Uberleben Kraftig 8" Ferrocerium Fire Starter

In this video I test the 8" Kraftig ferrocerium rod from Uberleben.
www.uberleben....
www.amazon.ca/...
#Uberleben #kraftig #ferroceriumrod

[@highlandtrekker]

I also use the softer ferro rods and find i like the fact that they continue to ignite even after they've been scraped. Couldn't agree more concerning the scraper, a nice sharp edge will enable you to get decent sparks from the cheapest ferro rod.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on Wayne. A good striker, good technique, good fire prep and practice. After that a person can make any ferro rod work. Thanks for commenting

[@ilijabosnjak76]

Thank You Sir,,Uberleben was to expensive so I ordered something different I won't say where from,,but I can tell you I can start thousands and thousands of fires..$13 bucks I have firestarter for life...6x1/2" inches it's a beast...Have a great day Sir and thanks for video...

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I am happy you found a ferro-rod that will meet your needs. Thanks for commenting

[@baroneb5043]

why cant, wont u say where u bought it ??? 😀😀😀

[@Olyphoto7]

I’ve got a smaller Uberleben I carry on my knife sheath and like it very much. I also just got finished testing wood pellets in my Solo stove, melted lots of snow but ran out of fuel before bringing it to boil. Thanks for sharing!

[@Olyphoto7]

I guess I gave up too soon. My wife just reported back and said the water was boiling. In my defense, I came back in the house because I finished my coffee.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Uberleben are putting out some good stuff. It does take longer to melt snow because the air in it is such a good insulator and of course it is cold outside. I might suggest keeping a little bit of regular wood fuel handy if it looks like the pellets are running out. The heat from the pellets will make it easier to get damp wood to burn. Thanks for commenting

[@johnnybushman651]

Well done Mr.Young , Learning is golden, didn’t know that there is a difference in them. Thanks for your video and your time , well appreciated . Have a good day.🥶

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for commenting

[@Crusty_Otter]

Great explanation of the different types of ferro rods and the effects that has on them. A huge thanks for the tip on sanding down the chatter marks: I had those on my cheap magnesium block starter and it did make striking difficult. That craptastic block went straight into the trash when I got my first ferro rod but now I know how to deal with chatter marks if they appear on my ferro rods.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for commenting and stay safe

[@wemcal]

Great video and wonderful demonstration

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you very much!

[@BingWatcher]

Hi Mark, Another great 👍video. Your demonstration of lighting 🔥 older and degraded birch was very helpful. As in my area, large white birch seems to keeps dying off and being replaced with white pine or pitch pine. ➡ What find a point interesting conversation on Ferro rods is whether there is a rod that can be too large? 🔃In other words, is a smaller, thicker rod that's more compact and stout, more practical than longer, thinner rod (even one of similar mass)? The answer may just come down to personal preference. ➡ ➡ Also, a comparison or competition between a softer, smaller, Swedish rod versus longer, harder Chinese rod may be very interesting to learn 💡which one would be superior in a wilderness survival situation. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience with us! 🏁

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I also think it is personal preference as well as intended use. If I was concerned about long term surviveability (Alone) I would go for the biggest ferro-rod I could find. For me, having one on my belt and a backup in my pack makes the most sense. I find anything bigger than 5"x1/2" is too heavy for my pocket. I only have one of the LMF ferro-rods and it is a smaller one so I don't have a ton of experience comparing them. Thanks for commenting

[@ghffrsfygdhfjkjiysdz]

Harder rods have more iron. Both work; harder ones gives smaller sparks but lasts longer. Softer ones give burning globs of magnesium but wear out faster.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting

[@string-bag]

Nice review Mark, The smallest rod I have is four inch by three eighths. I find the thin short rods are awkward and fiddly but better than nothing. Like you I carry the six inch by one half inch on a lanyard in my pocket. We had snow that lasted for about a week, glad it is gone. I had enough of it growing up in N.S. Hope Mother-nature is being gentle on the right coast. Cheers from the left coast.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

The mysterious far right coast (Newfoundland) got hammered with the snow storm of the century. We have had a couple of storms that deliver 30cm, then rain, then freeze. I agree, a five or six inch rod is the best size for easy of use and carry-ability. Thanks for commenting

