Why Aren't Well Worn Ferro Rods Demo’ed On YouTube?

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

They inhibit sales? They don't work as well? They lack visual appeal? Some kind of an operator's ego thing? I don't get it. LOL! Come watch my little 3 1/8" x 5/16" bayite keychain ferro rod, all thin and worn down, show out with some wet leaves and dry Pine Needles! Please follow the LINKs below and SUBSCRIBE. Thank You! Ferro Rod Playlist kzbin.info/aero/PLkoXX8XsMW3lI6k8TH1Bljf57Yvp9K1WD All Ferro Rods Should Have A Point On Them! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYa2Zox6mLuKhdE

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

@@adammcguinness9950 I didn't know what to buy 8 years ago at the beginning of my channel. I bought a Bear Grylls from Academy Sports. It was soft and great. My next one was a Light My Fire. It was soft and also great. Next, I tried the bayite. It is soft and great and all I ever use now.

[@charlessalmond7076]

@@DavidWestBgood2ppl thats funny! I just found my old bear grylls fire steel about 2 weeks ago in the back of a gear container. Its actually one of the best I've ever owned.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

@ Parents should teach skills.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

@@charlessalmond7076 Mine was perfection also. Just like the bayites I use.

[@thalaquatics8712]

sounds like maybe the material ferro rods are made from is just generally soft and great and maybe hard to mess up...

[@MensaGiraffe]

Let's face it; the majority of so-called survivalists are not genuine survivalists. They buy a new gadget and suddenly become Les Stroud.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

LOL! I have noticed that everybody on KZbin thinks they're an "Expert".

[@davesbackyardchickensandou3905]

@@walterkurtz9719 I was in the army we didn't fire our weapons every day! We didnt throw grenades every day. But we are the best in the world.

[@slippery999]

I like playing the ‘spot the things never used’ game. It’s better with bug out bag videos but there’s some good bushcraft ones too. Knives have not a single mark or blemish on the blade or sheath, pots and pans still all shiny and, my personal favourite, the price tag still attached. Then there’s the 300 pound guy with a 60 pound ruck, out of breath just taking on the video saying how he intends to walk 10, 20, 30 miles in a bug out situation. Or those that repeat the things they’ve heard everyone say else but who obviously don’t understand what they’re saying or have clearly never used them in the manner they describe. The foil blanket is a classic; some absolute drivel spouted about this item.

[@onedeadtony]

Who’s les stroud?

[@mmercier0921]

I know a "survivalist" who plans to bug out to Maine and grow his own food. Guy has never grown a tomato his whole life. Has a shit load of seeds ready to go. He got pissed off at me when i asked him to identify the sprouts in my gardens. Any "survivalist" who thinks they are going to live off the land is a casualty. Those who can live off the land already do. It ain't easy. Many will die trying to figure out how their thousand dollars worth of dehydrated food works. Plenty of buckets, no water or filtration method taken to consideration. I still hold the mre's. Even "survivalist" idiots can figure them out.

[@crypto118]

I've even seen a few videos complaining that a ferro rod was defective and not throwing sparks when they were obviously still scraping the coating LOL That and the knife videos in which the "review" consists of taking the knife out of the box and admiring it always gives me a laugh.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

How about those survival instructors on KZbin that just scrape that coating off into the air before trying to ignite tinder. On the other side of that coated scraping is Ferrocerium. Deposit all those scrapings into the tinder bundle for when that first spark actually comes.

[@hazzardoutdoors]

Agree. That's why I still haven't gotten round to hardly any reviews, it takes a long time for me to be able to give an honest review of a product.

[@SomeVagrant]

In all fairness, the knife reviews are often done by collectors, for collectors. Many, if not most collectors, have little interest in putting the things to hard use.

[@TarmanTheChampion]

It did take me only a day to come to the conclusion that a USMC Ka-Bar is NOT a survival knife LOL

[@ericsmith5919]

@@TarmanTheChampion Well yeah. I think the Ka-Bar gets a bad rap from people who misunderstand its actual purpose or attribute some mystical significance to everything the military uses. It's a fighting/utility knife, meaning that it's good for sticking in people and can be pressed into service for other stuff. Leaving aside the thin tang and stacked washer handle, the blade is too long and the wrong shape for survival/hunting/bushcraft use. On the subject of durability, the military has different priorities than an individual buyer. When you order things in batches of 1,000,000 with the assumption that the window-licking grunts you hand them to will do their level best to destroy them, it makes sense to cheap out a little bit and just keep a few crates of spares on hand for the inevitable breakage rather than buying something that will last a lifetime.

