Ferro Rod Vs. Lighter

Ferro rods and lighters both have their Pro's and Con's. Whats the better tool to start a Fire? Which one is right for you? Find out!
Dave Whipple
Here is a link to a 1/2" X 6" ferro rod amzn.to/2pcxkaA

[@Downeastwaves]

Thanks Dave! I don't smoke but I squirreled away a few lighters and carry a couple in my purse😀or in my pocket. One night the lights went out at Walmart. I was way in the back of the store. I whipped out my lighter and found my way to the front😀felt good! Not exactly bush survival but the feeling was super!

[@Bushradical]

Super cool story! My brother and I stopped for gas in Beaver creek Yukon one time and the lights went out as we were paying for snacks......Pitch black. I had a headlamp in my pocket, thank goodness.

[@flipflat4814]

One time i was outside and the lights went out It was a somewhat gradual dimming of light, and then total darkness until the next morning. 😆 I tried using my firesteel to light up outside but it didn't work very well😕. The moral of the story is always carry a lighter, because it's probably going to get dark out eventually😉.

[@vincentdoran1148]

Great video. Redundancy is the key to any safety related situation. I use old prescription bottles to keep lighters, matches, etc in. They are very water resistant, lightweight, and provide a measure of physical protection.

[@woodyscabin]

You and Brooke are good people. sending my best to you both from north GA foothills.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Great balance on this topic Dave. I carry matches also for the trifecta!

[@irishsteel6160]

Another awesome video! These are the two fire starters I carry as well. I add a wooden handle to my ferro rods for easier use with gloves. Great job!

[@Bushradical]

Good thing to have a handle for sure.

[@susanstoltz2555]

Thanks for another great video, Dave. Nice comparison between the two. I like carrying both.

[@Bushradical]

mee too.

[@stephensgate1]

Great comparison Dave. Very thorough, you pretty much covered every single pro/con for each item. I agree, just keep both in several places, waiting in a moments notice and you should be in good shape. Excellent commentary Dave. Always good to hear your opinion on such a crucial component in preparedness. Happy New Year to you and your entire family! -Stephen, Ohio

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Stephen! Happy new year.

[@CheezeheadChris]

Very well done and I totally agree with you. I actually carry a farro rod, lighter and a little butane torch which cost about $10. Just a little bit bigger than a Bic, but a hot jet flame. If I want a fire, I want it now. Not 5,10, 30 minutes from now. Yes, I still practice with the farro rod, but I will use my lighter. I also carry one or 2 of those orange match containers too.

[@Bushradical]

You can never have too many ways to get a fire if you're in country where you may NEED One.

[@shadowcastre]

You hit the nail on the head... carry both & in multiples! I also carry a magnifying glass. It too has its limitations but as long as the suns out.. it's never out of fuel. :-) It's also handy for seeing tiny splinters or picking dirt out of a scrape or cut. Thanks for the video...

[@Bushradical]

good idea

[@DavidChouiniere]

Very good video. Logical and to the point. I like your recommendation to store one of each in many different places. Thanks!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks DC.

[@cillaloves2fish688]

Hey Dave! I carry both.... actually, I carry a Big lighter with me and a Ferro rod (& several lighters) in my truck at all times. Along with other things: matches, hand sanitizer, fatwood shavings, denatured alcohol, cotton mixed with Vaseline inside a straw with each end melted closed, etc...) I like fire starting, I made a fire last night then cooked a few steaks. Also started a fire this morning & made some bacon n eggs in a cast iron skillet. It's nice right now to have a fire, summers here are brutal. Anyway, I like to use both lighters & Ferro rods!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks C2F. Can never have too much fire!

[@StrengthScholar0]

Great video. Survival usually comes down to one thing that's being prepared. If you have the tools you need when you get into a bad situation you'll probably make it out. If you don't you're rolling the dice with your life.

[@sreehari3127]

I would use both, thanks for the information

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@garypeterson3628]

Great video. The best choice is both. As the Navy Seals say Two is one. One is none. One additional point. The lighter will give you a flame "One Handed" in case you are hurt or injured.

[@Bushradical]

right!

[@adamslater4592]

Very well said mr. dave. Keep rockin it. Bet it’s not easy up there in the deep bush. Nor is it easy in Michigan tonight. Here in western North Dakota, were expecting -50°f with wind chill. No fire will save you out here on the plains if you don’t have some cover. There’s a reason those survival shows don’t try North Dakota in the winter, completely barren with nonstop wind. No trees. Miles and miles of rolling hills. Too boring of a survival scenario, either you freeze to death or your found in time. No shelter material, no pines, no big predators, just cold death. Them old settlers had some grit thinking they were gonna stand up to the winters here.

[@Bushradical]

Hey Adam , Where you at out there? Williston? Minot? Thats some barren country. Its no wonder that even to this day there aren't many people there. You go north 300 miles in Manitoba and I would WAY theater be stranded up there. More timber, more shelter.....North Dakota is hard core.