[@seanantill3366]

I've been carrying an ebay rod from China for over three year's now that i have mastered the flick method on just the same as a light my fire rod and just as easy, just took a little practice

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

After reading your comment I tried the method you suggest and with practice was able to make it work. It did not seem to make more sparks bu the ones it did make where bigger and longer lasting. Thank you

[@chrisvanderburg5568]

just like a poorly maintained dirt road , the chatter on the ferrocerium rod I call washboard . I take a file to mine and i keep the filings to make my own version of a firestarter. cotton infused with ferrocerium filings and ground match heads and parrafin wax. not traditional bushcraft but highly effective.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I like the idea of saving the shavings. May give that a try. Thanks for commenting

[@AdventureTimeOutdoors]

Many of the well known ferro rod suppliers get there rods from the same place. People get surprised when I tell them it is from China but it is true. You can buy 1 ferro rod a one place for $40 and buy the exact same rod from the same supplier for $20 at another. The best part about it is they will bash each other. Great video Mark! Looks like a good product.

[@sosteve9113]

interesting

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks Mark. Pretty much my experience as well. Good to know I was on track with this. Thanks for commenting

[@szpflyer4367]

Excellent presentation; thank you!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@jimmartin3833]

Saw a crazy Russian mix nutella with potassium manganate and make a fire starter. It worked purdy good! Told another you tuber to cut a tampon into four piece's and cover the piece's in Nutella with potassium manganate then wrap them up like hard candy and place them in an aluminum cigar holder and use them with his Ferro rod sparky doo dad to get his camp fire's going. That nutella and potassium manganate worked really well. 😊👍

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have never heard of that combo before. I may look to see if I can find the potassium manganate. Thanks for commenting

[@peterhuggins9267]

This is great. I carry a larger fero rod (5"?), to which I attached an antler handle for better purchase. For striking I use the back of my knife (Mora knives are my preferred drug of choice), as I like the bigger shower of sparks. Interestingly, I, too, carry redundant fire systems when I'm out on the trail. My fire kit has a Light My Fire fero rod, as well as a lighter and storm matches (in addition to my larger one, which is attached to my belt and in my pocket.)

[@sosteve9113]

mora are great knifes for sure

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Pretty much the same as my setup. I probably carry more than I need but I also add a magnifying glass, a flint and steel kit and cordage for use with a bowdrill. Thanks for commenting

[@renefoged3657]

After i started using light my fire firesteel, I have a lot more succes making fires, than the chinese firesteel bought from wish. Great difference

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have been looking at the Firesteel.com products for years. Guess I just need to buy one to try. Thanks for commenting

[@whtwolff658]

Thanks for the info on the different ferrocerium rods. The larger size is easy to handle with cold fingers. I drilled holes in my 4 inch rods, yah they do spark! Ha

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Good point about working with cold hands. Guess I have gotten a little use to it. Thanks for commenting

[@Woodswalker1965]

Hi Mark. Great video. I like the harder compound found in the less expensive ferro rods from Chinese suppliers. Price is definitely a factor for me but...they just work, and very well as you demonstrated. Cheers!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hey Wade. Its funny but like a lot of things in bushcraft there are regional preferences. Our UK brothers seem to use the LMF rods more. Nothing wrong with them, except price. I am happy with my Chinese ones as well. Thanks for commenting

[@robertjeffery3237]

Thank you for this video and the information! I ordered 5 as gifts!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

You are most welcome. They will make a welcome gift I am sure

[@brucematys6064]

Great video Mark. I like that you test the items before I decide to purchase. Like you said it will last a long time, may be the last I need to buy! Cheers!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad to be of service. Let me know what you are thinking about buying and maybe I can do a test on it. Try to stay within my budget though. Thanks for commenting

[@brucematys6064]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft I doubt that my budget is any higher than yours my friend! Cheers!

