Ultimate Guide to Using a Fire Starter Ferro Rod: Learn From a Survival Instructor

[@CliffCliffsEdgeEdge]

This is the most explicit, and well organized, ferro rod training process I have seen in 10 years!

[@dropshot1967]

If you collect the ferrorod shavings that did not ignite in your first step, you can use those to help ignite sub-optimal tinder.

[@ogi22]

This is one of the best "enhancements" to the ferro rod i have learned not long ago. And just for fun i have tried for the first time to light my cig this way (i know, smoking is a bad habit, but you have an ember for a few minutes;) ) just a scrap of paper to collect your shavings (inch by inch is more then enough), a little pile of shavings and voila! My first cig started with a ferro rod :D

[@heathenshaunt681]

This was one of the only tricks I knew was to shave some off without sparking it so those can mix with your good sparks or as the fire creeps over it can grow fast by igniting them as well if they are in your tinder as it catches too. I was not aware of the slow scrape for ignition overall tho since I have not done any only studied so now I'm forcing myself to get out there and learn.

[@ogi22]

@Tai Chi Tube I think i saw it on Felix Imler channel.

[@jamescrowe7892]

Thanks. That was good info.

[@Tespai]

That's actually the best way.

[@no_handle_required]

I can't believe it's taken a KZbin video to show me my multi-tool is the best striker for a fero rod. I've never started fires so easily.

[@PFbigfan447]

5:45 Although this is a good trick to know and later on follow, people should know that not all ferro rods are made equal. Some have more magnesium and because of it are softer than others, hence are easier to scrape, throw more material and with that produce long lasting sparks. If a ferro rod is on the harder side, it will not shave enough material meaning the sparks might not even reach and hit the ground. A lot of people start panicking, me included, when they strike their first ferro rod and it turns out to be one of the hard ones. I have been told that the harder ones produce hotter sparks, but those sparks don't last as long as those on the softer ones. Keep that in mind folks.

[@clivenewton7609]

@Tai Chi Tube ‘Light my fire’ good luck👍

[@KENFEDOR22]

@Tai Chi Tube uh, Mr. Coalcracker himself sells a fine ferro rod on his site. It "pours" sparks!

[@PFbigfan447]

​@Tai Chi Tube Not really, simply because I despise armchair experts who talk like know-it-alls with little to no experience, and I don't want to come out looking like one as well. I don't have many ferro rods, let alone tested multiple brands, I own only 3 ferro rods. A Bayite(the medium), a military surplus with a magnesium-bar attached to it(the softest) and what I can only assume is a cheap Chinese ferro rod(the hardest). They ALL work, they are all different hardness. Personally I prefer the bayite even though its a bit on the harder side, but there is definitely a difference between it and the magnesium-bar one. The magnesium-bar one throws A LOT of sparks with little to no effort, but its small and it wastes away a lot of material with every stroke. How to know if your ferro rod is on the hard side? If your technique is good, yet you still have jimping (small ridges) on the stroked surface, it is definitely on the harder side. If throwing showers of sparks is what you are after, go on YT where they compare and do multiple tests with ferro rods and see which one fits your liking.

[@rogersmith8480]

I hope to GOD, when the SHTF, and I am in the woods trying to SURVIVE. I hope to GOD, I run into you. You are the MAN to be with WHEN the SHTF. I really mean that.

[@carliemccracken5089]

Fantastic information. My 15 yr old daughter and I just found your channel and we are so happy we did! We used to struggle so much with flint and steel. My daughter just completed a 24 hr solo survival experience (through her high school program) in the Yukon wilderness where she was allowed only flint and steel (using char would have caused her to lose points). She used your fire starting training and successfully started a fire with only 3 strikes in super cold, wet conditions using natural tinder she found and dried. She also built a debris shelter based off of another one of your videos, and she stayed warm and dry in damp and snowy conditions. (No tarps, blankets or emergency blankets were allowed). We looked through many survival channels but yours is our favourite by far. Clear, concise, and easy to follow. Thanks so much!

[@wayner4christ988]

Tell your daughter great job! These things are so important to learn.

[@kristinroney7591]

That's really awesome. I like reading about people's experiences woth the video

[@oopalonga]

I really want to know how your daughter got things to light and wet conditions! I used a feral rod with giant sparks on very dry grass and other natural materials and could not get it to light for the life of me. The only things I have been able to successfully ignite with a feral rod is a cotton ball.

[@laurelrunlaurelrun]

I thought I knew how to use my ferro rod. Great tips.

