Magnesium VS Ferro Rod! Which one is BEST?

[@lesliemiller6319]

actually, the magnesium bar uses a ferro rod attached. the magnesium bar requires a spark or strong flame to ignite. almost all commercial mag bars include a ferro rod glued to the side. The magnesium is actually a form of tinder that is waterproof.

[@laslok]

Tip for magnesium fire starter: - Use the back of your knife to shave the magnesium. Makes nice little curls like feathersticks that burn longer - Use a peace of bark to collect your magnesium shavings. - Place the shavings next to your tinder, possibly in kind of cave. - Put your knife blade up cross your magnesium shaving, an pull the rod over it It will even start the fire if your tinder is not perfect.

[@OutdoorMike]

Great Tip! Thanks for sharing!

[@zollicb3]

I got my first magnesium fire starter in 1978 at Jackson Hole Wyoming. I have used it all over the world. It is worn but still has a lot of life left. It lives in my bug out bag along with a tinder box and a spare ferro rod. I’m sure the inserts are cheaper now. I carry a ferro rod on my keychain as a backup. Btw, magnesium has never dulled my knife.

[@coydog6665]

Used a magnesium fire starter since the early 70’s. Still carry one today as well as a ferro rod and lighter.

[@chubs391]

Both. The ferro rod on the mag bar is crap, but the mag shavings increase your chances of starting a fire.

[@SDWNJ]

I’d say it’s more of a “yes/and” than “either/or.” I’d consider the ferro rod attached to the magnesium bar as a last resort backup and carry a bigger, better ferro rod as well.

[@OutdoorMike]

I really like the Uberleben hexagon ferro rod. Thanks for your feedback and thanks for watching!

[@newblue41]

I also have a Fire Piston, in addition to the magnesium bar / rod combo.. those are cool... I know... too much... but hey, I'm going to have FIRE !! LOL

[@OutdoorMike]

What ever works. It's always good to have options!

[@davidjonathan5114]

Awesome video!!!

[@OutdoorMike]

Thanks!

[@wemcal]

Great video and information.. I use both since the rod on the mag bar has worn down so I shave trimmings whenever I need... most of the time I only use the ferro rod...

[@OutdoorMike]

I mostly use the ferro rod as well. Thanks for watching and dropping the comment!

[@lorenray9479]

My harbor freight mag has a rod that barely sparks and shreds like it is soft. I need a farro rod!

[@OutdoorMike]

The Magnesium from harbor freight isn't that good. I got this one from a military surplus if I remember right.

[@Gentry09]

This is “IN MY OPINION “ the absolute best way to start a fire after a match or a bic/torch etc.. I REFUSE to go camping without a magnesium block, ferro rod, and dryer lint for the best fire starter ever!

[@kulturfreund6631]

Thanks for your expertise. Looks like the ferro rods are more advantageous. Maybe a price comparison would have been useful, too. As ferro means iron, I wonder if the ferro rod is made of pure iron or if there are other materials blended in, like maybe coal.

[@OutdoorMike]

I hadn't thought of the price comparison I will keep that in mind for the future. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching!

[@josephhuston7590]

A Ferro rod is a magnesium fire starter. A magnesium fire starter is a ferro rod. Buy Magnesium bars and add a welding striker to your gear.

[@newblue41]

Why do you have to choose ? Just have BOTH...LOL..

[@OutdoorsWithBigMatt]

That’s cool

[@OutdoorMike]

Thank you! Glad you liked it!

[@jimathybindlenim6359]

Just learn to use everything. Its fun 😁👍

[@OutdoorMike]

Good point. Thanks for watching!

[@williamcurry1132]

QUESTION in rain too ?

[@OutdoorMike]

What do you mean? Will they work in the rain?

[@Gazzasthe1]

LoL scrape the ferro rod slowly into a tinder pile it is its own tinder too I make char cloth boom instant fire every day

[@christoforospaphitis4090]

The last one... I don't think it's super suitable in soft ground, it would just sink in you would need to find a flat long rock for it to work

[@taivec]

You can use it on the side of your knife

[@christoforospaphitis4090]

@@taivec eeeh I'd rather not unless absolutely necessary. Knives don't really like perpendicular forces

[@scottkennedy8998]

Their is a ferro on the mag bar so there’s that

[@OutdoorMike]

Yes there is the ferro rod on the mag bar. However it is very thin and is prone to either falling off or breaking.

[@ABiblicalView]

I just keep a Bic lighter on me since it's 2023

[@OutdoorMike]

I keep one with me as well. I like to have lots of options. However when your hands and fingers get really cold it can make the fine motor skills of turning that little wheel and hitting that little button difficult. The gross motor skills of a Faroe rod and striker would be easier at that point. Thanks for watching!

[@ABiblicalView]

@@OutdoorMike makes sense, brother. Thx.

[@sheepthatbleep2630]

I don't even wanna watch your video! magnesium is a tinder. A Farrell rod. is a fire starter. PS Magnesium. is a poor second, to cottonwool . with one weeks experience at fire starting! i can light cotton pad (pulled apart by hand) first time every time. (unless i miss cotton pad) .

[@OutdoorMike]

Thanks for your input!

[@referencefool6525]

🧑‍🍳🔥🗑🏞Hobo Stove, ( no need for Al/kitchen foil) Sparklers🎆♨are a great help.

[@OutdoorMike]

Not sure what you are saying here.