[@mikepeterson8418]

I just replaced 2 ferro rods on my favorite fire starters that I have used to teach BSA scouts for decades. Yes, my wife and I have been leaders for about 25 years. This weekend we have an outing called Tenderboot where Scout skills, including fire starting are done. We encourage each Scout to ignite between 20 and 50 fires over the weekend, using many different techniques. I love your site and refer our scouts and adult scooters to it quite often. I am encouraged to see you demonstrated and explain different methods. You do it very well and even approaching 70 years of age, I love to pick up new ideas and ways to share good old techniques.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I love that y'all teach like that!

[@lutherhgrindstonemtn3456]

You and your wife should be commended for what your teaching our youth! Good useful skills and to live and love nature and their fellow men, women, girls and boys. May you have many more years sharing your school of hard knocks teaching with them! God bless y'all!

[@ABC-qd1ei]

That is amazing!!! Great job!!!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

@@lutherhgrindstonemtn3456 Amen

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

@@ABC-qd1ei Amazing!

[@a.ramosakadrumgrl6677]

I watch your channel because you practice daily using your ferro rod. It’s great to see all the different ways you can ignite a fire. Thanks for all the demonstrations to help me learning!! Use your ferro rod until it breaks!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

LOL! I used to use it till it broke. Now I replace it when it's too worn to deposit enough sparks onto the tinder.

[@lutherhgrindstonemtn3456]

Never thought about that, but you are right, I'll never unsee that from now on! Take care, God bless you with a great day!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks Luther!

[@CRJines]

Same thing with knives. I did a knife review the other day and pointing out the fact how well used my knives and sheaves are, because I actually use them!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I love to examine the bumps and bruises on knives and tools, etc

[@CRJines]

@@DavidWestBgood2ppl probably 90% of gear reviews in the Bushcraft community is gear that is hardly ever been used. I did a knife review talking about the Old hickory butcher knife and how it beats knives that are $200. In the real world!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

LOL! I love my Old Hickory. I just don't know where it's at!

[@carnivorecaveman]

@@CRJines YES! Exactly! I have 2 different items "Old Hickory" knives, 1 of them was purchased on Ebay as used item, and I am absolutely satisfied with both of them, and they were not even expensive! Both of them are full-tang of course. The old knife I purchased on Ebay was a bit rusty here and there, but I loved it because it is the proof that is was made from carbon-steel. I do not like the modern stainless steels. The're almost impossible to be re-sharpened... That rusty "Old Hickory" knife - I deeply believe - a real treasure, the best knife I ever seen!

[@carnivorecaveman]

@@DavidWestBgood2ppl My Old Hickory is made in USA, Ontario.

[@lesdrinkwater490]

I like the no frills (no bs) approach you demonstrate. thanks David.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I want to be believable, so I do me.

[@dougwachs]

Hi David - I've owed you a comment since, like 2017! When I read Mike Peterson's comment, I knew I had to write - rarely have a keyboard. I too am celebrating 50 years in Scouting this year and I've likely watched about 70% of your videos over the past 5 years - and you put out a lot. in 2017 you wondered if anyone does anything like your keychain ferro rods. Well - I made 40 kits back in 2017 for my contingent of scouts going to National Jamboree - and we learned how to use them. That was when you were drilling them and inserting nails, which is what I did - what a sparkfest drilling them! Then made the parachord lanyards along with an attached piece of fatwood I split out and a piece of a virginia pine root and a piece of hacksaw blade for a striker. We had a blast trying the different types of tinder you suggest. I even had a smaller group learn how to do the fire roll - that's a neat trick. I have my #10 can waiting to be made into a hobo stove and my Stanley 10-049 is on the Christmas wish list... Just want you to know I appreciate your hard work and willingness to explore and share! God Bless - D

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Wow, I've gotten a lot of feedback from Scoutmasters over the years, but not in such detail. Thank you for such a great and complimentary comment!

[@bigdad5947]

I have a propane torch with click ignite and extended tube. I use it every day to light my wood stove. It works every time and I like it a lot. Cheers!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thank you!

[@TerryC69]

These are the good days, David. The air is full of the sound of birds and the smell of fresh growth. Sounds like a perfect day to make some fire with a well worn Ferro rod.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I enjoy this time of the year and Fall.

[@frostys_bushcraft]

No BS approach is refreshing so I subbed as soon as I watched the video. I had one of my firesteels so worn it broke in one of my older videos, so not everyone uses shiny new gear all the time. The question about firesteels is in line with some things I keep pondering on. How come most of this guys are always calm, clean clothes, clean nails, clean hands? I'm red and sweaty all over and never came home after few days in the wild looking clean and smelling fine.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

There turns out to be a lot of legitimate reasons why ferro rods are so fresh looking in most videos. I've noticed that too. After just an hour or two just demonstrating fire making techniques it shows on my cloths, hair, body, etc.

