Survival Instructor Explains How this Fire Starting Tip can Save Your Life

[@davehumpleby3440]

I've started countless fires by pulling a fero rod across a stationary knife spine. However, I've always done it by bracing the hand holding the knife against my shin from a 'lunge' position. Never once have I thought to keep the knife stationary by planting the blade tip into a block of would. No matter how old or experienced you think you are, there's always something new to learn. Every day's a school day. Thanks for the top tip.

[@pamartin]

Thank you for getting right to it. Too many think they have to fill 20 minutes when the info can be delivered well in less time. You know, like you do. Great tip. Yes I've been doing it wrong. Not anymore. Thanks.

[@darrylk808]

This is one of those "size doesn't matter, it's all about technique" videos. Thanks, I find it very helpful. 😁

[@robdavidson4945]

I picked up on that too. Makes me feel better about the world.

[@mitchforster5349]

Lmao

[@geistschatten]

Thank you for the tip! I bought a knife a while back and didn't know it included a small ferro rod until after purchase, good to know how to effectively use it.

[@bryanepp5340]

With both the smaller and larger rods, I anchor the rod at an angle on the base(stump, board, piece if bark), and push the knife toward the material directly below the rod. The rod stays stationary, and the knife is controlled by arm length so it doesn't push into the material. This also allows for increased pressure on the rod for more rod material to fall into the tinder.

[@brandonsmith1647]

That’s a great little tip. It’s the simplest that have the greatest impact.

[@jayoutdoors07m96]

I like my Mora Spark, I made it into a neck knife. My preferred method is to set my knifes edge on my tinder bundle holding it in place and pull the ferro rod across the top with my index finger along the length of it for constant pressure. The sparks drop straight down right where I want them. And it works very well for powdered / scraped tinders as well.

[@JordanJames_420]

Your cold opens always make my chuckle

[@khamen723]

Flint and steel is my fav way to start fires. I practice almost every night, I make my own char cloth, find my own flint, and use stuff I find around the property to make my own tinder bundle.

[@danieljones2183]

Thanks Dan. Great information. Very useful. One for the tool box.

[@KingTesticus]

I would be curious to see a video about the little ferro-rod necklaces, like the wazoo kind. My EDC includes a fire necklace, and I have had to practice a lot to get competent enough to allow myself to "think" it would be (or could be) a potential ignition source. Conditions must be ideal tho, and materials must be perfect because a 1-inch ferro-rod isn't very forgiving.

[@Chuklz70]

Nice! Applies to me especially. Wife & I go for Colorado mountain drives in her VW Beetle frequently. Have a small emergency kit in the back and frequently bottles of water behind the driver’s seat. She hates it when I obviously overpack every little thing on my scout list but also reminds me it takes just one elk in the road to end our little VW’s life

[@itchyfinger9078]

Danny boy as a long time subscriber I would like to say you're one of the few bushcrafters on this platform that gives out real world tips and thank you for them 😊 . There are very few of you guys about I would like to give a shout out to corporals corner ,felix immeler and the god of bushcraft ray mears .thank you from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@papajeff5486]

Dan, you’re such a good teacher. Well done. Kentucky

[@timothyrothrock4173]

Learning how to do this is a treat. Thank you for sharing. Going to start my wax dirt is the project for today

[@terryqueen3233]

Dan you are so good for these newcomers all of these quick and short little tips are great for them. You keep up the good work and for myself watching you is always a refresher course. Thanks again for the video y'all have a great day and stay safe if you keep your powder dry!

[@peterkahapea8536]

I just learned something new,about a Fero rod ~ much appreciated and Thank You!!

[@frogfellow6035]

Always love the content thanks for teaching others and keeping the knowledge going!

[@alanrice39]

Thanks Dan, that’s a very helpful tip, I’ll be practicing it tomorrow.

[@backwoodstrails]

Good technique, thank you. Before Bushcraft was a "thing" all we pretty much had were small firesteels. Starting in the mid 70's with the "Original Doan Tool" then mid 90's with the "Light my Fire" brand. The larger firesteels seem to be a much more recent thing comparatively. And the push vs pull debate comes up often. I am glad you acknowledged both methods work for different situations.

[@williampysell1257]

Great demonstration! Like you, I favor the larger rod, and I have really not had much success with the smaller rods.

[@Guns-Guitars1310]

What a great video. I admit I have never don’t it that way but will from now on. Thank you for the lesson.

[@BIG-DIPPER-56]

That's one of those tips that could save a life ! ! ! Great public service post ! ! ! 🙂😎👍

[@davidgrise5820]

Once I find that I already know all of this info. until I don't and I'm learning a new tip!!! Keep The Information Coming...

[@michaelmichael8406]

I love this channel. Thanks, Dan!

[@jamescrowe7892]

Never considered that. Always something to learn. Thanks.

[@paulzimmerman3895]

Great stuff. I learn something every time. Thanks again. Have good weekend.

