick cuts, sometimes I don't. But I understand where you're coming from. It would work on flint no problems. Have a piece I tried it on. Works great.

[@JoelWetzel]

@@STOKERMATIC Cool. I got one based on your video and am really happy; it even sharpens my shears. Peace.

[@danielsilvas1343]

In a lighter it is not a feral rod it is a Flint

[@STOKERMATIC]

True statement. I think it's probably just an old habit to say.

[@danielsilvas1343]

I knew that you knew what you were talking about I was just messing with you I like your videos keep it up I’ve learned a lot

[@sabinekatsavrias4422]

break a dinner plate... my kid did and now i have a ton of the best strikers ever!..i almost paid 25 bucks pluss postage lmao. Sorry wazoo thats just ridiculous

[@sswany31]

Not all rods are the same, as others have said some have different ratios more magnesium etc but yes alot are the same and some for huge mark ups and ripping people off but I'd say your biggest issue is your piss poor technique yes a good striker helps but learning how to use it properly will dramatically improve your success. Hold your knife/scraper whatever stationary and drag the rod against it will direct more hot sparks where you need them to work