The FERRO ROD to RULE THEM ALL

What is The ferro rod to rule them all? What is the best ferro rod and striker combination on the market today? Dave Canterbury, Best Selling author of Bushcraft 101 and owner of Self Reliance Outfitters and The Pathfinder School states the case for the Pathfinder HD6. Ferrocerium Rods are plentiful in the outdoor community and come in various lengths and widths, shapes and sizes. But, if you are looking for THE Ferro Rod to rule them all, this is the one for you. Various hardness, length, thickness, striker options have been mulled over, challenged, tested and this is the result. The Pathfinder HD6 is THE best on the market today. If you are interested in purchasing a Pathfinder HD6, please visit:
www.selfrelian...

[@woodstrekker6345]

SRO is such a great place to shop for pretty much anything you would want in your pack for any outdoor outing or road trip including the pack itself.

[@vzmichael]

Agreed. Fair pricing as well!

[@MrOldclunker]

Chinese junk

[@stefanbertasz4690]

I've been very happy with every purchase here. Quality and price are very good

[@ronniesanders4956]

Where do you get them at i would like to get me a few of them

[@tightbhole420]

​@@MrOldclunker🤡🤡🤡

[@hikerzeek8844]

The guy that started my love for the outdoors years ago. Thank you my friend for doing what you do

[@gimponatrip425]

This is a great video on teaching how to use a Ferro Rod properly

[@stevefisher2121]

Sold - just purchased!!!! Can't wait to try it out.

[@SelfRelianceOutfit]

Thank you very much!

[@Alwaystrucking658]

This is my first video I seen about Ferro rod and I learned a lot made me rethink my decision on my ferro rod wow and made me rethink my technique on how I need to make a fire and what I can burn.🔥 Go Ferro Rod ! Hd6

[@shadowstalker130666]

Excellent piece of kit. But id love a 4 inch handle on the scraper. I live way up north, and loss of nearly all dexterity in the hands is just a fact of life in winter. A long handle you can grip in a fist is much more versatile in my opinion. Just a thought from a northern woodsman.

[@dub123boy]

Agree. Or just use another tool to strike, like the spine of a fixed blade knife

[@greyscout01]

Buy a Speedy Sharp, sharpener. 4" handle with Carbide end. It's an incredible striker.

[@Frezn8t_100]

I purchased that exact Ferro Rod and it’s excellent! Honestly, It’s the best one I’ve had

[@informedcitizen8687]

Best YT video on the proper way to use a ferro rod that I've seen...well done sir.

[@theoriginalrabbithole]

Amazing how many people use ferro rods backwards! Hold the knife/scraper steady and aim the sparks at a SPECIFIC target, then pull the ferro rod out from under the blade and it will shoot ALL the spark straight into that spot. Try it and you'll quickly see what I mean.

[@JamesMaksem]

Thanks👍

[@YouTuber-mc2el]

The HD6 you are demonstrating with is impressive. I have experimented with 6 or so different rods and found the Gobspark to be a good one. Performs very similar to your HD6. Great instructional video. Thank you.

[@tillymahon7319]

THOROUGH teaching! THANK YOU! ❤

[@johnduffy6546]

This video really shows the strength of you prior military training and life-long experience. Thanks you for a great video & your service to our country!

[@anthonygomez446]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@sherriestes-erwin1908]

Thank you so much for sharing your skills with us. I am truly grateful. Have a great day

[@SurvivalLiving]

Very nice 👍 I've got to pick one up for sure

[@jamesschell1526]

I have that one and it's great with the fire starter that came with it!

[@nickcasolino8903]

Hi Dave, The Bic lighter, the magnify lens, the ferro Rod (as per your teachings) and a mini flint and Steel set inside a Medicine bag are my "never-leave-home-without-it. The only issue that I have with the Ferro Rod is that it rust. A floury gray material forms around it and it pit. One of your teacher suggested to coat it with Vaseline.(Great suggestion) I also remove the dark paint just the area that I will be scraping on. I have a funny story to share about the ferro rod. This poor guy was desperate for a smoke but he didn't have a light. He asked a good dozen people but nobody had a light. He asked me for a light. I pulled my mini ferro rod and a tiny piece of tinder quick. I flick it and he was able to have his smoke. He was so freaked out and amazed about the ferro rod that he couldn't shut up. It was so funny to see him freaking out. 😂😂😂

[@alanmeyers3957]

Try painting it with clear finger nail polish.