[@billstiles487]

I bought a small ferro rod and magnesium kit years ago and considered it dime store junk as I couldn't get more than the tiniest spark from it. After watching this video, which I found by accident, I drug it out of the junk drawer and boom, sparks hit the floor on the second scrape. I am now a subscriber to your channel. Thanks for posting these valuable videos.

[@bunyan6101]

I appreciate that knarled up stick. I see so many tubers having to scrape the paint on camera. That thing has been rode hard and put away wet!

[@donaldnorth3714]

Great instructions! I’ve been doing it wrong for a LONG time…..now I can make those sparks fly! Thanks Dan!

[@happytrails125]

This past weekend I started my first ferro rod fire...made char cloth...and started my first flint and steel fire... Thanks for all the vids!

[@brianbartulis9709]

My first char cloth flint/steel fire was a panic. POOF! near took off my eyebrows. (-:

[@wmluna381]

@@brianbartulis9709 😂

[@i_am_a_freespirit]

For the algorithm, thank you for this Video

[@JK-ex6rn]

Love the new intro 😎👍

[@TheNewCarryTrade]

The back of the saw technique worked really for me. I had never used a ferro rod before and was able to start a fire with a tiny 1" x 1/8" emergency rod. Thanks

[@mjhill72]

Excellent DETAILED & concise training video. If your boss sees this you are definitely going to be training all new employees. 😄

[@beanrunnerWA]

If your life purpose is to help people enjoy the outdoors, mission accomplished! Thanks Dan!

[@JDI_4]

THANK YOU, YOU WERE SOO HELPFUL!!! NOW I CAN GO CAMPING!!!

[@sandraw4763]

Given that you have a decent ferro rod, striker makes a BIG difference. Go thru various items you normally have and see how each work. I was surprised to discover that one of the best strikers I have is a the back of a sturdy little folding knife I normally keep on my key chain!

[@3AlarmBushcraft]

One of the best i found out from a youtube video is the carbide sharpeners in the lawn and garden section for things like shears and lawn mower blades etc.

[@OverlyBaked187]

From Pennsylvania myself and absolutely love all you put out. Thanks for the amazing information you share with us all for free. It's appreciated.

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Back of a folded silky saw works great too 👍🏻 and makes great fatwood shavings 🔥

[@TheWonderwy]

Jeez Dan, you make everything so easy to understand. You see people hitting their ferrorods at jackrabbit speed all the time and still not getting a spark as good as you got with one strike! Thanks for the practice reminder. I always learn from you. God bless and take care.

[@T4nkcommander]

I almost always learn something new on this channel, but today I learned just how bad I have been with ferro rods. Given my [relative] success using them in the past, I'm excited to see how much better I'll do going forward now!

[@cdubs9918]

I've seen a lot of bushcraft experts all saying you need a ferro rod. However, for most situations, you can use a good Bic lighter. They're dependable and always work. However, I will say that you should know how to use a ferro rod because Bics are hard to use in adverse conditions like a steady downpour or snow. Personally I use my Bic lighter 80% of the time. Personally I think a good lighter is more reliable and quicker. I carry a lighter, ferro rod, tinder, and matches in my BOB, my backpack, and in my Jeep. I'm not critical of ferro rods. But, in most situations, a lighter is quicker and faster.

[@podden22]

That was informative! Didn't know I didn't know how to use it!

[@mr.griftyogaff1973]

Perfect tool for scraping your rod! I never would have thought of that

[@medicinegone]

I bought a ferro rod years ago. Brought it with me maybe 10 times, about half of those times I couldn't get anything going and luckily had matches. Now I understand what I was doing wrong. Thanks!

[@ek-nz]

A link to this video should come with every ferry rod

[@davidgoff7336]

Wish I had seen this video (or your previous one like it), when I first started trying to use a ferro rod. Had really inconsistent results trying to make it work. This video is "Pure Gold" for the beginner and a great reminder even for the experienced. Thank you Dan. :)

[@NoneyaBusiness-ou7wm]

You might of just saved my life thanks you the man

[@edsomers7814]

Thanks dude that was extremely helpful.I definitely wasn’t getting the most out of my rod,that made a big difference.😊☮️

[@Danielkaas94]

I made my first ferro rod fire today! 🔥🎉

[@qparxiii]

Very good intro music too 🤯

[@brianduval1225]

Love the mix of tone in Dan's different videos. Fun at times, but just the right amount of serious when "school is in session."

[@valsidentity1582]

Thank you so much. You help more than you know. It's appreciated

[@RosieBrodie-gg3yj]

Great video thanks. I have survival kit which includes one but I had no idea how to actually use it

[@charlesringo569]

Definitely digging the new intro

[@MiscMitz]

Great tips. Throwing good sparks is key

[@bsewall]

Wow! What a wonderful, informative video! Thank you! I look forward to mastering these techniques.

