13 Best Ferro Rod Fire Starters

Exotac Nanostriker XL Ferrocerium Fire Starter

• Compact and modular design, easy to reassemble into a 3.65-inch long fire starter with a handle.
• Can be hung from a keychain when not in use.
• Comes with a small carbide striker that screws into place.
• Rubber o-rings to prevent water from getting in and corroding the materials, ensuring usability even in wet conditions.

Gerber Bear Grylls Ferro Rod Fire Starter

• Three-part design: ferro rod, steel striker, and emergency whistle on a lanyard.
• Striker and rod form a plastic cylinder for tinder storage.
• Portable, well-designed, and easy to use with added tinder storage and signaling method.

Leatherman Signal Multi Tool

• 19 different tools including a ferro rod for fire starting.
• Removable tools like a diamond sharpener, ferro rod, and safety whistle within the handles.
• Small yet functional ferro rod, with the ability to produce sparks easily.
• Packed with both general use and wilderness-specific tools, making it a comprehensive multi-tool for various needs​.

The ability to start a fire can be the difference between life and death in a survival scenario. Even in less dire circumstances you’ll want to have an effective way to light a campfire, start up a grill, or get a leaf barrel going. A ferro rod is one of the oldest and most effective fire starters around. They require no fuel and will probably outlive you in their usefulness. Here’s a list of the 13 best ferro rods on the market today to help you make your decision.

What is a Ferro Rod

A ferro rod, short for a ferrocerium rod, is a modern fire starter designed to produce a spray of 5,000+ degree fahrenheit sparks. They’re one of the smallest and most effective types of fire starters available.

When you use a ferro rod you’re actually scraping tiny amounts of the material off in molten form. These sparks will catch in paper, fibrous tree bark, and other tinder materials to produce an ember.

They’re much easier to use than more primitive tools like a bow drill or friction starter and work well even in damp conditions.

Best Ferro Rods

The qualities of the best ferro rods are durability and usability. You need your ferro rod to be large enough to be useful while still compact enough to easily carry around. It also has to put up with long stretches in hiking packs, bags, or pockets and still strike when needed.

It doesn’t hurt if it comes with its own striker either.

Exotac Nanostriker XL Ferrocerium Fire Starter

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As someone who thrives in the great outdoors, hiking and camping are my call to the wild. These activities take me to places where civilization seems a distant memory. In such settings, being able to start a fire is not just a skill, it’s a necessity. That’s why I decided to invest in the Exotac Nanostriker XL Ferrocerium Fire Starter.

The compact modular design of this fire starter is nothing short of genius. It effortlessly unscrews and reassembles into a 3.65-inch long fire starter with a handle, a size that’s easy to work with yet compact enough to hang from my keychain when not in use. This feature appealed to me, as I am always on the lookout for gear that is both functional and easy to carry around.

What sets the Nanostriker XL apart from many other ferro rods is its small carbide striker that also screws into place, a feature that has proved invaluable in the field. The rubber o-rings sealing off each section is a thoughtful addition, preventing water from getting in and corroding the materials. As a person who often finds himself amidst the whims of Mother Nature, this feature offers me peace of mind knowing that my fire starter will remain operational even in wet conditions.

I was thrilled to find that this fire starter was as rugged and easy to use as advertised. With every strike, it emits bright sparks, enough to double as an emergency spotter if need be. While I usually carry some char cloth or char twine to catch an ember, the ferro rod of the Nanostriker XL has never disappointed. It’s a piece of gear that has seamlessly found its place in my outdoor adventures, challenging me to test my fire starting skills in different scenarios, from lighting charcoals to sparking up a campfire under the starlit sky.

Its protective case, which doubles as a comfortable non-slip handle when assembled, was a selling point for me. Not only does it prevent the ferro rod from corroding, but it also ensures that the rod doesn’t break while nestled in my pocket or backpack during my hikes. I once made the mistake of testing it in my living room, and the sparks flew all the way to the carpet, a testament to its efficacy.

The Exotac Nanostriker XL might carry a heftier price tag compared to standalone ferro rods, but the value it offers is unparalleled. Its craftsmanship reflects in its performance, making it a reliable companion for someone like me who often treads the path less traveled. However, it’s not lost on me that the “XL” tag is a bit of a stretch, given that the length of the ferro rod isn’t significantly different from the regular Nanostriker, just wider. But this added girth has its merit, providing a sturdier rod less likely to snap during use.