[@edemyre8993]

As always, well done.

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Nice, good tip. Thanks for showing us and take care.

[@todd4480]

Best technique. Especially when lighting a propane stove. Also, a dab of hand sanitizer helps tremendously for camp fires.

[@thomasmusso1147]

👍👍👍 .. good tip .. thanks. I've got one of those Mora Knives and having an additional Ferro Rod around isn't a bad idea. Rather have and not need than need and not have.

[@-breakofdawn-]

Amazing what big a difference such minor technical adjustments can make. Extremely useful tip, like all of your videos. Thank you so much!

[@jerryfrancis7523]

Another great tip, thanks again!!!

[@sdsi68]

Wow great tip, always wondered about how to use those little rods 👍🤙🤙🤙

[@peterott9162]

Awesome video Dan, I was wondering how effective the smaller fero rods were...and now I know!

[@charlesmotz837]

Great video you great video you learn something new everyday so how about starting fires and this hot weather right now is not a good time to start fires

[@Boomhauer69]

Definitely enjoy this channel.

[@offthearrowshelf]

Great tip and advice. Thanks for sharing

[@randybrown140]

You must have a thousand ideas, Thank You 👍

[@iwalkenquicksand]

I've never used the smaller rods but I have a couple. Nice to see a technique that will help me use them. I might just take small ones on my next trip.

[@jennydrumm7223]

Really good information. Thanks!

[@troybranaman316]

Some of us guys have to work with smaller ferro rods ! Either way this technique shows the the best way to use a smaller rod . 😄 Great information video Dan!!! More tools 🔧!!! Take care and stay safe my friend!!!

[@erolkavlakverizon6112]

Thank you Dan for more info. Baby ferrocerium rods are fun but produce baby sparks.

[@KdampreyGaming]

Thank for sharing, Very nice video bro

[@10mmfan36]

Do like that tip, thanks a lot. I was doing the stationary knife but not locking it into a surface. 👍

[@rioguzmanc]

Great tip! Thanks!

[@boonedog1457]

A great demonstration! So size really doesn't matter. It's how you use it that matters! Got it!! LOL

[@danielkutcher5704]

Very good information!

[@billyrstewart3279]

Mora light my fire knife has been my edc knife for many years. Reason being it’s a good working man’s knife with yes a fire steel in the handle. Will share a secret with u. U can use a longer fire steel. The uco fire steel is the same size just longer. I drilled out into the handle. Which is resin fiberglass. The same size as fire steel. I can get a inch longer steel in the handle. Than what it comes with. Yes I have more expensive knives. It’s what works for me day in day out. I do have a great l do have a great Kydex holster for it on a Tex lock mini. It rides right in front of belt buckle. Very easy access from either hand. Great video 👍🏻

[@thomasnugent3836]

Very good. Thank you very much

[@thomascumiskey4198]

Great tip! Thanks

[@yeshuas5172]

Good, thanks. It's good to know that if all you have is the tiny one, like the one in the video, there is a way to make it work. Glad I didn't get rid of all my smaller rods (not tiny) back when you convinced me the larger would be better. Peace.

[@rondanuser1204]

Excellent info as always. Can you elaborate on how to make the kindling pile so the sparks will start it. I always have trouble with wood shavings. Thanks!

[@monlonlabe5016]

For start Use fat wood (wood saturated with resin). If you don't know about fat wood, search the internet, you can also buy fatwood if you do not know how to find it . Fat wood or if no fat wood then very dry wood. Remove the bark if any and shave the wood stick with the back of the knife so it will be very thin pieces of wood (if you do it with the blade you'll get bigger pieces, harder to set on fire). The finer the better to catch the spark. Of course you can also "cheat" by using cotton balls or any other firestarter.

[@sacwriter7400]

Great new technique, I can't wait to try it! Here's a thought, though. Would this technique also work using a full size ferro rod? A whole lot of sparks directly into the tinder, might be a good trick if the tinder is wet as well

[@RobertJones-hm4zt]

Really helpful! Thanks.

[@ivannasha5556]

Mora knives brings me back to my childhood. I especially remember trying to throw it as close to my foot as possible and hitting it XD

[@o80y1]

It has a nice personality and treats the ladies well

[@paulschwartz2464]

Thanks for the tip. I will get one of those Spark Moras for me & each of my kids now. Carbon or stainless though?

[@yogibru1]

Thanks for the share!!

[@redhedkev1]

Cool, thanks. Wasn't there a reverse-grip-stab into the stump knife positioning setup used your making cordage from plastic bottles-video?

[@martin809]

Great tip!!!

[@ShanesCraftBeerReview]

Great tip. Cheers!