[@frikkiesmit327]

Thats a big rod!

[@unclebobsbees4899]

Dude, I have been doing ferro rods wrong!!! 😮 Thank you immensely.

[@TROYSTER7171]

Great vid for novices, we'll taught. The back of a Silky Pocket boy is fantastic for multiple sparks.

[@Mojo32]

Whoa once the camera angle changed i was not expecting to see the capris 😂 Awesome video, for me it was extremely helpful! I'll keep practicing, but now with your instructions , thanks!

[@jons2447]

Thank you, Mr. Bushcraft! I had to learn this on my own, so it means more to see you teach it, too. Have a GREAT day, Neighbor!

[@Xerroc22]

Verry informative. It should help me as I am a beginner with a ferro rod

[@darylsarbaugh3491]

This might quite possibly be the most valuable video I have ever seen. Define game changer. I always wondered why I couldn't get sparks like you and Dave and Shawn. Now I can.

[@timothyrothrock4173]

I have started fires with a broken lighter thanks to Dan. Survival of the Coal Cracker, that's what I'm talking about..

[@larryeddings3185]

One of the carbide tool sharpens, like the one made by Corona, makes a great striker for a ferro rod. It is inexpensive, lightweight, and compact.

[@westcoastwarriorsarchive7929]

I bought one of those but its some no name one from amazon. When I use it I get ripples in my rod that make it harder and harder to use. Do you get those? and if you do how do you deal with them?

[@ladyofthemasque]

Fantastic demo, Dan! Clear instructions, clear examples and clear explanations on the whys as well as the hows. Some people just learn & remember a task a lot better when they understand the why of that task!

[@aleksandrat1020]

Sir you are my favorite bushcraft instructor on youtube....! Your videos are so well structured and explained for people around the world that basically dont have these kind of training programs anywhere near them...! I'm trying to learn everything on Buschraft...bought books etc but i have to say your videos are just so much more real and useful!! A big thank you for your channel from Greece!!

[@hagman1077]

Cool info- Another thing that is good to do is instead of drawing the back of the saw blade forward, try keeping the back of the saw blade stationary and scrape towards yourself (ferro rod will be under the back of the saw blade or striker). This helps prevent you from hitting your birds nest with the striker and knocking your birds nest around if your close to it.

[@lorriewatson7423]

Thank you! I got my first ferro rod about 6 months ago. I was able to start fires, when needed, with it all winter; I heat with wood. I admittedly needed pointers to get better with it; I will practice technique all summer.

[@EAGLE-SAN]

YO, PLANNING ON AN EXTENDED SUMMER SOLO MOTO TRIP IN THE US- NO MOTELS , ETC. THANKS FOR THE FIRE MAKING TIPS, IT SHOWED ME MORE THAN I KNEW! JOHN IN CO. I USE PINON FATWOOD AND LIGHTER MATERIALS FOR KINDLING!

[@zingodingo2816]

I use a Sharpening Tool with my ferro rods. I seems that the Corona brand has become commonly available; Blue Hawk may also be available in some places. They work very well with ferro rods and...when sharpening tools such as pruners, 'loppers,' (maybe hatchets/axes), etc., so they are great to have around. As others have stated, your vids explain things thoroughly which is very helpful...so I am a new subscriber.

[@TheRoyalGamersRule]

Just got your book in the mail. Good stuff!

[@deanbenninger]

THE BEST TRAINING I have ever seen!!! As all your Videos are the Best Instruction, Detailed and "The Why", which is so important... Now Rewind and Watch again what I missed while Typing this... ! Thank You Dan, my New Forest Friend... God Bless & Please Keep them Coming!

[@gud2go50]

Your a very good instructor Dan. Thank you!😊

[@chrismarshall4486]

I love a Ferro rod. I’ve never been able to do well by striking with my knife/striker. I’ve always done best by keeping my knife/striker stationary and pulling my ferro rod back to me. You know same thing I’m just moving the rod instead of the striker. Great tools though

[@timcoco5863]

Always great information and really fun to watch your videos much love from down the bayou

[@barryrosenlieb6092]

The best striker I've found is my Bahco carbide sharpener. Man that thing will shred a ferro rod

[@mikek.3965]

Always great instructions.

[@mikeharris7229]

Very educational. Great video. Thank you!

[@fortunaterunt6834]

Very good tips. I'm happy to say after years of practice all of this has already came to me by trial and error, but I'll be using some of this to help my other friends that only toss little bitty sparkies, quickly give up, and grab the Bic

[@k9six185]

Practiced this yesterday…had to find my leatherman….the saw blade was by far the best striker…I tried a hacksaw blade back plus a couple of other things…….used a vaseline cotton ball and it burned hot for over 2 minutes…sweet!….good video great info…I would have been col

[@mymorphcaptain4477]

I think it is more inportant to set up the fire so once it is lit, it stays lit and grows.