[@adamslater4592]

Bushradical haha yeah. I live 17 miles south west of Williston in a small town of about 500 or so, called Trenton. Great fishing around here, we got Lake Sakakawea, and the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers. Catch a lot of walleye and sauger. Very good eating fish. Keep warm up there buddy. I’ll try to do the same. 👍🏼

[@Bushradical]

Hey Adam. I ve been through your neck of the woods several times. i used to take US 2 from the Mackinaw bridge all the way to Everret Washington and then up to AK through B.C. I'm actually in Michigan for the winter so i'm not doing to bad staying warm....its been down to -16 here a few times but thats about as bad as it gets... I bet Williston can get super cold! One winter in Alaska I saw it -60 a couple times with zero wind.

[@barbarabell1171]

Thanks Dave!

[@Wolf_K]

You’re a sensible guy, Dave.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Wolf!

[@jeffsmith6441]

I think a ferro rod is more fun than anything but definitely a necessary back up to a bic. I always have a few Bics and a few ferros close by. Thanks and happy new year bud!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Jeff. Happy new year!

[@zRockin1]

Hi Dave, I carry both out of habit, Rock On!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Z.

[@redcanoe14]

Thanks Dave, I also find that the environment you may be travelling in can be a factor (availability and type of tinder) to consider as well as climate (hot or cold, dry or wet). What is the fuel in a disposable lighter? If the fuel in a lighter is straight butane 31 degrees Fahrenheit -1 degree Celsius. I learned this the hard way when I was stranded on the top of a Scottish mountain in winter with a small stove, the consequence was that I only had a few pieces of chocolate as I could not warm food up. Of course, if you keep a lighter in your trouser pocket it would be a good idea.

[@Bushradical]

totally agree. If its really cold...you need to plan for it when it comes to fire.

[@aksalaman4689]

I would like to add a candle to a fire kit. A good candle will help with fire starting along with a good lighter of some sort.

[@Bushradical]

Not a bad idea.

[@elazarpimentel5340]

The video I was looking for. I rather have two or three lighters, different models, prices, keep them in a pill container. Thanks you!

[@Lars1540]

Great points brother! Well said!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Dan.

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

FYI Ferro rod are very prone to monster. I have had a Ferro rod dissolve when it was exposed to moisture. You also have to be moticulious about making tinder for a ferro rod. Thanks for a very pragmatic video.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks AWF!

[@awkward-stranger]

I love your common sense approach. Thanks

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@ossotaylor4660]

I just bought my 15 year old twin grandsons a ferro rod and a knife + sheath for Christmas.... although they both have these things BUT It doesn't hurt to have several. ( Boys love survival gear! :) ) ..... and so does my girl.

[@Bushradical]

Awesome!

[@QuantumPyrite_88.9]

A tried and true Zippo lighter + spare flints + magnetized needle stuffed in the guts for a compass and a Visine eye drop bottle for at least 2 refills . A Zippo is a fire starter - wire stripper - signaling device ... etc. etc. Ferro rods are nifty and I carry one . Common kitchen matches dipped in clear lacquer . Three ways to start a fire . Bushcrafter - "But what if your Zippo gets submerged in water after you fall through the ice ?" Answer - Don't fall through the ice . Keep your Zippo - Bic and common book matches in a plastic bag - in your shirt pocket and close to body heat . If a Zippo or other fire starting mechanism doesn't work after "falling through the ice " ... one is pretty much SOL . Thanks for your video Dave .

[@Bushradical]

I know old trappers in AK that carry a can of lighter fluid to help get a fire going asap....just in case you HAVE to have a fire.

[@QuantumPyrite_88.9]

Yep - Old guys like me call it Scout juice .Road flares are still called road flares .

[@Bushradical]

LOL. Sometimes you just don't have time to mess around!!

[@JepsOutdoorAdventures]

very good video my friend!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks JOA!

[@petemcpherson2259]

Geez, I can remember just a couple years ago a lighter was taboo, it wasn't "bushcrafting" to use, and now it seems the tides have changed, I like to enjoy a cigar when I'm in front of the fire so a lighter is never far from reach.

[@Bushradical]

Hey Pete...You won't get much Bushcrafting from me. I would light an old tire on fire with a torch if I needed a fire. lol

[@spider5001]

Great video Dave🙂 exotac makes a really cool waterproof and shockproof lighter sleeve. It’s made out of some kind of rubber. I’m with you with having loads of both. I try to practice most with the ferro but when the mosquitoes come out to play I grab that lighter real quick😂

[@Bushradical]

Right on.

[@HamsterLife_EnglishLearning]

Good video! I think you and Brook would do wonderful in acting jobs. You both have great very different unique facial expressions that are one of a kind. I bet KZbin viewers would love to see you two do a comedy skit video together. It would be even funnier to do one with no audio (voice) It would be so funny to see both your facial expressions tell the story. You with your hands and Brook with her facial expressions. Well you have tons of great facial expressions too of course.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Jude. Brooke and I are both hams, so it would be fun to do something like that.

