3 Helpful Tips for Using a Ferro Rod Fire Starter: Survival Fire Starting Made Easy!

[@coalcracker]

Guys gals kids and dogs lol the reason it’s important to learn to throw better sparks is because as you progress and become more skilled you should be more efficient with different tinder types. My kid was 3 and was making fire with cotton balls. This video is about teaching you to get better and beyond just using store bought fire starters. Shavings in damp weather, duct tape balls and a damp birds nest. Igniting Those types of things with a ferro rod in adverse weather is what we are trying to learn.

[@geemail369]

4:03 *_BEST_* tip i know - shown here but not discussed/pointed out: keep the knife steady and _PULL_ the rod! Prevents you from accidentially brushing through the lay and keeps everything stable. Safety aspect: you don't ever start _(get used to)_ flailing a sharp blade around.

[@trackerjacker0013]

Ive been teaching my best friends sons this skill set. As usual, this is infinitely useful. They bang out blazes from wet wood and keep it going. All thanks to you.

[@petersymons7817]

Sorry u have a cold. If u have allergies, the mineral manganese 3-7 mg daily.

[@omecronrodneydheel349]

As a newb to Bushcraft, I watch and absorb all your videos. My lashings are pitiful, and my knots are...not.

[@davidjacobs828]

Very impressive indeed.

[@JugglesGrenades]

To everyone in KZbin land: I purchased the coalcracker 6inch ferro rod, and carry it with a piece of broken file( high carbon steel ) I have never failed to make a fire with these tools. Listen to the teacher, he knows what he's talking about. 👍

[@BCVS777]

Bic lighter works good too.😊

[@clxwncrxwn]

@@BCVS777 not in high winds/rain or extreme dampness

[@Mo-LoveMeForever]

@@BCVS777 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@LifeIsASideQuest]

@@BCVS777 yeah until the gas runs out

[@BCVS777]

Not meaning to be contentious but I find it amusing how the “bushcraft” culture has its quirks….like this fascination with ferro rods. Ferro rods are ok but on a cold, wet, windy day I will take a bic lighter or even matches over a ferro rod every time. I wonder how many “bushcrafters” have started fires in bad weather when it actually mattered if you get a fire started. I been in the outdoors mostly for work and some for play for 55 years. Back in the day I just carried matches in a sealed case but then along came the lighter. I’ll take a flame over a spark any day.

[@johnpoirier6499]

I have to say, I'm seventy years old... I've hike countless trails.. You're method of teaching the basics...AWESOME..Thx

[@STUPIDYOUTUBE_HIDINGMSGS]

yeah, so many people gets lost in the forest these days believing the worst won't happen. Even a simple disposable lighter will help when hiking.

[@maxwellmortimermontoure7274]

Gramps made sure all his grandkids knew how to use a ferro rod. Such good memories of my cousins, sisters and me camping and making a bunch of little fires along the nooksack river. Still have a very worn down magnesium/ferro starter he got me when I was 10.

[@dylnthmsn420]

Hey Dan, that other intro beat is where it's at. Don't abandon that one. Great video!

[@maineiacts]

Have ta say,,the new intro ok but prefer the other ' signature' tune! ( and I'm in my 60's! Not that that matters lol!) Imho 😉

[@amcmills]

I'd really like to see Coalcracker do an intro similar to "Tod's Workshop". Just a few seconds of bushcraft action with live audio. That and the Coalcracker logo would be great.

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

Great video, brother.

[@jsbadger]

I wonder if we could all get BSS to watch this. From what I've seen, he needs the instruction

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

@@jsbadger 😂

[@richardglickman7203]

Proper technique tips are always appreciated.

[@jhonsauceda6024]

I always focus on keeping the striker stationary and pull the rod back. Maybe it's just me but the sparks always go right where I intend them to go.

[@weezypeezy1725]

Keeps it stable too

[@jeffh4505]

I was going to say the same thing. It keeps the sparks more consistent, keeps you from punching the ground, and doesn’t destroy your tinder bundle.

[@davidvaughn7752]

Me too!

[@marcdeckard7064]

You guys go to the head of the class. For some reason, this you tuber prefers to teach an inferior technique. With the pull the rod, anchor the striker method, it should only take one to two pulls to start a fire.