[@benharris7913]

An old guy who taught me a lot about bushcraft when I was a teenager was a SERE instructor back in the '80s. He let his guys smoke in SERE, but only if they could light a cigarette with their ferro rod. They got good QUICK!

[@bubba7626]

fixin wax seems to work very well protecting my ferro rod. I just rub a bit on when I done - seems to keep away the oxidation. Also I have heard Ballistol works very well.

[@generator6946]

Chapstick will help too!

[@tikkidaddy]

Any solvent or penetrating oil on a Ferro MAY be a bad idea because of the makeup of the rod, how its made. It MAY penetrate the rod and change its properties. While the solvent content of Ballistol is low, it is there. The rest is mineral oil

[@randyjohnson4614]

Great lesson Mr. Dave

[@seankennedy4284]

Looks and sounds like a nice day, right there.

[@markkoehler5110]

One of the best videos on the subject

[@kimnielsenthewordyvikingett159]

You tell um sweetheart!!! And thank you for your informative videos sugar bear 🧸!!! I hope you at least get through to some of the ignorant masses. They mostly don't mean any harm and sometimes can actually be of assistance with the menial task's. I don't wish anyone to parish but parish they will if they don't start paying attention to videos such as your's and others trying to save maby a few lives. Good luck Mr Canterbury!!!!😒

[@erolkavlakverizon6112]

I learned about ferrocerium rods as fire starters when I was 11., 55 years ago.. mine was/is attached to magnesium block. Back then we did not get that much info on how to scrape either the block or the rod so we used our Boys scout pocket knife blade, the cutting side.. dulled lots of cutting blades. My dad watched me start a fire in his BBQ and asked about dulling the blade.. the next morning I had a piece of a hacksaw blade with electricians tape near the hole with rawhide going to the mag bar. Worked great and the cutting teeth could cut notches for figure 4 traps. The dust was used to catch sparks. The scout master liked it. I still have that set up. I use my 5" x 1/2" rod now

[@SheilaDuzan]

❤

[@alanrice39]

Dave, thanks for this very educational video on how to use this ferro rod

[@SavageVoyageur]

Thanks buddy for the great video. I have learned so much from you over the years.

[@Greenchilieboss]

I'm getting this ASAP wow those sparks are globs pretty much lava. Definitely 💯 need

[@jimthomas1989]

You should see the massive 1 inch diameter by 12 inches long Lava Thrower Ferrocerium Rod from Nathan4071 or Any Size smaller that you may want ? As I have over 100 of them in various sizes

[@Greenchilieboss]

@jimthomas1989 where can I buy that my friend?

[@timblankemship9698]

I think this will be great when you review your products just so I can decide what else I need😮

[@donaldstrader7241]

That looks like a very good ferrocerium rod and striker combination. My favorite separate striker is a Bahco "2-1/2" Replacement Blade For Scraper" made of Tungsten Carbide, but it would be over 60% of the total cost of your system. Of course I could always use it in my Bahco raper ;-) so I guess that is something. I like that your scraper also supplies that hard acute edge that makes the scraping much easier and more productive. I enjoyed the video showcasing a fine fire-starting set. Of course I have always liked ferrocerium rods. Thinking about it, I still have my earliest one which was a relatively small rod in a red vinyl kit a fellow Boy Scout troop assembled. IIRC, purchased in the Scouting section of a Baltimore department store called Hutzler's. The store may be gone, but I still have the kit. Presently I have a BSA Hot-Spark on my keychain.

[@jbillc62]

Excellent instructor.

[@johnwyman5939]

Dam good job on video. Thanks for the demo on ferro rod . Nicely Done !!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🪓🔪👍👍

[@SelfRelianceOutfit]

Greatly appreciate that.

[@chrissewell1608]

Great video! An demostration of different methods of using a good fero rod! I am subscribing!

[@bluemopar1970]

very good demo, but the explanations were even better! great job!

[@heyarno]

Good idea. I made my strikers from HSS. And I rarely have to sharpen them. But with tungesten steel, I can also use a carbon steel knife back as a spark source in a emergency.

[@generator6946]

This my favorite set. It will last a lifetime!

[@Grenzkraft]

6:37 I once experienced a situation, where I did it this way to light up a Trangia alcohol burner. I put too much power into my movement, hit the burner with my knife, the burner fell over and the alcohol ignited all over the place. Gladly my spot was safe, so there was no real danger and burning alcohol is easy to extinguish. For that reason, I prefer it this way 6:26

[@wodinloki9504]

I find with the alcohol stove matches work or dip a stick into your alcohol then light that and use it to start the stove.