During a recent weekend hike in the Appalachian Trail, the skies decided to open up, leaving me and my companions in a rather wet predicament. As night descended, the need for a warm fire became pressing. I pulled out my trusty Exotac Nanostriker XL, and despite the dampness all around, it came through with flying colors. The ferro rod sparked energetically, catching onto the char cloth swiftly, which I had nestled in a bundle of dry twigs and leaves I managed to scrounge up. In no time, we had a roaring fire that not only warmed our spirits but also dried our gear. The comfort and assurance this little tool provided amidst the encroaching cold wilderness was immeasurable. It was not just a fire starter; it was a morale booster, a silent companion that stood with us against the whims of nature. The Nanostriker XL proved its mettle, making that night under the drizzling skies a memorable adventure rather than a tale of discomfort.

In essence, the Exotac Nanostriker XL has become an extension of my outdoor persona, a small yet powerful tool that stands against the wilderness, ensuring I have the primal comfort of fire at my fingertips. This little marvel has earned its place in my wilderness survival kit, and despite the price, it’s an investment I am glad I made.

Pros:

• Compact and modular design: Easy to carry around and hangs conveniently on a keychain.
• Quality craftsmanship: Built to last with excellent materials and sealed with rubber o-rings to prevent water damage.
• Easy to use: Effortless assembly and operation, producing bright sparks with every strike.
• Protective casing: Prevents the ferro rod from corroding and breaking, ensuring longevity.
• Integrated carbide striker: Eliminates the need for a separate striking tool, adding to its convenience.
• Non-slip handle: Provides a comfortable and firm grip while using.

Cons:

• Price: On the higher side compared to other standalone ferro rods.
• Misleading “XL” designation: The length of the ferro rod isn’t significantly larger, just wider, which could mislead some buyers.
• Replacement rods availability: Limited options for replacing the ferro rod once it’s worn out, potentially incurring additional costs in the long run.
• Ferro rod’s length: Some users might find the length of the ferro rod to be insufficient, reducing the number of strikes available over time.

Gerber Bear Grylls Ferro Rod Fire Starter

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Bear Grylls is famous for his wilderness and survival expertise. The Gerber Bear Grylls Ferro Rod uses a three part design with a ferro rod, steel striker, and emergency whistle all attached to a lanyard.

The striker and rod slot together to form a plastic cylinder just over 5 inches long. This is a bit unwieldy for an emergency fire starter but does allow you to store enough tinder to start a fire in an emergency.

The Bear Grylls Ferro Rod is well designed, easy to use, and very portable. It goes beyond the basics by providing a method of signaling and tinder storage.

Leatherman Signal Multi Tool with Ferro Rod

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The Leatherman Signal is a full size butterfly fold multi tool designed specifically for hiking, camping, and bushcrafting. It’s 4.5 inches long yet weighs just 7.2 oz. The Signal gives you 19 different tools, including:

• Needlenose Pliers
• Regular Pliers
• Regular Wire Cutters
• Hard Wire Cutters
• Wire Stripper
• Awl W/ Thread Loop
• Hammer
• 420HC Combination Knife
• Saw
• Can Opener
• Bottle Opener
• ¼ in Bit Driver
• Hex Wrench
• Bit Driver
• Carabiner
• 3/16 Hex Wrench
• Safety Whistle
• Ferro Rod
• Diamond Sharpener

The Signal is Leatherman’s most survival focused multi tool to date. It has a range of general use tools as well as several wilderness specific ones. There are two removable tools within the handles that contain the diamond sharpener, ferro rod, and safety whistle.

The ferro rod is definitely on the small side but is still fully functional. It wasn’t difficult to hold or produce sparks using the back of the knife or saw blade. The diamond sharpener is one of our favorite features on the Signal. It allows you to quickly put a field edge on your blade no matter where you are.

As a multi tool the Signal is well made, packed with great features, and shows all the hallmarks of Leatherman’s decades of expertise. It has everything you’d need for basic survival in an emergency situation as well as lots of useful everyday tools.

Buying the Signal just for the ferro rod doesn’t really make sense though. It’s expensive, coming in well over $100, and is just too feature packed. If you want to get an excellent multi tool that also has a really nice ferro rod the Signal is the tool for you.