[@StingyPrepper]

Thanks for the tips. Using a ferro rod efficiently is harder than it looks!

[@peeves2750]

Thank you for this! I've been trying for years and couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. I'm an old lady with weak fingers but at least you gave me a direction. I'll keep practicing ❤

[@jerbear7952]

Forgive me but I love that you are an old lady trying to perfect her ferro rod skills. I'm not single but we should talk ;)

[@katmarie5935]

Thank you... getting up in my age at 66 now and wrist not as strong. Watching you sure helped me. I’m sparking now💕

[@timbeaty854]

I tried to read through the many comments but I didn't see this. If you posted this idea I apologize in advance. Yep...leverage. Take a 2" to 4" stick around you camp site. With your bundle ready, place the stick about 3" from your pile and the rod across the stick down, touching the surface you're on and pointing toward the outside ring of your lighter... 1" of so. That keeps the rod ridged. Then you have a sturdy rod placement with a very sturdy striker target. Works for me. Just sayin'. Love this channel.

[@TonyTooTuff]

I will have to make up another dance for this new intro.

[@one-of-us9939]

Bro, I watched your video and then put a Paracord wrap handle on it and went outside with some dryer lint and... KA BOOM! Fire. You are such a good friend... Thanks bro!

[@ziamarie]

Thank you for this video! I know this might sound ridiculous to most people but after watching this, i went outside and tried the ferro rod again (ive never been able to do it right before) and it worked! I was soo happy i FINALLY could use the damn thing and am glad i didnt get rid of it lol thank you for breaking it down crayola style for me 😊

[@Friedbrain11]

I just got my first ever rod. Then you show up with a tutorial! Perfect. Now I know what it should be doing and how to do it. Thank you!!!!

[@tobynoe6149]

Yeah, no bad habits to break. Lol

[@Friedbrain11]

@@tobynoe6149 Exactly :)

[@merricevans1341]

You have a very good relationship with Mother Nature Most people have no relationship with the earth beyond buying her at walmart

[@benkeyes5010]

I had ALL the issues when I started. This is full of great tips.

[@bradblankenship6219]

You are one of the best instructors I have seen. Narrative, demonstration, technique, review. Great job. After watching this and practicing anyone should be able to start a fire quickly with a minimum of effort.

[@hdbinnc8583]

The technique works beautifully. My wife asked me what was on fire in my den. 😇

[@mstommie776977]

I was a loosie goosie out of control with not enough pressure. I made fire with a jute bird nest. Me! I made fire 🔥 !!!!! So excited Thank you for the simplictic instructions. Best one I watched.

[@debraallen63]

My daughter just got us an "emergency kit" with a ferro rod in it and we found this video!! Great tips 👍 It works?! Subbed 😊

[@JRPapollo]

Totally awesome. Never knew this. I just thought the ferrocerium I got was not quality or something. Thank you!

[@pierremayer1207]

You are absolutely right. Frustration is the key to failure in any endeavor.

[@Frogdog1313]

Best channel in the tube - watched this and went to the website to get the 6” rod (and some other stuff 🤦‍♂️) - as a fellow PA resident (Northumberland County) I love what you got going on brother - hoping to free up some time in the near future for a weekend course 👊

[@trollpatrol8453]

I make people use it when I have fires. Have a bit of materials, tools to process, this is how you do it.. make the fire! Generally a few burnt half logs so a few people can make mini fires at the same time. Great skill to have! Great vid bud!

[@doctorbea]

The classic intro was perfect. I can't NOT feel a sense of lack with this new one, no matter how fantastic.

[@cjcornwall]

Thanks, Dan (Coalcracker Bushcraft). This has been very helpful. I will practice your techniques.

[@jamesmcnamara7484]

Don’t forget to maintain that 90* edge. Love your videos! A freind of mine I have been teaching this stuff to says i remind him of you. Lol good on me!

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

Got the sharping puck today love it 👊🏻

[@sarge245]

Great tips. My success starting a fire definitely improved after watching this video.