[@AdventureTimeOutdoors]

Lol I just did a video on this very thing. A viewer posted on one of my videos 10 reasons not to carry a ferrorod. One being calories it takes to strike and carry one..... I just had to respond with a personal experiance. I carry both. I do use the ferro rod as a primary and carry the lighter as a backup incase I can't get it done with a ferro rod. Needless to say I have only used my lighter once in the last 3 years or so. Great points you made in this video Dave. Take it easy, stay warm and happy new year.

[@Bushradical]

Hey ATO....very interesting. That reminds me of the backpacking mentality of "go light" where people cut off the handle of their toothbrush...etc. I'm with you. I would MUCH rather get the job DONE and have options, then choose to not carry an item because of its weight. Thats why I'm an advocate of a full size axe. Weighs a couple more pounds, but can do a lot more work...( and is safer IMO) than a boys axe. Thanks for the comment ATO!

[@downeastprimitiveskills7688]

Oh man! What would he say about friction fire?

[@AdventureTimeOutdoors]

downeast primitive skills the worst part is he listed 10 reasons. Lol I don't think the guy ever got outside.. must be one of those indoor survival experts. Lol

[@Martyntd5]

Adventure Time Outdoors ///I carry both. I do use the ferro rod as a primary and carry the lighter as a backup incase I can't get it done with a ferro rod./// I agree, carrying both is the obvious solution. The problem I have with using the ferro as a primary though, is the tendency people have to load up with tinder and accessories - fatwood, cotton balls and so on. That seems crazy to me. I use a Zippo as my primary. They run dry in about a week, so I carry a 1 oz bottle of fuel. That's good for about 6 refills - or 6 weeks worth of instant flame. It weighs in ...at about an ounce ...and costs pennies. As the ferro is the backup, I only need carry just a couple of tinder tabs just in case - which never get used. This means I am carrying a lot less fire lighting stuff. Less bulk, less weight, less cost. The resupply of Zippo fuel is about as cheap as it gets. It means I get instant flame and dont have to worry about tinder for the most part. If things are really difficult and I need a boost, I've got a 1 oz bottle of fuel as an accelerant. If the Zippo takes a dunk and gets wet, or breaks, or I run out of fuel or flints for it, then I have the ferro rod as a backup - but using the lighter as the primary makes more sense to me than using the ferro rod. Using the ferro as a primary, just seems to be going out of your way to make life more difficult than it needs to be.

[@AdventureTimeOutdoors]

@@Martyntd5 the way I see it is it makes sense that a lighter is easier to make a fire and using a ferro rod as your primary is more difficult but the more you use your ferrorod the better you get with it. If you keep your skills sharp with a ferro rod when your life depends on it you wont struggle to get your fire.

[@datghettoazn127]

Hey! look into clipper lighters. The wheel comes out so you can replace the flint and use it to poke stuff and it's refillable and also can withstand higher temps than bics and the clear lighter you have there.

[@Bushradical]

thanks

[@mattbigmonster]

Finally someone with an ounce of reason. So fed up with all those bushcrafters dismissing a lighter so they can use their SYNTHETIC ferrorod and tinder. Tool is a tool. Also what's with people making 2-3 lbs fire kits? I have the exotac matchcap with bic lighter inside and topped up with matches. And a ferrorod on my knife for redundancy.

[@GrandpasPlace]

Now, take that little piece of ferro-rod you broke off, wrap a piece of wire around it and hold that piece of ferro-ror in front of a torch tell it is red hot. While it is red hot toss it out on concrete and watch that whole piece go off at once! As to how long they last, I have one of those magnesium blocks with the ferro rod on one side. I used it all through boy scouts, on 100's of campouts to start fires. Heck I even used it at home when the lights were out to light a piece of paper so I could start a candle. 30+ years of use and it is still going!

[@Bushradical]

Wow. thats a long time. And, the ferro rod on those are small. I forget about those things..Thats a great tool.

[@Wolf_K]

Magnesium blocks/rods are great and will always ignite off of one ferro strike. The Doan’s brand blocks are quality.

[@gosmoothgolight7567]

Wolf, I have to agree! I've had both a Doan's and an extremely inferior Coughlan's knock-off. The Magnesium in the Doan's works every time ... the Chinese-made Coughlan's doesn't. NOT a thing to discover when you really need it to work! Needless to say, I carry my Doan's with me every day now.

[@pusoymaquiling1725]

Love the explanation.😍

[@Bushradical]

Thank you!

[@73FORGE]

I’ve always got both on me! Cheers bro

[@Bushradical]

Hey Brother, hows sunny California treating you? Its like zero here right now.

[@73FORGE]

It’s supposed to be a chilly 70 degrees today, better grab my Carhartt sweater! 😂

[@Bushradical]

.......yeah./.......real funny......

[@MTwoodsrunner]

Freakin aay right...could not agree more David...i always carry both...woods

[@Bushradical]

Darn right. Happy new year Woods!