[@RodneyEnt]

To my knowlledge, "mischmetall" is german for mixed metal. That's where the name comes from. And that is just what a ferrocerium rod is - a mix of metals. The main components being iron and rare earth metal cerium. Cerium is reagent to oxygen and you need iron basically to keep it hidden fom oxygen. Higher iron content makes harder rods. I quess higher iron content is also cheaper.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, that is what I understand as well. Thanks for commenting

[@randal1470]

🤣😂🤣 Ok I’ll be good Great video Mark! Firstly I think the bottom line is both types will light fires, and everything else is simple preference. I’ve had no problem lighting fires with either but I do prefer the old light my fire ferro rods and the softer compounds. On the technical side, the actual burning temp of sparks from either are pretty much the same, the “difference in temp” people are talking about comes from observation of the colour of the sparks. For the most part this is actually the different alloys producing sparks that produce different colours by way of their chemistry, and hardly at all because of differences in the temperature of the sparks. The difference in actual temp will only be 100-200 degress F ...whereas the temps are all pushing past the 2500f range, the difference in temps is a non issue. The different alloys will make for different physical characteristics of the sparks though. The softer rods produce a larger globular spark, whereas the harder compound produces more of an expanding shower effect, with smaller individual feathery sparks, with what seems to be a faster burn time. But I believe the more intense shower makes for a hotter area in and around the spark cloud, which balances the difference in the two different spark characteristics.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks Randal. Like a lot of things in bushcraft, there is a tendency to think if we spend more money on an item it will make us better bushcrafters. In truth, it is all about skill in making a fire. The type of ferro rod will only make a minimal difference. Thanks for commenting

[@trytheoutdoors]

Thankyou, Mark. Really helpful. 😊

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad to be of service. Thanks for commenting

[@n-signia1087]

I have been trying and trying to get a fire lit with my cheap 4 inch ferro rod, also an uberleben, and your video finally allowed me to understand part of what I’m doing wrong. I’ve been preparing material meticulously, keeping it stored and dry, but I just could not get the materials to light! Thank you! Any ideas for how to work with cedar or basswood? I primarily have black locust growing near my area as well as hardwoods so pine and birch are out of the question. I only have basswood because i had a friend bring me some.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad the you found the video helpful. Strangely, we do not have either cedar or basswood in Nova Scotia. Both being softer woods, I would start with scraping the wood with the back of my knife (spine does half to have a sharp edge for this to work). Make a small pile of wood shavings that looks like fuss. After that add very small splits of wood or feather sticks to catch flame. Hope this helps. Thank you for commenting

[@benjaminwulf914]

You can use a pencil sharpener for quick preparation. A duller pencil sharpener will work great to create fine tinder, and the sharper it is the larger the pieces of tinder will be.

[@terryw.milburn8565]

2 is 1 & 1 is None ! Great looking & performing produce Thanks, Mark ATB T God Bless

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

A good rule to live by in the woods. Thanks for commenting Terry

[@baroneb5043]

I wonder where u heard that ?

[@joelaut12]

Thanks Mark nice review and timely.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad to be of service. Thanks for commenting

[@450Xer]

A very thorough and honest tutorial. Well done Mark.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for commenting

[@oldredcoonhound2182]

I have been looking at the Uber ones on Amazon but they are over $30.00. I have a few of the smaller couglans ones, and the dollar store ones ( $5.0 -6.0 ). I left one that got wet and corroded. But now that Sucker seems to throw sparks better than it did before. I had a blank ferro rod that I drilled a hole for para cord, that made quite a light show when drilling LOL

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I've seen people drill out ferro rods. Quite spectacular. Chances are the Coghlan's are made in the same place as the others. Thanks for commenting

[@MichaelR58]

Mark, thanks for sharing, I learned something new !