[@frostys_bushcraft]

@@DavidWestBgood2ppl why is that? I know they usually last a long time and if not used they darken so it's not obvious but are there any more reasons? Thanks for the reply! Really like your channel.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Here are some of the reasons given... never practice, only use when the camera is rolling, they have many other ferro rods so no single one gets a lot of wear, they only use them with highly ignitable tinders, etc

[@yahwehskid4819]

My grandpa grew up during the depression and I grew up with him I use things till they're used up, then use them a couple more time😂😉. Loved the video thanks for taking the time.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Yeah, it's hard to watch the wastefulness of this generation.

[@bigmommadeadlock3945]

This is my first time watching and the moment you said you dried out some Pine Needles I got far too excited for my own good. Very nice content, will definitely be coming back for more.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thank you. Come back often.

[@tedclayton6913]

did he dry his kindling out with fire, so he could use the kindling to start a fire?

[@potatoarms]

I came out of curiosity, but that was a very chilled and enjoyable video. Thanks

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Nice compliment. TY!

[@sandraw4763]

Love my key chain ferro rod which goes with the sturdy little keychain knife that lives with it (whose closed back is one of the best ferro rod strikers I own!). Both have lived for a couple of years on the ring with my car key as part of my EDC. I consider it sort of like a secret bushcrafter/prepper brotherhood symbol .

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Practice friend.

[@Broockle]

Never thought to use a knife to scrape those My Ferrod came with a little steel plate thingy to scrape but I think it didn't produce enough sparks to actually ignite anything. I tried many times, it was more of a fidget toy to me lol

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

It can be frustrating when the striker doesn't bite the ferro rod like it should.

[@jerryfrancis7523]

You are definitely the master, Mr. Pyro for sure. Really enjoy learning tricks from you.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

That's good to hear. Thanks friend!

[@M0J0HAND]

I had a bucket of prep supplies that I opened up to check the condition of and found a pile of gray dust at the bottom. Turns out the ferro rod had started to disintegrate. I didn't even get to scrape it down to nothing, it just became nothing. Although, the dust burned quite nicely when set on fire.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I've seen the kind of ferro rod corrosion that you describe, but only on the surface of rods. Wow!

[@Eyes0penNoFear]

Glad you found it during a check, and not during an emergency! Maybe it's time to check on mine..

[@Daavi85]

Glad to see this video pop up in my feed 2 weeks after buying my first ferro rod and it just so happens to be a 6" x 1/2" Bayite that came with a striker and Paracord for about $16, figured why not and reviews were consistently good, better then more expensive options even, it's hard to know which ones to buy with so many to choose, guess I got a decent one.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I'll never switch to another one. It never develops ripples and is soft enough to deposit loads of burning metal consistently.

[@Daavi85]

@@DavidWestBgood2ppl Happy to have found your channel and confirm the quality of the ferro rod I purchased from someone with your experience, I appreciate your response, thank you Sir.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Your welcome!

[@MichaelR58]

David , still works just fine , thanks for sharing ,God bless !

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

God bless you!

[@woodstockpotter]

Thanks for the video. Causes me to chuckle a little; I often wonder why some presenters who are supposedly doing a shelter in deep woods or in snow and wet conditions always seem to appear spotless. I can't walk into my woodlot without having muddy boots, at least one wet knee and smudges everywhere. Often I can't escape my kitchen without some soot on my hands or clothing, (we burn wood). My favourite ferro-rod is worn and broken off at about 2.5 cm, still lighting my camp/cook fire with ease. I like the ferro-rod in preference to a "bic" which only seems to work when you don't need it. Here in Canada's often wet Maritimes go-to tinder for me is usually dead standing softwood, birch bark and fir sap blisters, as well as spruce balsam

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Suspiciously clean throughout these videos. And wrinkle free after sleeping in the bag or hammock all night too. Thanks friend!

[@fmkfmk3835]

Hi David...I have tried many different kinds of ferro rod...and honestly the best I have found... are the "Nathan4071" with part of a blade of old scissors and I especially like how you scratch the rod with a slow stroke and a little pressure... if I look at the "survivalists"... who throw their sparks all over the place in any way if I had to choose a partner to start a fire in survival guess who I would choose...😉 you have a very good channel on KZbin 👍 ( Sorry for my bad english not my language I use a translator)..