[@DanoLXF]

Good stuff Dave! I always carry a ferro rod, a lighter and a magnifying glass along with some vaseline soaked cotton balls . If you can't get fire with that combo you probably shouldn't be in a situation where you need fire.

[@Bushradical]

Good points.

[@maryhill909]

Good video!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@jimholmes2555]

Hi Dave, In my day pack I carry several ferro type devices, the one in a block of magnesium, one straight rod and my all in one Bear Grylls survival kit. I also carry old (Out of fluid) lighters, Why? they still spark don't they? Also I have a plastic Snuff can from the kind that held pouch type chew bags. there is a small can in the regular lid where I put a small amount of vaseline and in the big can I put cotton. This all came in handy one day three years ago I went on a 4x4 trek with friends way up in the Sangre de Cristos in Colorado, We'd planned a BBQ but nobody brought matches. My chance to play Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks character), I dipped a little cotton in the vaseline, struck my ferro rod and ah hah! I, I Have Made Fire!

[@bobashmore6442]

I carry both and I haven't been "in the woods" in years. I'm just an old Boy Scout with the mentality of "always, always have multiple ways to make fire on you" drilled into my head. In my backpack, my wife calls it my "man purse" because I almost always have it with me and everything ends up in the bottom of it eventually, I also carry a small, about one third full, plastic bottle of Ronsinol lighter fluid. I'm not proud and the fastest way I've ever found to light a fire is to make a pile of moderately processed tinder, spray it with lighter fluid, and either flick my Bic or Zippo (again, I carry both) or hit it with one strike from a ferro rod. Poof, instant fire. None of these things have any real weight to them, they take up no amount of appreciable space, and I can have a fire going in under five minutes in nearly any condition. I haven't had to light a fire on the fly in at least twenty five years but... I can if I need to. And to me that's the important thing.

[@Bushradical]

You should be proud of the lighter fluid thing. The only folks I've ever heard tell of carrying lighter fluid are a couple old trappers I know in Fairbanks....those guys have MEGA time in the DEEP bush and they carry lighter fluid. Ive never heard of any other folks who do it. But the hardest of the hard do it.

[@bobashmore6442]

I have always carried it, ever since I actually was a Boy Scout. My troop spent a lot of time in the woods all over Michigan, Ohio, and even into Canada quite a bit. No matter the season or the weather we were out there at least once a month. It didn't take me long after the first time I simply couldn't get one lit in wet weather to realize that fire is EVERYTHING when you're out there, so I made darned sure I had a way to get one going no matter what. They call it "lighter fluid" for a reason; It lights right now. I've gotten soaking wet, frozen wood to light and stay lit using it, more than a few times. When no one else could light a fire in our group I always could because of my little "secret ingredient".

[@Ruger41mag]

Good compare/contrast. One other con of the lighter is that in very cold conditions the butane will not gas and you can't get a flame until you warm it up.

[@Bushradical]

good point

[@brianspencer4220]

Hi Dave : I took both on a 12 day solo canoe trip. & never got to use the rod. The lighter worked every time. Brian 77

[@Bushradical]

yup. Hard to beat a lighter.

[@EspenFrafalne]

Fire steel is probably a nice thing to have in your emergency box or something, but i doubt many people who carry a regular lighter would ever need to use one... I like zippos a lot more than regular lighters though. It is cheaper to use in the long run, and also have lots of great designs, which makes it more like a nice personal item that you start to love, and not just some disposable item. Carrying some zippo fluid with you, is also great for starting fires if it is difficult to find good dry materials. Although instead of cutting down trees and finding material for starting fires, i like those alcohol burners a lot more... It heats up a 3 person tent during winters REALLY fast :P

[@Bushradical]

Funny you should mention Zippo fluid ( which is basically just Naphtha). I knew some old trappers in interior Alaska who carried lighter fluid on their traplines just in case of emergency. There is wisdom in carrying zippo fluid into remote places.

[@Nonickelone]

I use a Storm lighter i bought from a dollar store for 1,50$. It is rain and wind resistance wich helps to start a fire while in the rain. It has a solid case with cap wich makes it extremely damage resistance. The only downside i can see to a ferrorod would be the fuel, but i can use the piezo igniter to start a fire without fuel, by just using the same tinder as i would with the ferrorod.

[@Bushradical]

right on. Thanks

[@regalbowman3143]

Nice to see those saws on the wall

[@Bushradical]

One is a Disston, The other is marked Warranted Superior..So its probably a Disston too...but no Guarantee on that one.

[@centraltexassurvivorpreppe7750]

I have bunches of both. Every time I take a trip to Walmart, I buy a five pack at the checkout. Good thoughts Dave! I like to wap some duck tape around them also.

[@Bushradical]

good idea.

[@mfavia620]

I say carry both in your kit. As far as the lighter goes, spend the extra 80 cents and get a Bic. The other ones are real cheesy and what you mentioned is likely to happen, breaks spring and flint fly out leaks or gets crushed and pretty much inoperable. With that said, think I’ll go have a pasty and a cold Vernors here in Chicago. LOL Thanks for sharing and ATB. Mike

[@Bushradical]

Hey Mike! You guys have pasties and Vernors in Chicago? I thought Chicago was huge on Polish food.