[@surviveandstrive6436]

This is the way our generation learns and teaches to compensate for the lack of education in the public school system. Thanks for your work man! 💪🤙😉

[@samhain9394]

They aren't teaching this shit in private schools either, pointdexter.

[@tinderkeep5652]

Great information. I see so many people, in fact nearly everyone, doing more than one really good strike. People just seem to have a mind-set that it's going to take 5 or more "loosey-goosies" as you put it to get something lit. One thing few realize is what such repetitive strikes and the build-up of heat that goes along with it, does to the edge of their striker or knife. Then they get discourage because things become exponentially worse with each subsequent fire-start session, with the reason usually being that the edge of their striker has become dull or rounded because they've completely screwed with the heat-treatment of the metal - a look under magnification would show this. The same goes for flint and steel, it takes only one good, well thought-out strike to get an ember - something I've shown over and over, seeing so many "smash" flint-to-steel over, and over, and over . . . but that's another subject of discussion.

[@newtonsantos_photo963]

Man, I am new to the rod stuff and thanks to your video, the right way I will do since the beginning!!! That was awesome from you 👍🤙

[@williamcameron8826]

Not sure if you'll read this..but your videos are awesome..it would be a pleasure to meet you Thank you

[@lightsnsiren79]

Thanks for not taking yourself too seriously. That combined with the good teaching keeps me coming back.

[@karl3349]

What a great tutorial!! Thanks!! Shows that the small striker that comes with most rods isn't hefty enough to get the right sparks!

[@SonofChurchill]

Best tips & video on KZbin on how use Ferro Rod right.

[@kellywelch3]

Always great advice! Thanks Dan.

[@RoyceKitts]

Bought a small hand ax and a full tang knife today after watching so many of these videos. I'm usually a backpacker, so it is interesting to see the differences.

[@P3T3RXIII]

I think this is the best way to teach us how to use the ferro rod. Very explanatory and very informative. Thanks again for sharing this video.

[@mbarr1029]

AWESOME tips. Thank you. Nice to see Shawn plug your tarp again this week. Saving up for it myself.

[@edgarfriendly7571]

Saw another KZbinr place the knife, edge down, in front of the tinder and then drag the ferrorod over the back for better spark control. And you can put your indexfinger on top of the rod for better stability - especially if you are using a small rod. Works great for me.

[@rodnstaff33]

Your new intro is spot on! Nice work. I'm a new subscriber and I really dig your channel/content.

[@hayleymarshall9001]

I would love to be out in the woods with this snack.

[@SuperD37]

Used a lot of ferro rods and watched even more videos on technique while trying to learn something new. As an instructor in another specialty, I can recognize the invaluable technique you're showing here. Outstanding vid, the best I've seen yet for ferro rods.

[@moodberry]

Good teaching. I would add two things. First, the part about shavings. If you are in a situation where the tinder or wood is wet, take some times to make shavings in a small pile inside the tinder in contact with the tinder. Then, a spark from the ferro rod will ignite those shavings if you aim well. It will burn a fraction of a second longer and might be the boost you need to get a fire going. Secondly, if you brace the tip of the rod against the ground or a piece of wood in your fire pit before you make sparks, you can aim the sparks to go exactly where you want them, especially if you have a pile of shavings to ignite.

[@davidherrick6245]

Dan, as always great video. Wish I saw this a bunch of years ago. I learned the pressure, pressure, pressure thing the hard knox way...trial and lots of error. Keep up the good work, always enjoy your vids.

[@Roddo731]

Very hot tip indeed Dan!! I always have success with my F Rod But I do get into a habit of moving too fast I’m gonna try that drill working with the pressure thanks for the tips!

[@highonimmi]

Simple things yet very important. Any athlete, outdoorsman or musician will tell you: FUNDAMENTALS!!! learn the right way and you’ll never go wrong!

[@ericniederkruger7537]

Most helpful video I have seen in a while. You are clear, and use your gestures and mechanics well. Going out to check myself out now!

[@johndorber6877]

Speaking as someone who failed on his first step, your tips are very helpful. I'll try again (not in the dining room this time) in the woods on the weekend.

[@deniseward002]

Very well put, thank you. I can't wait to get one of these ferro rods!