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Your translator did a good job. Thank you for the great comment!

[@codymarkley8372]

I have a sasquatch rod by nathan

[@TarmanTheChampion]

Great video! Looking forward to new ones.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Me too, TY!

[@Knotty_Bill]

You might want to put a link to the products you use and get a percentage. I have been looking at the items you use for purchase.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I've thought about it. Maybe after 100K subs.

[@jbcardin]

I like them better when they're about half worn out. Seem to work better. Plus I just like the look of something that has been used instead of new and shiny.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Character... I like the character of well used tools.

[@Flarexxxx]

I dont know about all channels but i can give a opinion on the channels i watch as they tend to get sent a lot or buy a lot of different ones for testing which could be a factor in always having a fresh rod

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I don't know. It's a pretty widespread phenomenon.

[@PaleoGreenByrd]

I keep one just like that on my keychain. I never leave home without it.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Me neither. It's just 1 of my 4 EDC fire makers.

[@toneycollins6377]

I wonder how many strikes you made on that one fero rod? A lot of tutorials created with that one. I've got a old file now, just need to convert it.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I think it's about a year old.

[@kelliwiemers6445]

Honestly, I haven't used mine. I've lost 2 then found them when I bought another. I bought several for the boys in the family for stocking stuffers. My son uses his. I just always reach for the BBQ lighter. I never noticed that about them not being used on channels before!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks friend!

[@riveravon5296]

I bought one because of all that hipe but quickly returned to my Bic lighter. Sincerely, what is the advantage with a ferro rod over a bic lighter.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

BICs have issues with getting wet, extreme cold, wind, running out of fuel.

[@riveravon5296]

@@DavidWestBgood2ppl I guess it's a bit like using ratchet straps versus learning how to use rope as an expert. I will go and give it a go more. Running out of fuel is more from the days of zippo. But anyway, it's funny to have skills and knowing what to do. Thanks.

[@johnny56g]

I subscribed because it was no frills, nothing like the real deal.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I hear that compliment a lot. TY!

[@raymondsanchez808]

Where did you get the little Keychain ferro rod? It's so cool

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Amazon.

[@mmercier0921]

The one on my Keychain is 40 years old. Still works fine. A friend of mine almost ground one through. I use the zippo now, too old th camp.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I understand.

[@alicarroll8236]

Great video I use mine I to have the key ring Ferro Rod. Same brand as yours. I have 2 I use for practice all the time. Thank you for sharing stay safe and God Bless

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Stay safe Ali. God bless you!

[@kachiri]

I love my Morakniv Companions. Yes I have 5 or 6 of them. But they are no good to me for my ferrocerium rods. That's okay though, as I have a big ferro rod that came with a great striker attached by a bungie cord. It works awesome. I'll stick with this one when buying ferro rods. It's an überleben (8" length, 1/2 inch diameter). The striker also has measurements on it (a ruler) and is a bottle opener. Not that I need one of those.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

If you ever want to sharpen the spine of those Mora's, I have the videos. Here's just one of them kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHiraGChaM6Yg6c

[@kachiri]

@@DavidWestBgood2ppl I have seen videos of getting the spine so it's good for ferro rods. Things is, I don't have anything to do that. No file, grinder, sand paper, etc. I don't get alot of money, so I am limited to what I can buy and look at good deals when I do buy something. But it's okay anyway, as I do have that great striker with my ferro rod anyway. But thanks for pointing out the video!

[@thomasmusso1147]

Good Evening David .. What a Question! 😁. I have all of the Ferro Rods I need (4) .. with all not being particularly well worn. Reason? I light up something to cook with practically every day (liquid / gel fuel, wood / charcoal or gas) and use matches as first choice .. followed by a BIC Lighter and this as an exception as and when required. My Ferro Rod is my option when Plans A and B are not on. Yes, a Ferro Rod is part of my EDC. Char Cloth, Sparker, Magnifying Glass and such also skulk around somewhere there in the background. I'm working on using Bow Drills and Ash Cloth Techniques. At 72, one is never too old to learn something .. although, at this age one has to get a move on before time runs out 😏. Am I proficient in the use of a Ferro Rod? Yes! The wear and tear is the result of practicing to be become so .. and I do stay in practice. Many won't agree .. but that's how I like it. Having grown up with Matches and Ronson (pre-BIC) Lighters, perhaps I'm just 'Old School'. I do also, just for the hang of it, occasionally haul out my Zippo (a gift many years back from the wife), refuel it and take it along. No I don't smoke .. never have. Nice Post .. thanks. Relevant Question 👍. Take care .. Tommy

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Books of matches, stick matches, Zippo lighters, they're what I used also.