[@mfavia620]

Bushradical actually Dave we have Vernors but here’s a few places that make empanadas which are similar but not the authentic Michigan kind. And yes lots of Polish food

[@Bushradical]

Man, now I want some polish Sausage and Sour Krout. I better take some out of the freezer.

[@gbaughman3348]

Good comparison, I carry several Bic lighters, I also carry a flint, steel and char in a small tin in a waterproof pouch. Ferro rods wear out and the tinder has to be very dry for them to work, Flint and steel and kit is much better than a Ferro rod. Though I can't remember when I actually "needed" either other than practice or goofing off.

[@Bushradical]

Good point. By the way.....whats the story behind the spear brave pic? My wife and I love it.

[@gbaughman3348]

I always liked Monte Python's "Holy Grail" the pictures reminds me of the killer rabbit that tiny fierce creature that took down all those Knights, if you ever seen the movie it is very funny. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ip-ylXSKa61satU yup that's me just a little rabbit LOL

[@Bushradical]

Ive seen the movie a long time ago. Your pic always gives me a smile!

[@JTMinnesota]

This very subject has interested me a lot lately...

[@Bushradical]

Whats your thoughts?

[@JTMinnesota]

Bushradical First, I have to admit that until recently, my interest in bushcraft-type stuff has been solely about living vicariously through various KZbinrs' videos. I rarely get more than a few hours at a time outdoors, and when that happens, it seems like I never have time to try all the cool things I want to do. But the past month or so I've had a few opportunities to get into the woods and tinker with "survival" situations: building shelters, making fire, etc. Since I'm such a novice at making fire, the learning process has been slow...but steady. And it's winter here in Anoka, Minnesota, which adds another variable to the outdoor fire-starting equation. Ok...here's my thoughts... What it comes down to for me is one question: Why do I want to make a fire? There's a world of difference between starting a small cook fire on a leisurely day hike and trying to maintain a fire indefinitely on survival reality tv show. And loading up for a week long solo summer canoe trip might call for different fire starting tools than loading up your car's worst case scenario emergency kit. As for KZbin bushcraft/survival folks go, it's tough to get a read on what they'd actually use in real-life outdoor situations. Joe Robinet uses a ferro rod for fun, it seems, and a lighter when he doesn't want to play around. (Joe LOST his ferro rod while on History Channel's "Alone"...and quit competing a few days later.) Lonnie on Far North Bushcraft and Survival uses a lighter almost exclusively, at least in the videos I've seen - even in cold weather. But it's hard to know what those guys use off-camera... I agree with you on the preparation aspect for different tools. The sequence of building a fire goes SPARK-EMBER-FLAME-FIRE, and if you start with a spark, your tinder bundle needs to be really good. Whereas a lighter skips a couple steps and goes straight to flame...from that it's easy to get a fire with courser, more robust tinder. (Although, I failed to make a fire when 2 out of 3 lighters broke, and the 3rd sputtered terribly after the flame adjuster melted and fused into the " - " position, so lighters aren't foolproof.) I could go on and on about pros and cons in my (limited) experience, but I'll leave it with this final thought: I asked my thru hiker friend Joe Brewer, who's hiked the AT, PCT and CDT as well as other shorter trails, what he brings with him to start fires...he said he rarely makes a fire, except for on the AT...and he brings a mini BIC lighter...and says it's never let him down. And he's on the trail for literally months at a time in unpredictable weather...

[@Bushradical]

Of all the lighters I think the bic is the most "sturdy". The ferro rod will work no matter the weather but you need to be ready to put in your fair share of work too, prepping materials to light with just a few real hot sparks. Old sourdoughs I know in Alaska bring a little bottle of naphtha ( lighter fluid) with them trapping as a safety net so you don't loose fingers trying to light a fire at -50. Keep at it brother and pick watch right for you. Let me know how it goes.

[@MuskratJim]

Great video, Dave! Thumbs up for sure. I like your editing and presentation style. I’ve made a few videos on this subject too. Subbed you, buddy.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Jim. I'll check your vids out.

[@MuskratJim]

Bushradical - thanks Dave. I appreciate the attention. FYI: I’m located in Atlantic Canada and you sound like a Canadian. I know you’re an American, now that I’ve seen more of your videos and realized who your wife was :)

[@Bushradical]

Brooke and I grew up in Michigan and spent most of our marriage in Alaska, but we also lived in the U.p. of Michigan and everyone sounds canadian there....its full of Finns and Swedes. Thats where I picked up the "Eh".