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad to be of service. Thanks for commenting

[@jerryvinson5840]

I have both softer and harder ferro rods. The softer ones are easier to strike and slightly lower temp Sparks. The harder ones last longer,take more pressure to strike and make hotter Sparks. I have both types, and have found that a good striker makes the big difference. Fire steel.com ferro rods are a excellent compromise between the 2,and throw awesome Sparks.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

That is pretty much my experience as well. I don't have anything from firesteel.com but will likely buy one to try. Thanks for commenting

[@AdventureTimeOutdoors]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft pm me mark

[@jimf1964]

I'm old, and when I get cold and frozen it takes me a while to get going too.🙂 So, trying to avoid comments about hard 8 inches, I find I have a tough time finding something that will strike the harder ones. The soft ones can strike with almost anything. Maybe I just need to put a little more force into it? But with out a fairly sharp due, or burr, they're tough to get to cooperate. Personally I think the large one is more appealing to people prepping or something where you would expect a lot of use. For people going camping, it's a bit of a waste of space and weight....but hey, you only need to get one every 10-20 years.

[@sosteve9113]

true they go a long way

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I agree Jim. I prefer to carry a 5" ferro-rod as it feels to be the best compromise in size and usability but I would be just as happy to use a shorter one if that was what I had. What I carry but don't often use to strike a ferro-rod is one of the "Speedy Sharp" sharpeners. It will take massive amounts of metal off the rods if not used with practise. Thanks for commenting

[@sosteve9113]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft you can always cut it in two ,just cut it slowly ,the sawing movement create sparks

[@jimf1964]

Mark Young Yes, even those thick 5" ers are more than enough, but not so much that's it's too much. I use much smaller ones, but I use them rarely. If I was using them a lot, I would get a bigger one. To me, there're just good for emergencies. A good backup, but as a prepping thing, they're much more valuable. And yes I have one of those sharpeners, big time spark showers! I have to say though, I think the whole bushcraft thing with ferro rods is a little silly. It's not like some primitive tech, or back to nature or something. It's very much high tech modern equipment. It's great to have for safety, but bushcraft?

[@welderoo]

Exact opposite what others have said that the harder ones was the ones could do shorter strokes and softer required longer strokes and deposits more molten metal🤷‍♂️

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I can't comment on what others say. I can only give my experience with ferrocerium rods. Thanks for commenting

[@welderoo]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft this guy for one 🤷‍♂️shows can get sparks on short strokes hard rod but can’t on soft rod

[@poodledaddles1091]

Thanks for the good video...I was looking at this rod on Amazon

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

The Uberleben ferrocerium rods do work great. If you are looking for one that will last a lifetime, this is it. Thanks for commenting

[@sosteve9113]

thats indeed a long ferro rod you show there looks great

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hey Steve. It is a big one. Too big for me to carry in my pocket though. Thanks for commenting

[@ianbruce6515]

I do think that Ferro rods are fascinating. But why not just have a couple of Bic lighters? I do remember when the flint on a Bic lighter would soften when wet and turn to mush when you span the wheel. But that was years ago--now you just blow the water out of the top of the lighter, and you are good to go.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

A BIC lighter is the easy way to light fires for sure but they can run out of fuel and will not work if they are wet or cold. All these issues can be avoided but having a ferrocerium rod as a back up means always having a means of lighting a fire. Plus, they are fun to use. Thanks for commenting

[@ianbruce6515]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft I used to smoke and used Bic lighters at sea on deck in gales. It was tricky, granted--as was rolling cigarettes inside the hood of your foul weather gear😆. At one time, just flicking your Bic with a wet thumb would demolish the flint and put the lighter out of action, but they solved that design flaw. I do have a Ferro rod--the one that came with the sheath of my Ukrainian bushcraft knife.

[@DevlinFoster]

Nice video! Could you do a future one on your packs and where to find a good but inexpensive one?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you like the video. In fact, I am planning a video on my backpacks as we speak. I am testing the one that is in the background of this video and will make a video on it shortly. Thanks for commenting

[@victorvasquez2788]

Thx for the info, I been using the Pathfinder ferro rod's and have very good success. I guess the chinese will make it to your spec's/quality. Thx again.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have recently learned that there are two major manufactures in China that make ferro rods. It is possible they have slightly different formulations for their product. I would not know how to tell which is which. In truth, I find it is all about the striker and good fire preparation. Thanks for commenting

[@jsoutdoorz7390]

Bonners ferry, Idaho is still in the USA.. developed tested packaged and mailed.. didn't see chinee on there web site..