[@James-ke5sx]

Perfect. I have been searching all over for this length and thickness to fit my sheath. Now I got to see where I can find it. Here in Canada. It only took 50 seconds to convince me.

[@charleswalter2902]

Thanks Dave. you just taught me a number of things that i didn't know about ferrocerium rods.

[@biranit50]

If you want to get more sparks by increasing the contact area between the rod and the striker Isuggest cutting a concave shape on the striker so it contact the rod on a wider strap rather thaan a thin line.

[@gerardvanengelen9001]

I have strikers with a longer handle that are ment for sharpening garden tools. Best I ever had. Flat steel with rubber coating. Tungsten striker part.

[@wildernesshermit2126]

Dave, you need to do a video on preventing oxidation of the rod, such as using wax and other things.

[@keithadams6667]

Thanks for the instructional video, Dave...been wanting to get a ferro rod for a while now...will add it to my go-bag. Btw, Dual Survival went downhill after you left, I know that was ten years ago but just sayin.

[@kalstreksandtrails7606]

I have other brand name gear that I like but Self Reliance Outfitters is definitely my favorite. Awesome video my friend.

[@WL-mt4mv]

A Speedy Sharp makes an easy-to-use striker and has a larger handle. It has a carbide blade and is made to sharpen cutting edges.

[@jasonedwardledburynewzeala9897]

Good strikers

[@Sh311Sh0ck3d]

I buy those exact same strikers for every ferro rod I have. I throw the striker in the trash that comea with most ferro rods. You are the only person Ive heard mention this particular type of striker and I have only seen this striker with one ferro rod besides yours. Good job. A lot of people cut corners with the strikers and throw in a hacksaw blade..

[@Yassin-cf4up]

Don't throw it away, give it ! 😢

[@mikedendooven6484]

Where do you buy your strikers from?

[@Sh311Sh0ck3d]

@@Yassin-cf4up Sure I'd just be passing a problem on.. I have given a few of the proper strikers away to people who struggled with a Ferro rod, not with those strikers. Still, it's all in the prep, like everything else.

[@Yassin-cf4up]

@Sh311Sh0ck3d They're useful to train.

[@sosteve9113]

Using a hacksaw for several years now,never failed me once The original striker didn't throw that many sparks like the hacksaw

[@younggun9956]

I start pretty much every fire with a ferro rod. I never have a lighter with me, but i have a small uco rod/prybar stryker tied to my SAK lol awesome video brother!

[@BravingTheOutDoors]

I am by no means trying to do down what you're saying or this video. I'll very likely buy this FR from Dave's website when I get round to making my next purchase but that said, just to emphasise a point... I've had several FRs in my life and I have not used or had to use one in my entire life. I backpacked more than most people you'll ever meet. Roughly 8 years of my life. I once spent 11 months straight in a tent backpacking across the globe. In that entire time I always had several small bic lighters with me. Not once did one fail me. Last time I bought a few small bic lighters was back in 2016. I have been using the same ones since. I must have started over a thousand fires in my life. Can't recall a single time I failed. I still carry a FR for security reasons but despite what everyone says about how difficult it might be in strong wind or snow those small bic lighters never once failed me. Again, not taking away from your experience or the purpose of this video... just making my own point.

[@rnrhodes9256]

Im now subscribed. Great content, just the way I want to hear it. No BS, just in your face, plain and simple. Also looked through your webstore, I like it. The survival pantry was something I really liked (among many things) and that you fleshed it out to a really good concept, is perfect. 👍👍👍

[@jelicoe]

It's good to hear this stuff every once in a while.

[@theinflationsituation8870]

Great explanation! Thank you sir! You're a LEGEND.

[@gort400]

Thank you for the Education!

[@bsd9230]

I love the way Dave explains every aspect and technique. He's a great teacher. Dave, what can you tell us about that belt knife? Which model on SRO is it? Why did you choose that particular model? What's the difference between them?