[@thomasmusso1147]

👍

[@stevedavison6115]

Well, you certainly have made a fire or 2 with that ferro rod. I guess your better half is glad you are cleaning up the leaves around the 🏠. At a Boy!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I've used up all of my own leaves... I was cleaning up around my neighbor's house.

[@davidwrobel8089]

Dave, your having to much fun playing with fire, just kidding.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

It shows???

[@CodyEwok]

longevity is an indicator to quality. longevity helps divide the cost to time as to indicate value. the longer something lasts the more valuable it is to me.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Yes. TY!

[@frikkiesmit327]

Well mine almost looks like yours david. Mine looks like that from practise and lack of knowledge. Even though we use parafin blocks(fire starters) i mostly use ferro rod to ignite them. Why? To practise and cause its fun. I also ignited very fine dry grass bird nest. And then i also ignited birds nest made from coconut hairs.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

No body ever talks about the fun. The fun of practicing fire making. You do hear about satisfaction. The satisfaction of finally accomplishing a fire technique. Well... there had to be some fun experienced in there, somewhere. I enjoy this hobby. Thanks friend!

[@papuchu]

i hated ferro rods till i got the light mi fire army one, it works like a charm, and i have it rather worn, but i start most of my fires with a magnifying glass, i live in the sunny south of Spain

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Solar is my absolute favorite!

[@garysapper8716]

David - you make more fires than anybody on a daily basis. If you cut out friction, solar, and fireroll for a week or two, your Ferro rod would wear out sooner and you too might actually get a new one. 🤔

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Man! I've got me some ferro rods when the time comes. LOL! TY!

[@GUARDIAN.13]

Not really sure other than maybe trying out different brands for reviews and such. When I'm out in the woods I used to do the whole Ferro rod thing, now I just carry a mini bic a normal bic and one of the normal sized ones that have the pipe tip that way if somehow 3 bics fail I can just use one as a striker

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I like the way you think! TY!

[@shawndoyle6460]

I guess you haven't seen Greg Ovens From Rocky Mountain bushcraft ferro rod.... his is sharp and really worn.He said a few videos back he was gonna make a new one soon.. he makes his own with a deer horn handle

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Yeah, if I had thought, I'd have mentioned his well worn ferro rod.

[@jhtsurvival]

Always wondered why mine got smaller... all the ones I've seen stay like new

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Strange, but true. LOL! TY!

[@dandeleona4760]

Try pulling back on the ferro rod to make a spark, that way you aren't punching your tinder with the knife hand, and possibly scatering the tinder tipi

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I have. I prefer this method. See my ferro rod playlist and you will too.

[@cinemoriahFPV]

I always scrape a little pile of fero onto a leaf and then set that in the pile and then throw Sparks into it.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

That's a good one too.

[@Subgunman]

Has anyone used the Ferrorod "magnesium block" combo from Harbor freight tools? Recently I restored a cigarette lighter whose flint had oxidized over the years of just sitting in a drawer. It was a pain to clean out the chamber that housed the flint. Now having discovered that these ferro rods are nothing but the same substance found in lighter flints, I would find it practical to coat the clean scraped side of the rod with a very light coating of bees wax to keep out the oxygen if one plans on storing it for a very long time. Never store it in your pants pocket once coated with the wax, it will come off in ones pocket staining it.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I've never tried any of the Magnesium/Ferro Rod fire starters. I hear they are great. I've never had a problem with corroding ferro rods. I use bayite all the time, but I hear that others do and keep their rods coated while in storage.

[@greensheen8759]

Magnesium blocks are great, but the scrapers they come with tend to suck. Best thing is to pair them with a piece of a hacksaw blade to shave off the magnesium

[@stcopilot]

Hey Dave, nice video. I was wondering how you feel about wax as a fire making tool? I soaked some small natural fiber rope in wax and when you fluff up the end and hold it along side the ferro rod it takes the spark nicely and you have a flame that can't hardly be blown out by the wind. I also soaked some small pine cones with a small wick attached for handy little fire starters! Cheers from WA, Dan.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

It just makes good sense to have long lasting fire starters. You'll probably be trying to ignite wettish wood on a regular basis.

[@thomasmusso1147]

Yep, those cotton and wax sticks make for nice tapers .. handy for reaching into awkward places where a Ferro Rod or BIC isn't practical. 'Salvaged' cotton strands that inadvertently 'fall off' the household mop work well 🤫😏.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks Thomas!