[@gosmoothgolight7567]

Bushradical ... I also grew up in Michigan (about 20 miles west of Lansing). While there are a few places in the Lower Peninsula that are quite beautiful, I have always appreciated the stunning scenery in the U.P. !! And the culture (as you know) is like another country! Lots to love about 'dem yoopers, eh? :)

[@savagewolf1966]

Dave,did Brook,put the fur on your hat. nice trappers hat,fits you well.alway love old school over new,rod for sure is the winner in my eye. Keep your fires burnin.cheers;)

[@Bushradical]

Hey SW! Brooke made this hat for me about 8 years ago. She made me a really cool all fur hat back in the 90's but it eventually fell apart....I wore it all the time.

[@savagewolf1966]

Bushradical ,coutoes Brook.,nice job.Thought so. The hat matches your beard good.mountain man style cool;) keep the home fire burnin. cheers.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Wolf!

[@aaronnelson1099]

Both a must Whipradical !! ! You get that boone and crockett box B harvested skinned and processed yet? :))

[@Bushradical]

Almost got her done!

[@6614vb]

Agree

[@linklesstennessee2078]

Yep carry both I keep some fine fat wood shavings in a very small zip top bag also

[@Bushradical]

Good idea.

[@Woodenarrows]

You got it covered Dave. I take both, you know what they say, one is none, two is one. I don't smoke but... I ALWAYS have a lighter in my pocket. Flame is good to dry out damp material and regardless of what some die-hard might say, there is nothing wrong with using a lighter. It's quicker and simpler to use. However, a ferro makes a great backup that will always work and it's hard to beat chared tender (cloth or punk wood) with ferro rods... BTW, nice hat but... I think Brooke's fur hat is prettier :-)

[@Bushradical]

Hey WA! Brooke made this hat...and hers. I'll tell her you like em'. As for the lighter, I'm totally with you. I got my first ferro rod maybe 4 years ago.. I just wasn't aware of them. I had been carrying a lighter for years and years...ever since I got hypothermia falling in the Chena River canoeing. I get the practicality of the ferro rod as a tool, but I love the old standby of a bic lighter. I was living in Delta junction Alaska and hadn't had running water or indoor plumbing for 9 years when I first heard the term "Bushcraft" ...so I guess I came to the party by a different route. LOL

[@Woodenarrows]

Bushradical It's cool talking with you. I know the Chena river, at least the Fairbanks area. I'm also familiar with Delta Junction. Shopped there for food items a couple times on my way to Tok. Brooke did a fantastic job on the hats, they are both great.

[@garyminick1050]

100% agree

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Gary.

[@riccartwright5623]

I always carry both and flint .... sometimes If I feel real lazy and not to bushcrafty I make sure no one is watching and I snick out my lighter and I use it :)

[@riccartwright5623]

by the way i liked you video and agree with your view

[@Bushradical]

lol. Sometimes I dump a quart of outboard gas on a brush pile.......

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Ric!

[@ChrisWilkesSurvival]

Love that hat.

[@Bushradical]

Chris....wearing a fur hat is reason enough to live somewhere cold! LOL

[@EdgewoodOutdoors]

Nice comparison! I've heard that lighters won't lite when it gets too cold... have you ever run into this? FYI, those are the two main sources of fire I keep on me as well.

[@EdgewoodOutdoors]

nick sweeney thanks, nice explanation!

[@bushcraftbaxter]

Sparks are hotter than most flames, So magnesium will only be lit by a spark. That's kind of weird cuz you don't feel too much heat when you strike a Ferro rod. It's cool with lighters cuz even if they run out of gas they still emit a spark.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks BB

[@mikehagan4320]

Where is a good place to buy affordable ferro rods?

[@backwoods_barbarian4134]

Good stuff, gooder hat!!!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks! Everyone likes the hat.

[@oldcountryboy]

I live in the Pacific Northwest Where it rains And rains and rains And then you know what it rains some more Pouring down rain you'll never get a fire going with one of those pharaoh rods in a real Survival situation You cannot beat a lighter They are extremely durable you can't just drop one and it will break If it gets wet You just blow on the top and blow all the water out of it And those kind are usually 3 for a dollar At the dollar store

[@Tailslol]

i prefer liquid fuel or refillable lighters myself, clipper imco zippo peanut trench... way easier to use and proven to be useful in numerous wars.

[@Bushradical]

right on.

[@downeastprimitiveskills7688]

Ayuh!

[@gosmoothgolight7567]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, Dave. I have several smaller (3/8th inch?) Ferro Rods ... would be interested if you could link any sites that carry the larger ones you and Brooke carry. Thanks!

[@Bushradical]

I put a link in the description for you , if you want to check out a larger ferro rod.

[@gosmoothgolight7567]

Thank you for the link, sir! Say yah to dah UP, eh? :)

[@Bushradical]

Ya sure you bet ya'. I'll see you at Ralphs for a Codagee sandwich in Ispheming.

[@suf972]

Hi dave i find a common notion in the “bushcraft” community is that a ferro rod is more “primitive” then a bic lighter even though ferricium is much more modern then a lighter.