[@markpoore3260]

I have that rod it’s a good long lasting rod. However I have recently changed to a square 6 inch rod. The square corners throw massive amount of molting metal

[@kimnielsenthewordyvikingett159]

Yup I've seen that one as well also the hex shape and the triangular one. And your right the corners are good for lots of healthy long lasting sparks. And yeah I know my push button torch is too much for backpacking but I only truck camp anyway so........😏🙂😉

[@nywherebuthere]

Square becomes round from extended use

[@libbyd1001]

Molten

[@rebelxdegginger3459]

HELL YEAH!!! Like ya profile picture

[@MtnBadger]

Good to know, except... I don't think the rod is molting and shedding any parts 😉 I think you mean "molten." Liquefied by heat or in a state of fusion. 😀

[@Bman-xy2vh]

The uberleben 6" hex ferro rod is a spark making machine. If I ever wear it out will have to try a sro branded one. Still have a hand full of light my fire rods scattered in my packs too, they're on the smaller side but fit easier in the pocket. The mini infernos are awesome tinder pads and highly recommend them. 👍

[@coleroth6980]

Thank you for the lesson.😊

[@outbackowl3040]

Hi Dave, greeting from Australia 🇦🇺, thank you for your time to make these videos, I have 3 of the Hd6, a bit angry that mine didn't come tungsten striker, I only have the old striker's, however they are a good fero rod with a good striker.

[@henry35846]

I picked a gob spark. Big enough to use with frozen hands. Awesome rod. Firesteel out of Littleton,NH

[@canadianrockiesbushcraftal5182]

I carry the orange "speed sharpner" same exact scraper, but can use in so many other applications. "The Mors you know"..

[@rickymellon8584]

This is Dave from dual survival. I thought so. Him and Cody were the best I liked dave the most on the show tho

[@ktoutdoors8430]

I’m glad to see your carrying a softer rod.

[@JAEUFM]

I like that the cord that attaches the striker to the rod is long enough to easily use. Too many 'store bought' ones, are attached with a cord so short, you can't get a long enough, fast enough stroke with the striker for good sparks.

[@evanhawk2574]

I always attach with shock cord.

[@3nertia]

@@evanhawk2574 Why shock cord over paracord; any particular reason?

[@a.grayman6349]

The best Ferro rod like so many other things is the one you have with you. It's 100% technique and the proper kindling. I will admit that fancy tungsten striker is much prettier then the broken (now rusty) hacksaw blade I've been using for the last 30 years. Your rod/striker combination honestly looks great and 6" does seem like the ideal length, but it's the hours you have behind it that actually matter.

[@gregharbin3531]

Thanks Dave. I appreciate your one stop shop for great products along with your explanation, demonstration and examples of their practical application and use in real world situations. Best wishes and much success Sir.

[@johnharris6544]

Dave, you might be underselling your product there. Ferrocerium does burn at almost 3,500 degrees but that's in Celsius (over 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit!). That would make it almost 8X the temperature of 800*F flint & steel sparks, not 4X. It's a great ferro rod for sure - just like everything I've bought from SRO.

[@James-w6x9v]

Hay guy here a tip for you all .take your fire starter rod and rapping it in a pice of char cloth and useing a small chunk of file and rasp the end of rod to get a spark on the cloth rapped around the rod lights easy and saves the wear and tear on the scrapeing of rod and gives you a realy hot long lasting spark .great show thanks enjoy .

[@GaryGraham-68]

Hi ya'll great video I want one of those rods

[@wayfarerchris.4116]

If you've been doing something with great success for a long time, we can always lean something new from Dave Canterburys excellent tutorials. Thanks!

[@philipselman2564]

Sure glad you don't charge a fee to get your chanell an all your knowledge -there might come a day that you will- all right then but thank you DC.

[@marksolum1794]

Good video today. Your striker is much better than the hack saw blade some cheaper rods come with.

[@SelfRelianceOutfit]

Thank you, completely agree.

[@terrymagiera1924]

Thanks Dave great video God bless and stay safe brother

[@ANARCHY-nr2lq]

Nice vid but no link?

[@zippitydoodah5693]

Thanks!

[@chrisischannel]

Awesome DAVE !!

[@terrypeterman7845]

The best thing I’ve used to start a fire with a fero rod is lint from the dryer filter. A little lint tucked in with a few shavings and a spark from rod and knife spine and you’ll have fire.

[@garyminick1050]

Yes but that dryer lint is just a flash tender, puff and then it's gone ..

[@duckmangooo7376]

Great instructional video.

[@jasongarling20]

Great explanation. It looks like the perfect medium between hardness to last longer and yet soft enough to be able to take huge amounts off when necessary. And loved the visual aspects of the lighting different tenders. Very nice.