[@thomasmusso1147]

👍

[@brandonmefford4619]

100% Cotton ball and vaseline work really well also and are so much easier to make. Works the same, protection from moisture, longer burn, but without using a double melt pot to melt wax and dip.

[@NeillWylie]

Good question! Mine is like a little nub of a twiglet hahaha

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I wear through a 5/16 x 3 1/8 in a year. That's a lot of practice. Like in this video for example... 6 Ferro Rod Fires In 10 Seconds kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4SvgYStrLWEl5o

[@BradGryphonn]

I've come to the realisation that I live in 2022. When I'm out in the bush I carry my 8" x 1/2" Ferro rod (with my hand-carved handle) and tinder kit as well as three Bic lighters. If I get in a situation where I use up all three Bics then I have a back-up. I'm pretty sure my Ferro rod will end up as an heirloom for my granddaughter.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

LOL! ty!

[@TheAussieGunBunny]

How long have you had that rod for?

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

1 year.

[@Taser3141]

I never took note of the condition of peoples striking rods while watching bushcraft vids, however, I did have an epic brain fart moment this vid brought to light. For years I've been using newspaper as tinder for my "backyard Kitchen". Every fall, I rake up about 5 wheelbarrow loads of pine needles and dump them in the woods. >_

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

8 years ago when I started learning how to make fire, I was peeling the bark off Tulip Poplar before burning it and just throwing the bark out. Came to find out from Dave Canterbury the bark made great tinder. By then I had a tons of it which I gathered back up and put to good use? LOL!

[@robertcwillifordii2630]

David, I noticed that as you approach using the middle of the rod, you are creating many small scraped facets around the rod. The larger the surface area scraped produces more sparks, enabling one strike fire. I think the more non-single strikes one has to make to start a fire, is a waste of rod material. Wet tinder is worst case scenario, so adapting to a worst case scenario seems appropriate. The way I am addressing this idea is to chuck my ferro rod in a vice and cutting it lengthwise down the middle with a coping saw (an admittedly slow process).... But, now, I have two useful rod that are optimized for one strike fire starting because instead of striking the outer perimeter of the rod, like one would normally do, I am scraping the newly created flat surface to make the most sparks possible. I think scraping the full width of the rod, once, is the most effective use of a rod's resource. I'd like to know what you think about this. These are my ten cents (because:inflation) anyway. Love watching your channel, Brother. Keep going.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

LOL! You don't ferro rod a lot do you?

[@jamesloughran9350]

Hi David, if you and I should ever be in a survival situation.....you can take care of the fire lighting,! But since we are continents apart..I can't see that happening P.S I always watch your vids with interest....why? Because they are interesting ⭐

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Enter... interesting.

[@chrisduhaime5689]

They will last quite awhile before there are not of any use . Made a small bag with couple of rods / mag lens / 2 bic lighters / wood matches in a small sealed bag that fits in the Webb belt pouch. The good strike any matches don't seem to find them any more like Ohio blue strike or kitchen chief the one's you could strike off your pants or against each other.

[@brandonmefford4619]

Careful putting them in ziploc bags kinda like tinder. The moisture can't escape the bag. If you've ever seen a ziploc sweat on the inside you know what I mean. The best way to use a ziploc is to throw your stuff in then use a blow dryer to remove the remaining moisture in the bag. I've seen people set their tinder bag out in the sun and after an hour there was condensation all over their bag. Keep surviving mate.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

You have prepared, well!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

@@brandonmefford4619 Thanks Brandon!

[@scottallen868]

No one likes fire like us fellow firebugs.😁

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks Scott!

[@christopherhall406]

I’ve got one that’s 3 years old still does the job

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

i wear out 1 a year I suppose.

[@jinxjones5497]

I've got a rod that's near snapping its so worn. Maybe time for a new one...

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

It won't be long for me either.

[@keithwortelhock6078]

I keep the knife still and pull the rod back. This tends to wear the rod to a point, rather than scalloping it out.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

True. I like my way the best though.

[@dianekivi5349]

They are regularly shown on camping videos!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Great fire starters. TY!

[@WOODENNICKEL1]

They are constantly getting new ones from their subscription boxes they have to get to come up with content.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

LOL! TY!

[@davidnachbaur6805]

Yeah sir. Great little ferro I carry mine on my key ring. Been carrying one since you introduced it to us. Got the 3 pack on Amazon. Thanks for sharing.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks David.

[@MisterGames]

And why does all their gear look brand new all the time? Hmmm.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

LOL!