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

So, I won't argue with you but if you want to know for sure ask them

[@jsoutdoorz7390]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft I did.. and just ordered some of there product. Very down to earth people to deal with. I will continue to push there product. God bless

[@stratossatmospheros8722]

Hello Mr Young! I just wanted to know wich knife you are using in this video. This thing looks CRAZY !!!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

It is the Blackjack Grunt. Now out of production. First made in Japan, then China. Full convex grind in 10Cr19 steel. I don't carry it often enough...too many knives I guess. Thanks for commenting

[@Wingman115]

Good stuff Mark.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you Jon

[@seanantill3366]

And a thinner stricker reduces the chatter effect

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have not found that to be true for me but is worth looking into more closely. Thanks for commenting

[@shovelhead8]

Great review, Mark

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for commenting

[@JohnTarbox]

Another great video Mark. I see you are wearing ice creepers on your boots, how about reviewing them?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yup, already have kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnS8YYJslseGqpY I won't go in the woods this time of year here without them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnS8YYJslseGqpY

[@neonsamurai1348]

I guess my main complaint with this ferro rod is that it is very pricey for what it is. In Canada you will be paying $45 dollars for one, which is a premium price for a not very premium product. I can buy 2 6" 1/2" Chinese ferro rods for half that price. Honestly have not been super impressed with a number of their products and the prices they ask for what are made in china products. Good review though

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

No argument from me. Sometimes items sold by companies in the us cost way to much in Canada. Yes, pretty much all rods except LightMyFire are made in China. I do have a number of rods bought through Aliexpress and these rods do seem a bit better. Thanks for commenting

[@neonsamurai1348]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft Even in USD their prices are very high, 32 dollars for their 8" ferro rod. It's a pity as I like their bush pot, and the tinder rope.

[@poly-wogbushcraft8643]

I got a 6 incher bought 2 4 16 bucks I think anyway I keep one in my bo bag and il tell u what its awesome with that 1 if u cant get a fire going with that u shouldn't have a rod.just saying luv ur channel keep on.😁

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you are enjoying my videos. Thanks for commenting

[@Howlingdingobush]

Thats a beast

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Overkill for most hikes but a great end of the world item. Thanks for commenting Al

[@sirdee9607]

Nice Video, greetings

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you and same to you

[@BackcountryKing]

Couldn't help noticing those ice spikes on the boots. Where did you get those I'm in the market for a pair. Nice video as always

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Kahtoola MicroSpikes purchased at MEC. I won't go in the woods this time of year without them. Here is my review kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnS8YYJslseGqpY

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

This is one of those videos that I wish I could have had a better choice of wording. Please be mature in the comments

[@keithlapere7650]

Thought my Yt was screwed up. States this was posted 11 hrs. ago yet you commented on this 3 wks prior. Glitch.?! No worries about the wording. Nobody's perfect and I don't expect perfection. Was waiting for this video as you mentioned a few weeks ago you were going to make one soon on the ferro rods you used. I get mine from china too! Thx for the share and your info. Great video as usual Mark. Cheers!

[@quercus4730]

Mark Young: Wouldn't a ferrocerium rod a foot long be better?

[@keithlapere7650]

@@quercus4730That would be perfect for me. Cut it into three's. Have to crunch the numbers see if it is any cheaper.I use 4" anyways.

[@OldSchoolPrepper]

I hate that you even have to say that, however i feel the same, i believe we are in the same age decade. :) I've re-recorded several vids to change my wording as well. great video friend, take care.

[@ilijabosnjak76]

Mark Young You are absolutely right Sir but I prefer long strokes and mine is from China 🇨🇳 not Uberlben but it works great 👍...I have no problem starting fire

[@clintlofton3608]

Mark,what backpack are you carrying.I noticed it in the background.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Ahh good eye. That is the Helicon-Tex Matlida. I have been carrying it for about 5 months and will be doing a review soon. Thanks for commenting

[@WaschyNumber1]

Hi, I'm new to this stuff, how can they be protected from water besides putting it in a container, is it possible to use oil od silicone Grease on them for storage or will the components in the rod react some how with it?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Normal fresh water should not seriously affect the rods. Salt water definitely would. Chemicals like bug repellents are also corrosive to the rods. Normally, the rods oxidize (more of a grey covering) slightly when not being used. This offers some protection. You could coat the rods with something but I think it would be a hassle to clean off when you go to use them. Hope this helps. Thanks for commenting

[@WaschyNumber1]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft Hi Thank you very much for your answer.