[@Bushradical]

Its a rat's nest when you get into bushcraft discussions

[@shawnpepin7890]

i have never broken a bic lighter by accident... heck, when we were kids my neighbors mom used to give us her spent lighters to make flint bombs and we would thow those lighters at rocks, and many other hard things and it would only break 1 in 10 throws... rust is probably the biggest downfall to a lighter, but i have found many many old lighters on the ground that look like a a rust ball and they still stuck a spark after a few tries... plus for the price of a decent large ferro rod (15-20 busks on canada) i could buy 20 bic lighters, or like 60 of the cheap dollar store ones (usualy 3 for a buck).. i go through 2 lighters a year, so the cost of 1 good ferro rod could give me 15-40 years worth of real fire... plus allit takes is one mistake to loose it, and the choice is clear... i carry a bic lighter with wax jute rope, and in a bush situation i just carry 3 lighter for redudancy

[@yurinator7274]

I agree no reason not to carry both. I have done this for a few years now.

[@Bushradical]

right on.

[@danburch9989]

If you want to depend upon a butane lighter in cold weather, keep them in your pocket where they'll be warm, not in your backpack. Butane gets difficult to light below about 0C as the fuel doesn't vaporize as easily. But you can warm them up by grasping them in your had a few minutes. Never depend upon one method to start a fire. Have at least two or three (strike anywhere matches in a waterproof case, ferro rod, lighter). Even the gun powder from a bullet can help start a fire.

[@Bushradical]

I agree. You can't have too many ways to start a fire! I know Trappers in AK, who carry a small can of lighter fluid to get a fire quick when its needed.

[@MrWolfHuntsman]

Y'all know is better to keep an waterproof lighter in an waterproof case or the lighter itself waterproof. A ferro rod is certainly longer term use but when you have hypothermia or your shivering a good o'l lighter can make that fire you need. Conclusion :Keep both.Their both useful and depends on situation your in, the best thing to do is of course not just run your lighter all the time for fun and actually use it. This way you save lighter fluid and might save yourself from the cold one day for holding the sweet temptation of running that lighter for fun. In simple words we're better off keeping both since there's no obligation of only keeping one with you.

[@Bushradical]

Well said. No reason not to have several fire starters

[@matthewloudermilk3229]

So do you go back to the states for work.

[@Bushradical]

No, actually I work in Alaska. The last 5 years Brooke and I and the kids have spent our winters in Michigan all our relation lives. I don't do much in the winter, all my work is in the summer in Alaska.

[@richardkoch8752]

Bic lighter and some Vaseline cotton balls and you have it made. If the Bic gets wet.....just keep working it....if it gets cold.....hold in glove with your hand for a couple of minutes.

[@brianferris1233]

I carry both, and even matches, but I keep matches away from fire steels because sulfur eats away at the fire steels. I throw in flint and steel and char-tin methods just to keep the art alive, but I shy away from bow-drill I would leave it to the survival-professionals as a novice could freeze to death in cold weather if they make even the slightest bow-drill error.

[@brianferris1233]

P. S., A person should enjoy their time in the woods not make things more difficult on purpose.

[@Bushradical]

Learning a bow drill does offer you a level of freedom....but it requires that you do it right ....or it won't work!! I like the tire and oil method of building a fire. This is where you take an old tire and dump a gallon of used oil on it and light it. lol

[@Bushradical]

Totally agree.

[@brianferris1233]

lol oil was used in the old Cape Cod stoves as well (a container full of whale oil was burned as a heating cooking source)

[@Subsessor]

so ... what about arc-lighters combined with a solar-powerbank? should last forever (as long as it doesnt break)

[@Bushradical]

I have no experience with those things, but thanks for the comment

[@donnabraden6232]

So you

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@buildingalaskahomestead]

I carry a lighter and ferro rod in my pocket every day!

[@donaldgough8580]

I prefer lighter. Buy them in 2 packs. My favorite is good old waterproof matches.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@harryanderson2683]

Dave you know a candle with a lighter really extends life of lighter, dont hear much about a candle to help start fires any more

[@Bushradical]

Thanks for the thought Harry.

[@adamwest5097]

No way, man! You have to pick one and defend it to the death no matter how well they both work together!

[@Bushradical]

Sorry. I should have done a better job being a zealot. Hows your house coming?

[@scaredofghosts6813]

Every lighter has a mini ferro rod, but no ferro rods have a lighter

[@brandonkoh8361]

If your bic lighter's flint cant light the gas for whatever reason (too wet, cold, missing flint), you can light it with another ferro rod. Just sayin

[@TheWetdonkey]

Honest question: I always carry the things I don't want wet in a plastic bag. In what situations does a lighter actually get too wet?

[@DudeLovesHorror76]

hmmm left out the Zippo.

[@scottfoster224]

At 66 cant think why not, to have a Bic at least 2 pockets !!

[@Bushradical]

My feeling too!