[@sharpridgehomestead]

....and to answer your question ..... like we ever actually use them before or after we record the youtube videos showing we know how to use them ... sheshhh lol

[@sharpridgehomestead]

I actually said in one of my recent videos or maybe it was an instagram post ... I ain't no david west but I know how to start a fire

[@sharpridgehomestead]

to be fair, I do go through about a 3/8 x 4" ferro rod (working surface) every year on my favorite knives ... I have way too many knives ... thats my problem, they all get their own ferro rod. If I don't like a particular knife, that ferro rod might last forever. My TBS Boar, as much as I love it, its just too heavy to carry every day on my homestead ... the moras I also love but I wish the blades were a little wider, so its mostly one of my tops bobs that I wear every day on the homestead. Then, every one of my "kits" has a 1/2 x 6" ferro rod and I seldom ever use those .... maybe only when its wet or snowy and I want the longer run for more sparks. Typing this, I realized I really have too many kits, too many knives, too many ferro rods .... or not enough hands. I need more hands, thats what it is.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

LOL!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

lol!

[@SALTYCOMBATDIVER-ExInstructor]

To be honest, ferro rods are so effective they hardly require as much as magnesium fire starters or other flint strikers.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

True. They last a long time.

[@applied.precision]

I've bought rods where the coating was the only thing that WOULD spark. Once that coating was gone they wouldn't spark for anything.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Wow! I never heard of that before. I use bayite ferro rods and sharpen the spine of my knife to scrape them.

[@fedupwithem6208]

Greg Ovens uses a very well worn rod but he's one of the few.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Somebody reminded of that. He loves what he does just as much as I do. I like his enthusiasm, very much. I don't watch him though.

[@jakson11]

Greg Ovens and Matthew Posa are the only two youtubers i've ever seen with worn out looking ferrule rods

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

@@jakson11 I'll have to check out Michael Posa.

[@jakson11]

@@DavidWestBgood2ppl I wish I could remember what video it was I saw

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

@@jakson11 Thank you!

[@davidhansen6788]

Lol Greg Ovens is still using the same one he had on alone season 3 in Patagonia. It's about as think as a chopstick now 😂

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I saw that. I like Greg. Never watch him though.

[@xipietotec]

I consider a pilot starter to be a safer and more practical backpacking fire starting tool.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

LOL!

[@xipietotec]

@@DavidWestBgood2ppl pilot starters fit well in a pack and direct downward fire strikes onto a bit between Ferrous steel and sparks into tender, that is less likely to cause an accident Forrest fire by being an asshole trying to demonstrate how they can do something with a knife and steel and a bunch of wet leaves.

[@rok1341]

Shows no signs of pain or discomfort handling burning starter. He has too have wife to be that tough

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Optical illusion. The heat and the flames never get closer than the singed hair on my arms.

[@survivalgobrr4153]

I once have wore out fire rod i was using it at least one year and it snapped. *Edit 1 i was beginner

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I've snapped a couple.

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

More demonstrations from Flaming Sawhorse Ranch. 👍

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Ohh, you mean the portable fire table.

[@EricCalebCullen]

Just all the birds in the background let's me know this is a legit video

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

They love to participate in my videos.

[@Fromdahoodtothewoods]

My Ferro rod looks like a jail house shiv 🤣

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

LOL! That's a good one!

[@JungleJayAdventures]

I use my old and worn one in almost every video i started a fire in.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

They last a long time even after being well worn.

[@JungleJayAdventures]

Not sure what causes the pitting though. Strange cavities that just sort of appear. I read somewhere it's caused by insect repelent. But I don't often carry that.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I don't know either. I've had no such problems with my bayite ferro rods.

[@Ro-Bucks]

I was thinking the same thing the otherday.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

What's up with that? From the comments, it looks like there are about a dozen reasons why.

[@ritatimothy9823]

Greg ovens has a wore out ferro rod. He keeps saying he will replace it but he hasn't.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Oh yeah that's right.

[@knot4man]

David, I see that the "ring" end of your ferrorod is still as big and fat as new. Why not drill a hole in the other end for the ring and see how much longer it can last? You might try making it at 90 degrees to the original hole.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I've though about it. I wore through a Light My Fire ferro rod years ago. After it broke, I showed how to ignite tinder by scraping it across stones and concrete.

[@WildDisease72]

Fero rod is like a carpenter using nails.. its frowned upon.. they are busy using bow drills and rubbing sticks together (sarcasm)

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

LOL! I've had a lot of interesting comments about the subject.

[@bubbatron4]

There it is.there....