[@NoctilucentArts]

I use a little 3" ferro rod. Never had a problem lighting a fire. I also keep a little $2 "key knife" locked around the rod's keychain. It's basically unusable as an actual knife, but it has a serrated blade which works great on the ferro, better than a piece of hacksaw, and I don't care how dull it might get.

[@Pje3ski]

My coalcracker ferro rod arrived today, got home from work and shaved some fat wood and started a fire! Thanks for the instructions. Going to keep practicing, and try to find some more fat wood.

[@Jen-CelticWarrior]

Okay, so I did the pressure thing, and…it worked!!😱 Yay, thanks!!

[@jaredf5000]

this is a great video/tips... this is one of those skills that seems super simple and straight forward, but if you dont practice up before a situation, you could be one regretful, cold person!

[@xsjunky]

couldn't figure out what i was doing wrong before! thanks for the great demonstration, explanation, freaking excitement!

[@jamespowell4950]

Haven't even used one for the first time and I feel like an expert. Great teaching.

[@gergokerekes4550]

I love how down to earth these videos are, easy and fun way to learn and get better.

[@sondrestre828]

I mean, a survival video about starting a fire in the bush is the most down to earth thing you can do, what did you expect?

[@gergokerekes4550]

many of the survivalist content creators are acting like this is something highly special. many are quite high and mighty too.@@sondrestre828

[@philipstaite4775]

Ok, looking to up my fire starting skills from ESEE-5, wood, and lighter to the ferro rod in place of the lighter. I'm inspired to give it a go on our next camping trip.

[@tm5aw357]

Thank you. Striking the ferro rod from against the handle instead of the middle of the blade made all the difference for me.

[@jasongarling20]

I like the new intro, but I did get down quite a bit with the other. Though the new one I guess is more fitting! Keep up the great work!

[@BirdSTL]

I’ve been trying to start a fire with my ferro rod for two days now (maybe five attempts), and after this video, I successfully created one. Thanks!!!

[@shovelhead8]

Great tips, Dan. Thank you. Stay safe and stay cool

[@jacquiblanchard3131]

Excellent tips, Dan. Thanks so much!

[@DriftlessWarrior]

I'm a complete newbie to the knife and ferro rod stuff--just bought mine last week. I watched this video multiple times before going out and trying it myself. Thanks to your excellent instructions (not just the how, but the why, and how *not* to do it), I was pleasantly surprised to start throwing halfway decent spark globs almost immediately! They're not as good as yours, but it's an exciting start! Thanks so much for all the time and effort you put into these videos, Dan. Looking forward to learning more and adding even more fun to my outdoor adventures!

[@Johny40Se7en]

"Not a speed device, it's a pressure device" that is one heck of a quote and tip, cheers 👍

[@clarenced4090]

Thanks so much for the info. I was struggling with lighting my first fire without a lighter or matches. Put more pressure, and it worked great 👍😊.

[@davidrenz5886]

Fabulous video, very informative and made me chuckle...Stay in the woods baby!

[@ericsidolmind]

I appreciate that. Also I like to place my thumb on the side blade and do a more or a reverse "paring" motion with mine. It also helps to have a nice 1/2" ferroceriumnrod like yours 6-8 inches, to get a good purchase on the rod... Lol. But yeah, those little baby rodd free

[@redhorserider13-t4m]

Excellent! I just learned & perfected my ferro rod method this winter. The detail I struggled with the most was finding the right blade in my collection that would throw sparks right. It ended up being my leatherman saw blade & only 1 cold steel trail master in 01 carbon steel with a sharp spine. 🔥👍👍🗡

[@troybranaman316]

Spark blaster 2021 !!! Thank you for posting this video!!! Tools for the tool box !! Take care and stay safe my friend!!

[@ericathompsen8110]

Those are some helpful tips thank you and keep doing what you doing you're amazing. And I enjoy watching your videos.

[@timterrill6318]

Thank you for the tips. And liking the new intro 👍🏻

[@jam1701]

I like how they use a ferro stick on Survivor. That’s some might good entertainment. 😀

[@teranovski]

all i can say is thank you for the information. great video.