[@nevermind6351]

" Set to jet", well now, nice technique.

[@itzybitzyspyder]

Flint and steel is king. Has been for 1000s of years.

[@krystalmenin1944]

Thank you!

[@johnelder4273]

I have a 2-inch piece of old hacksaw blade tied to my ferro rods on the lanyard (through the holes on the ends or just drill one if you don't have the end piece). I always have a knife or multitool that would work too but the piece of saw blade really throws great sparks. That said, I also always have a Bic lighter or two in my kit because why not? Any piece of cotton and a dab of Vasaline lip balm burns like a candle and I am prone to chapped lips so it's always on me too. The Vaseline and cotton is just as good as char cloth if not better.

[@ТУРИСТ-АВАНТЮРИСТ]

Great video man, the crackling fire gets me every time. I always learn something useful from these trips that I can try out. Nice close up shots as well, definitely honing the filmmaker craft. Greetings from Belarus! ✌️

[@captainscorner7367]

Excellent instruction

[@RickCarter1776]

Nice instructional video. Thanks for the tips.

[@arlenestanton9955]

Even the experts have to practice, that how you get to be an expert!

[@jeromeknasinski3862]

Outstanding AF

[@notquiteultralight1701]

DANG DAN!! That was like sparklers!! Holy crap!! I’ve got a combo little ferro rod/striker set for Christmas one year and the rod is about 2 inches long and the striker is attached. Ive tried starting my trangia with that thing and it doesn’t work. Apparently I need a different ferro rod! Thanks for all these tips and tidbits! Take care. NQU

[@brucematys8597]

Wow, never to old to learn something new. I have now graduated from novice to pro. Great video Dan, I always get something from your tips. Cheers 🍻🇨🇦

[@timwatkins6001]

VERY GOOD TIP!

[@tm5aw357]

Excellent video

[@tandjstrick1289]

Thank you Dan! I have been able to make fire.........but it took multiple strikes and was very weak. I was doing it wrong all along and never knew! Thank you for showing me the way to correct. Awesome stuff. Love your channel.

[@larrykramer6057]

I have been using a razor knife (boxcutter) blade with tape on it for a little handle, but I will try your saw thing. Nice thing is that you can throw the blades away when they give out.

[@pettere8429]

I like the new into.

[@Pette-fq7rn]

Excellent video!

[@Deathbyswordpoint]

This is the best knowledge I needed . trying this now and man I sucked before .... Thank you for teaching me something new.

[@michaelsupple6081]

Outstanding video! Thanks for sharing.

[@roberttosa2560]

Great tutorial. Thanks!

[@20920Jacksrd]

Hey thanks for the in depth explanation. I was getting the burst but not the good strikes

[@larryfolloway6335]

I’ve got a couple of cheap ferro rods that are so hard you couldn’t get sparks like that if you chop it with a hatchet. I’m not a pro but I haven’t failed to make a fire since I was a kid either and I’m 46. I put a good spine on the nail file of a Swiss army classic that I carry on my key ring with a 3” ferro rod and a small piece of fat wood. I carry a 6” x1/2” ferro rod in my pack but never use it.

[@jeffechols5302]

Great instructions

[@BradleyBarber-b9u]

Great video sir

[@gerardmartyn7596]

Thank you for the information. Presently moving from ferro rod to flint and steel. Good luck with your additional channel.

[@emfl4437]

Thanks for the excellent tips. I am learning how to use a ferro rod, this will definitely speed up my learning curve

[@loul8897]

Great instruction!

[@johnfortwengler4496]

Great video

[@tomconway8881]

Good video. Thanks

[@paulgoesoutdoors9616]

Such valuable information!

[@alfredsilver8566]

Easily one of the best channels on here! Thank you!

[@user-mj3fk4hg2l]

Thanks for the video! I use Azengear fire starter.

[@denisbelair8988]

thanks Dan for your knowledge and how you explain for all different level peoples and i did not forgot all the viewers that gives all there tricks thank you all

[@scotbotvideos]

Great advice, Dan. Invaluable for newbies. Much appreciated.

[@annelawrence9127]

Really enjoyed this. One of my now adult sons found a multi tool in the woods -pretty dirty and rusty-we put is in a bag w WD40 for a while and it came out clean. Always wanted to make more use of that tool-excellent content 👏🏻

[@jameskilpatrick6073]

Great advice!