[@battlement]

Hi Mark, what's the best lightweight ferrocerium that you would recommend?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

That is a hard question to answer. I expect all ferro-rods will weigh the same based on length and diameter. For me, the 5"x1/2" rod is what I carry in my pocket as it is the best compromise in seize and weight. I have smaller ones as backup in my fire kits. If you are into long term surviveability, the bigger the better. Hope this helps. Thanks for commenting

[@simonpukeho1096]

Fucking good information that it's available in Amazon I definitely order

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I see it is listed on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca

[@phyllismulkey3778]

nice

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting

[@brick2392]

What is that? What is what that……………… This is a Ferroceriun rod… no that’s not a ferrocerium rod……. That’s a Ferrocerium rod pulls out that 8 inch monster 😅

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

😅 and yet, I have seen bigger ones. Thanks for commenting

[@brick2392]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft yeah the 1 inch Ferro rods craziness

[@treybailey886]

What was the knife?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Blackjack Grunt. No longer in production unfortunately. Really nice knife. Thanks for commenting.

[@ilijabosnjak76]

Uberlander is expensive but the 6x1/2 inch for $14 bucks it's okay,, and yes it was Made in China 🇨🇳 but I don't care 🤷‍♀️,,it works..

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have also tested the Uberleben Hexa, a 6" six sided ferro rod. It works very well. Thank you for commenting

[@eugenjigane7219]

Hy where do you get your 5inch firesteel?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Try this link to eBay www.ebay.ca/itm/Outdoor-Ferrocerium-Flint-Firesteel-Starter-Survival-Magnesium-Rod-Kits-Lighter/113017904942?hash=item1a50645f2e:m:m5RGbzZkgOgQf9bifxEfuEQ:rk:1:pf:0

[@baroneb5043]

Is that a ferro rod or a mischmetal rod ??

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

My understanding is that the Uberleben rods are the softer mischmetal

[@baroneb5043]

Mark Young sorry i had not watched the video yet... thnk you

[@RollsRoyce1954]

I'm always building ferro rod fires, 20 or 30 every week, so I go through a couple rods a year. Firesteel.com produces the best ferro rods I've ever used. I own over 40 rods in my collection, mostly 1/2 ones 5 or 6in in length. I also own a monster 6in by 1in that weighs a pound. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and suggestions with me, I appreciate it sir....I'd love to try the one your using, 8 in would be twice as effective. Thanks again

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

You sir, are the king of ferro-rods. I use mine often but not near what you do. I really need to purchase a firesteel.com rod. Thank you for commenting

[@jamesfishfish9099]

Hay I buy China all the time

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

great value

[@kevlarmon54]

haha don't go looking for this if u live in canada well be stuck paying double for shipping! and the customer service from the company itself is horrid!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting

[@jimmartin3833]

Be so sad dude doing a video like this and it go's all well right to the point the bark catches on fire then whoosh! A bright flash! Methane leek out of the rock like a silent but deadly fart! Dude get's blown back a few feet and all his facial hair and half his head of hair is gone but he live's with no major injury or burn's and he get's it all on video too! Damn global warming! 😖😩😲😂

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Rock farts are the worst. Thanks for commenting

[@alf3553]

Good review on that beast. I almost ordered one a week ago, but it is a big piece of metal. It would make a good primary Ferro Rod with a second stashed somewhere in your pack. I keep in my pack a small bottle (2.5 mil) of mineral oil because it’s food safe for carbon steel knifes, I’ve also used the mineral oil on Ferro Rods for storage or if it got wet, seems to work fine no issues. I guess you could use it for self defence, whack a Bear over the head.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Good idea on coating the ferro-rod in oil. I would have to carry the rod on the opposite side to my knife for balance ;) This one is almost big enough to use as an anchor. Thanks for commenting