[@tbaylo4034]

To recap: get a firm grasp on your rod, and apply a good bit of pressure when you stroke. 👍🏼

[@matschmoon399]

3:19 .. the bestway out is to keep the knife static and only pull the ferr. 1. You have more pressure on the rod 2. Sparks are concentrated and direct in the tinder. Simple as that! 😎

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

It should be said that not all rods are created equal. I got one from one company who wanted me to give a good review, but sent it back because the material was so hard that generating a good spark was literally impossible. Another rod I got was softer and even though it didn't last as long, it produced a far better quality and quantity spark.

[@MissJean63]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom. You left out the other 3P’s. Practice! Practice! Practice! I live in So. California and we have a fire ban in our mountains. I do long to go into the woods and try it out. Guess I’m stuck practicing in my backyard.

[@DanCooper404]

Thank you for the great advice, brother. I'm a total rookie at Bushcraft and have been binge watching your videos over the past week. We recently bought 10 acres in upstate New York, and want to do some serious camping there next year. It's not always what you say in a video that matters, either, but sometimes just what you do without commenting on it. For instance, I have one of those puny little strikers for my Ferro rod. I hold the rod in my left hand, and the striker in my right, pushing it away from me and towards the fire. Sometimes I hit the fire lay with my hand or the striker. I know, pathetic mistake. I can get a fire lit, but it usually takes me a few tries. Now I know to hold that hand steady and pull the rod towards me instead. As you say, that's one more thing for my tool kit. It's little things like that that can make a world of difference. I think I'm also going to swap out that striker for a reproduction Viking-style knife I have that's high carbon steel. There's no bevels to speak of on the spine, so I think it will do nicely. I'll try it out at home a few times before I take my stepson camping. 😀 In the meantime, stay in the woods!

[@kieranwilmshurst2980]

nice stuff dude, basics are always the most forgotten

[@lindanwfirefighter4973]

Oh my goodness what perfect timing I just got my fero rods in the mail!

[@michaeljones5395]

Great tips Dan! Well explained! Thank you for sharing!

[@debbiecurtis4021]

I've ordered mini ferro rods and strikers. I'm going to sew them into coats and make paracord jewellery. Today I did a bugout prepping walk, and was gathering tinder.

[@joegarcia1674]

Awesome Intro. Like always, Great Information.

[@rhoveen]

Thank you I am gonna go try this! AWESOME!!!

[@MutsPub]

Sound council! You must also have a sharp 90 degree spine on your striker for optimum results. Good stuff for those getting started. Thanks

[@travisbooth3002]

Thanks so much dude! I was failing for 20 mins using the striker and was doing everything else wrong as I found out from this video and this video fixed everything!

[@brandonaustin7213]

Your so good at it even when you are trying bad sparks they are coming out good lol

[@bronk5150]

As always, thank you for an informative and entertaining lesson!

[@chrisrivervalleygun]

Good tips, thanks

[@TheAngryHippie]

You sir, are a true badass. Thank you for this channel and the phenomenal content !

[@tamihenderson4075]

TY for the video just got a ferro rod and thought I would try it out right away knew I was doing something wrong I will def be doing your pressure exercise till I get it right!!

[@polesofdestinyhiking]

Awesome video! I do alot of backpacking but I'm just now getting into bushcrafting. This should help in my endeavors

[@IngeniousOutdoors]

Two other awesome techniques are: instead of sticking the tip of your rod in your tinder bundle and scattering your bundle by ramming your knife into it over and over, place your knife blade down right up against your bundle and draw your rod backwards across the top of your knife. It will drop your sparks RIGHT into your bundle. Alternatively, you can hold your tinder right against your knife in a pinch grip in one hand, and again draw your rod across the back of the knife to shoot your sparks directly into the tinder. Its like a modified Flint and steel technique. If you get good at both of these, one draw fires are easily possible. Good luck out there yall! :)

[@ramblynrocketeer]

No flickers here 😉 plenty of pressure 🔥 These tips are smoking hot! This video is in the the Top Ten Best Yet!!

[@mikes1097]

I love the new intro!

[@PuppetMaster8707]

I'm a huge newb when it comes to a ferro rod but I've become very good at making fires with a Spark Lite even in the cold