[@6614vb]

I carry matches to If the lighter fluid freezes

[@Bushradical]

I didn't mention matches ...but you have a point. A lot of the time I spend in real bush is water based....Canoeing, boating, etc. So matches never go with me, because Most everything will get wet eventually. lol

[@6614vb]

+Bushradical thanks for answering and btw If you do outdoor stuff related to water you're obviously not going to carry matches so i agree with you on that

[@6614vb]

+nick sweeney i dont know If you Heard of exotac it's a company that make a waterproof and resistant case for your bic lighter so the water problem is solved

[@woodslore4672]

If u dont break the lighter it still creates a spark to start fires..

[@Bushradical]

True it does make a spark....but I've never made a fire with a dead lighter so I didn't want to bring that up. I've heard it can be done....Ive just never done it.

[@woodslore4672]

Bushradical Great vid anyway Brother

[@woodslore4672]

You can also run that stricker wheel from lighter down a ferro rod to get sparks

[@treelore7266]

lighter+candle

[@rubenhutahaean9590]

I totally agree..Sometimes there are people who are stupid enough to just choose one

[@Bushradical]

yup.....take them all!

[@Shooter11B]

I carry both and stormproof matches and a magnifying glass lense. Overkill? Nope, LOL.

[@Bushradical]

There is never "overkill" when it comes time to make fire. lol. If you get a chance watch my video on Hypothermia.....I've never put myself in that situation again!

[@Shooter11B]

Roger that Dave!

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

HERE,HERE,,,THAT's what I have been sayin'.......Sparks are for after dinner...if ya know what I mean....

[@Bushradical]

LOL, Thanks.

[@Longtrailside]

I never got the new age youtube outdoorsman attitude of not liking the lighter. Why would you not want a gift, fit for a King? Granted they do require some care and looking after to properly work when you need them to, but to totally nullify bringing one, is just ignorant. Don't get me wrong I love my fire steels, and have made my own personal handles for them. But the lighter is King for fast fire making. I think people like them more, because there is more of a challenge to start a fire with them so it makes it more fun to make fire with them, not only to do it but to watch it on video and seeing other people do it, and compare their skills to others.

[@Bushradical]

I agree. The ferro rod came into its own with the modern Bushcraft movement. It has its own set of benefits for sure....but to choose the ferro rod and shun the lighter is just Bushcraft "purist" ideology. I spent years getting good starting fires with a bow drill...I wanted the "freedom" of not needing a lighter...but I hardly ever start a campfire that way. I just use a lighter. I burn wood in my house, I burn wood in my garage, during the summer I start every single day with a fire in my wall tent stove to make coffee....I'm ALWAYS starting fires.....I feel ZERO need to prove anything to myself or anybody else by doing it the "bushcraft way" with a ferro rod. That said Ferro rods are amazing in their own right, but I would never embrace a rod and shun a lighter.

[@Longtrailside]

I agree, we don't need to prove that we can light a fire. Were both beyond the point in life. I'm to old to screw with making a fire the hard way, unless if i need to or showing someone how to. Heck if i'm really lazy i'll throw some wood in the fire pit and nothing else and squirt it with some BBQ lighter fluid and Vuwallaa! No crazy flames like with gas, and the campfire is lit. Sometimes it seems like were going back on technology and thinking its better. Take this analogy for instance. Pagers were the in thing back in the day, then we got cell phones so we could talk. Now were going back to texting and paging and thinking its better than just talking to the person instead. Teens get mad at you for calling them, and tell you to only text them, go figure. i guess the new age bushcrafters are doing the same with lighters. Firesteels have their place and uses. They have saved me when my lighters failed me in the woods. That's why i carry them both, but the first one i'm going to try to use though is the lighter.

[@Bushradical]

Me too.

[@gordondavenport4868]

Why not just put your lighter in a waterproof match container. Keep it dry Keep it safe That’s what I do I thought it was foolish to compare cost. Who buys a lighter expecting it to last a life time. Your in the mountains, it comes a 6 inch snow while your out hunting. Couple hrs your soak and wet. Everything around You is covered with snow and is wet. Your getting cold. GIVE ME A GOOD OLE BIC LIGHTER EVERY TIME!!!!

[@9unslin9er]

Step 1: Buy a Becker BK-16 Step 2: Go to Bodega Step 3: Buy a Bic lighter Ready.

[@Bushradical]

right on

[@JohnDoe-el5ir]

So actually you say lighter is better but is not better? Decide finally! The answer is simple , of course lighter is much better. It will last endlessly. I have few lighters at home for over decade and each of them has gas in it, so we don't have to compare potentially longer time ferro rod will last vs decades of lighter ready as well.

[@EKEACRES]

Zippo's are the worst because their fuel evaporates.

[@Bushradical]

Never use them.

[@frankgordonsmith4795]

bring three full size lighters if one breaks no biggie you wil be able to start thousands of fires, lets be realistic if you get lost you are not going to be lost for more that 365 days

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

lighters lick balls !!!!!!!!!!!!! I have several ferro rods and 100% cotton great tinder in water tight containers with some fat wood in them good to go

[@alanvalentinus]

A Farro rod lasting the rest of your life? HA! Those things rot to shit in a few years.

[@Bushradical]

I have ferro rods that are quite old......I don't have any that have rotted.