[@bergeracvandamme]

I know a good workman never blames his tools, but my ferro rod doesn't produce sparks the way I see all these KZbin ferro rods producing sparks. I have a Survival Inc Strike Force which comes with its own built-in metal striker, and no matter how hard I try, I can never get the kind of long-burning (i.e. 1 second or more), fizzing and crackling sparks I see on these KZbin videos. I only ever get sparks that are hot for a fraction of a second and then they go out. I've spent half an hour striking it into dry pike needles, dry grass, dry leaves and dry (fine) wood shavings (even dry sawdust) and nothing catches. And just to clarify, I know about the coating that these rods have. I'm not just scraping a brand new rod. The coating is long gone.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Bad striker and/or the ferro rod is too hard. I use bayite ferro rods and sharpen the spine of my knife to scrape them.

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

Greg Oven's ferro rod, exceptionally well used 👍🏼

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

True. I had forgotten.

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

@@DavidWestBgood2ppl A great channel and also a fellow master fire starter 👍🏼🙏🏼👏🏼

[@hopefilledsinner3911]

You know the answer to your question we own a fero rod but use a lighter.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

LOL! I know I use my BIC a lot.

[@evilmac9623]

I almost never use my ferro rods after my initial trials with them. Sure I could use them every weekend but why? I use my cigar lighter to light my normal fires. It is really an over rated skillset that can be mastered in a few weekends. There is no reason to continue to do it.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

For fun.

[@csh6220]

people make videos using fero rods that simply haven't been used much, even though it may be the only rod the person owns. I believe many people buy a fero rod after seeing many videos on their use, and make 3 or 4 fires thinking they have it all figured out. They simple don't make more than a handful of fires. Maybe they are afraid of "Using it up".

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Even the experienced fire makers with big channels only use new ferro rods, seems like.

[@lastone8896]

Half the battle is good tinder

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

How bout those nice dry Pine Needles?!

[@lastone8896]

@@DavidWestBgood2ppl David you prove everyday that great tinder is the key to fire making. Thank You for your content.

[@RobsLBL]

I noticed the handle removed from the pot. Did I miss something? Well I commented to soon.... nevermind

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I hated that handle. It came off in the next video.

[@johnelder4273]

I get your point but they are inexpensive and there is no reason not to have a new one in your daily carry kit. But yeah, most of those guys are using a Bic lighter 99% of the time. And, to be honest, I have a Bic in my kit right next to the ferro rod. LOL!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Me too.

[@sidthetech_USA]

The Burning question still remains... "Why?"

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Why?

[@conwaylai8562]

... and when it came to the part to show him striking the rod, it got censored with the words "4th try"...

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Your screen size have anything to do with that?

[@conwaylai8562]

@@DavidWestBgood2ppl Nope, watched it twice.

[@fishindude72]

👍

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thumbs up, friend!

[@mikerichards6311]

👍👏🏻

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks Mike!

[@schawo2]

Ferro rods are so ineffective. For most of us they are kept just out of curiosity.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

You speak for a lot of people.

[@reubenj.cogburn8546]

I think it's because KZbin is not real life. It's the edited version of life that's presented. That, and the idea that the tube really is not that important in my life. Other people seem to NEED it for filling their time or making a buck.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Maybe you're missing something?

[@reubenj.cogburn8546]

@@DavidWestBgood2ppl Nope, for me , life happens outside of the internet. Stuck inside for a couple few weeks with a broken foot, but back out soon.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thank you friend!

[@pootthatbak2578]

We havent worn out our ferro rods cause we have bic lighters..civilization hasnt yet dissolved

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I LOVE! that comment! TY!

[@ccccclark2605]

👍✝️❤️🙏

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

God bless you friend!

[@lowkeylowkey1000]

Probably more simple reason. Why risk looking like an idiot if it breaks and they really are in the middle of no where. I mean. I'm sure it happens. I can break a 7" long, quarter inch thick hatchet, why would a thin, made to be scraped piece of metal be more sturdy, right? Maybe they like being reasonably certain it is going to function? Maybe they never really used one for long and just didn't know any better? I like knowing for sure in your video it can last long. But unless I were homeless, I would probably replace it long before it became that thin. Either that or use it with a replacement handy and on me. The latter makes more sense to me =D

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Makes sense!

[@talos1159]

your not watching greg ovens rocky mountin bushcraft.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

LOL! It didn't take long for people to tell me that. I do remember his well used ferro rod, though, but no; I don't watch him much.

[@zchuss1]

Probably because if their gear looked like mine they would look more like a hobo. My tilly hat is waterproof not because of the wax, because that wore away years ago, it's dirt, sweat and grease from dirty hands that made it that way. And it isn't pretty to look at, despite how good it works.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

LOL! Great response!