[@kalstreksandtrails7606]

That was cool. Thanks for tip

[@danielfegley2735]

Thank you this is a real educational tip I'm thinking one other reason why you wouldn't want to move the knife is a rod that thin you're more likely to put pressure on it and break it

[@davebloggs]

I have many different fero rods some big some small i also have the light my fire mora from your video how i use mine is build a bundle of tinder lay the blade down on top holding the bundle in place and pull the rod upwards trapping the material and guiding the sparks straight into the bundle, and as i always tell people the best fero rod is the one you have with you, same as a knife, the best one is the one you have not the many sat at home in the draw.

[@mikesouthey1657]

great tip!

[@stevenskidmore5457]

Good video , thanks man for this useful information .

[@co1950]

I use a technique similar to this when using smaller ferro rods. Turn the blade down at the edge of the tinder bundle and use your index finger to support the back of the rod and draw the rod back. I have broken more than one small diameter ferro rod before I learned this trick

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Well done 👍🏻

[@waynehead7271]

Although I do have a full sized ferro rod in my OS Bag, I also have a very small one in my pocket at all times. It's contained in a Smith's pocket "survival" sharpening tool. Now, before y'all scream at me about never using those notched sharpening POS's on my knives, you should know that I don't do anything that foolish. I *have* used it to clean up a notch or two on my machete's edge in the field once or twice, though. However, I have found that using that relatively tiny ferro rod in the carbide notch of the sharpener is exponentially more effective than a flat striker. It will eat that little rod up quickly, but the amount of sparks makes me want to develop a better striker shape/construction for the larger rods too. The little gadget also has a decent signal whistle and a button compass that works relatively well, even out of *my* pocket ... because some people in my family can have adverse affects on magnetic things and small electronics. G'night, and thanks for reading it all if ya' got this far. ✌🏼

[@ebony5766]

Now that is a handy tip!!!

[@fredward4787]

And one of your questions and answers you talked about slingshot what about traditional sling just as effective more practice less risk of personal injury

[@PenntuckytheCrag]

good one Dan thx for sharing

[@monsierlemaire8282]

Good stuff! Thx for the tip

[@duckmangooo7376]

Quick and easy.

[@Hemp1972]

Great info! People forget that! (moi) I do not have any ferro rod at the moment. Does not feel good. 🔆

[@HandfulOfTranquility]

Do you find the included ferro rod is a better grade? I have this exact knife and love it. I find the included rod strikes better and easier (it seems softer) than other cheap ferro rods I have used. You have a lot more experience with ferro rods, so do you notice a difference?

[@Jaden48108]

A winning technique. Cool.

[@NatiHighLife]

im getting a fero rod after my lighter died on my hike this past weekend, good timing on this vid

[@Seamus3051]

Brilliant. Cheers.

[@MrOnepiece14]

I'm new to this, but how long would one of those rods last? Is it something that should be bought in twos or threes? Thanks for all your videos.

[@Tel660]

Thanks for the tip, just don't know why I didn't think of this myself

[@stickstickley5098]

Love my Mora Light My Fire knife. I curl my index finger slightly around the ferro rod and push the knife spine with my thumb of the same hand.(holding the knife handle lightly with the other hand) The movement is kinda like shooting a marble. The tip of the rod is pressed into the tinder and the knife never gets pushed past the end of the rod. Short but very efficient and explosive move. Try it and let me know how it works for ya. I can send you a vid if you like

[@ryanblystone5153]

Thank you

[@ForestWanderer_YT]

You can also hold the knife horizontally on the base and with the other hand keep the rod using your index finger over the ferrorod and pull. Works best with a knife that doesn't has a wide blade!

[@heatherdeavalon]

That very helpful. Great instruction, so I won't say anything about size matters. 😉

[@alicel3992]

Came for a visit bc Corporal's Corner Kelly suggested your videos🤩FYI 👸🤠

[@bushcraftdad8191]

Arw you guys anywhere near Orlando florida?

[@dhul-sabhatanalkurdi5079]

I buy the smaller ones then epoxy glue them after gathering magnesium in slow bits under a tarp then allow air in then light and move quick. Thats in the rain

[@3sgamestudio]

Useful. thank you!

[@timgstar3585]

Thanks man 👍👍

[@shadowcastre]

Dan used "survival instructor " in his title.... Everyone take a drink!! :-)

[@freddyoutdoors]

Ace stuff loved it

[@NightLinks]

Dan show us the bloopers on this video. Lol!

[@david6920-r6z]

Nice knife

[@outdoorsforachange]

Thanks!

[@dhul-sabhatanalkurdi5079]

Sir I de love your advice on a camping location however I don't think he is ready. My freind that is im like were from Jersey what takes us there? Throw in hell I crawl out freezing. However him not too sure

[@seanferguson5460]

If I were out camping with a short fero rod I don't think I ever would have figured that out on my own. I would have struggled with it until the tinder lit despite myself, cursing all the way.

[@michaelmarkin1532]

So you’re saying it’s not the size of the rod but how you use it?

[@lonewolfsbushcrafttravels]

Cool 😎