[@SelfRelianceOutfit]

Thank you 👍

[@Osgkar]

Thanks for the excellent educational content , Mr. Canterbury

[@patriotpop2436]

Well explained. Good info.

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

😊Thanks for sharing 😊

[@gregoryknox4444]

Thanks for posting. Great info.

[@kncochran1]

Very informative video!

[@amateurshooter6054]

Thanks Dave

[@jjjvclub]

Have one, great rod and striker!

[@shazzzam79]

You think you could put any sort of edge on a knife with the tungsten striker??

[@charlesmckinney]

It looks good but it's hard to beat a bayite. I have a drawer full of rods. Bayite and EricX Lights are both excellent.

[@SelfRelianceOutfit]

We can agree to disagree.👍👍 Thanks for the comment.

[@pennsyltuckyreb9800]

The Bayites are surprisingly good. Also überleben.

[@charlesmckinney]

@@SelfRelianceOutfit I didn't say bayite was better, just hard to beat. Next time I buy a ferro rod I'll try the one you sell. It sure looks good.

[@charlesmckinney]

@@pennsyltuckyreb9800 I have a couple of uberlebens and agree. For a high ferrocerium rod they along with light my fire rods are good. I like the high magnesium content better.

[@SelfRelianceOutfit]

No explanation necessary. Lots of people have a favorite. This just happens to be the one we feel is the best combination. @@charlesmckinney

[@jeffhowell3310]

Excellent video

[@michaeldbhawker3556]

That’s a good quality rod. I have a couple that throw even bigger molten metal that burn even longer. However it’s softer and won’t last as long. If you are not seeing molten metal just sparks the rod is inferior.

[@davidlocke1668]

Can you share the best rod to use please 🙏

[@OzarkGuy]

I have tried this technique with a set from Bass pro shop... It was my first and only experience so far and it was a very discouraging one... It made me want to forget trying this technique all together. I just bought one of these about 5 minutes ago and I should receive it in less than a week.. I will definitely give it a good review if it does as good as what you say but I will also be honest if it sucks..haha

[@greyscout01]

If you need a specific stiker with a longer handle, buy a "Speedy Sharp", tool sharpener. 4" handle with Carbide end. It's an incredible striker.

[@jackvoss5841]

A question of curiosity: ferro serum rods appear to be similar to the “flint” in a cigarette lighter. Are they the same materials? Or do they vary some? Thank you. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@Nathan-wf3fr]

Thanks Dave for taking the time to film and share, looking forward to future videos in the series and continuing to be an SRO supporter.

[@richardrocha702]

Sticking more or less to "fire"...WHEN are you going to produce the "David Canterbury American Felling Axe" again ... I am in a fever trying to find one!

[@Ketvila_1985]

I also want to get a large ferrocerium ferro rod very useful survival tools

[@SalParadise]

great show

[@MikeB-C130Spectre]

Nice way to explain the mechanics behind a ferro rod. In addition, your making the distinction between "primary and secondary" application of fire starting tools. "When you have 3, you have two, when you have two, you have one, and if the only one you have fails, you have nothing but your knowledge!"

[@Bootneckrm]

Good video

[@rickdeboer6615]

Would the tungsten scraper also be used as an emergency sharpener?

[@cb3391]

You read my mind bro...

[@williamtanner5996]

Great video thanks!

[@elevatorman7750]

Great video

[@unfi6798]

Great updates mate. Any cooking vid in the near future.? Cheers cobber.

[@SirPraiseSun]

that is a very good striker.

[@JohnTBlock]

A good explanation of the use of a ferro-rod. Thanks, Dave!

[@edwest7035]

good info, thanks..

[@joeljoel5061]

I sell outdoor gear. When customers ask which Ferro rod set up to use I always tell them, the big one is the best one.

[@Ketvila_1985]

Yes I also want to buy a large ferrocerium ferro rod

[@AV3283]

Да, это так. Но всегда есть место человеческому фактору. Люди могут внезапно решить, что ферростержень длиной в 10 сантиметров слишком громоздкий и "выживальческий", поэтому именно сегодня им не понадобится, и в нужный момент неожиданно оказаться и без спичек, и без зажигалки. А ферростержни 5 на 45 миллиметров можно положить в каждый карман, и месяцами носить с собой, ведь они ничего не весят, а если потерял - не жалка, и есть запасной. Но опят и навыки, конечно, ничто не заменит