For more information on the Leatherman Signal, check out our full review here.

Last Man Paracord Survival Kit Bracelet with Ferro Rod

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A paracord bracelet is one of the most common accessories for EDC minded people. It combines a useful length of cordage with an attractive braid design. The Last Man Paracord Survival Kit takes this usefulness to a whole other level. It gives you several different survival tools, including:

• 12 Feet of Paracord
• Emergency Fishing Kit
• Ferro Rod with Striker
• Tinder
• Compass
• 2 Safety Pins

The bracelet itself is made from high quality 550 paracord. It can be separated out into multiple strands if needed. The ferro rod and striker are actually used as the clasp for the bracelet. They look really nice in this role but do require you to unravel the bracelet to use them effectively.

The ferro rod is very small but still functional. Getting a good grip on it was a bit tricky but we got the hang of it after just a few tries. When combined with the included tinder and emergency fishing kit you have everything needed to catch and cook a fish in an emergency.

The Last Man Paracord Survival Bracelet is a well thought out EDC item that provides real value. It includes the basic tools you’d need to survive and a really nice little ferro rod.

Note: You might like our article on best bracelet multi tools that includes several bracelets with ferro rods.

Light My Fire Swedish Firesteel

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Light My Fire is a respected maker of outdoor cutlery, mess kits, and fire starters. As their name suggests they got their start with tools and gadgets for starting a fire. The Swedish Firestee incorporates the best features of their original design with excellent improvements.

It’s made up of a steel striker and a ferro rod that’s just under 4 inches long. Both of these are on a sturdy nylon lanyard to attach to your pack or clip to your keys. The ferro rod itself is quite thick and advertised as providing 12,000 strikes.

After trying the Firesteel 2.0 out for ourselves we can definitely believe it. The rod has a nice textured plastic grip that lets you get a very firm purchase on it. You can produce a large spray of sparks with each strike and target them really well.

For the Swedish Firesteel’s price it’s hard to find a more effective and easy to use ferro rod.

Zippo Emergency Fire Starter

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Zippo is famous for their windproof lighters but have also released a very effective ferro fire starter. Their emergency fire starter is contained in a waterproof blaze orange flip open case very similar in appearance to their classic lighter design.

It uses a spinning wheel setup much like a Zippo or Bic lighter. On its own it produces a very effective shower of sparks and provides hundreds of effective uses. What really sets it apart from the competition are the 4 waxed tinder sticks contained within it.

These are made to light easily from the sparks of the striker. They burn hot for up to several minutes, perfect for getting a fire going in adverse conditions.

The Friendly Swede Pocket Multi Tool

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The Friendly Swede pocket multi tool is a pen style multi tool that’s packed full of small but useful tools. Altogether there are 9 different tools, including:

• Stylus/Ballpoint Pen
• Scraper and Knife Blade
• Saw
• Ferro Rod
• Emergency Whistle
• Bottle Opener
• Hex Wrench
• Glass Breaker
• Flathead Screwdriver

About half of the tools in this multi tool are designed specifically for an emergency situation. The ferro rod and emergency whistle in particular are great to have if you get lost in the woods.

For something the size of a pen the ferro rod on the Friendly Swede is actually quite capable. To access it you just unscrew a portion of the pen body and move the included scraper across it. We found it to produce a very acceptable spray of sparks without any effort at all.

The other tools on this pen tool allow you to tighten a few screws or bolts and write a note. The included knife does alright at producing a bit of tinder shavings but don’t expect to do heavy cutting or slicing with it.

Overall the Friendly Swede Pocket multi tool is an interesting tool with a lot of neat features. It won’t stand up to day to day use but does give you several useful tools in an emergency or wilderness survival situation.

Schrade Tactical Pen with Ferro Rod

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Tactical pens occupy an interesting niche in the EDC world. They’re effective self defense tools, useful everyday items, and look sharp while doing it. What the majority don’t have though is the ability to start a fire. The Schrade Tactical Pen with Ferro Rod is one of the only such tools capable of this.

The body of the pen is made from sturdy aircraft grade aluminum. From end to end the pen is 5.9 inches long but weighs just 1.7 oz. For a pen it’s practically bursting with useful features. The ballpoint pen itself is refillable and writes very smoothly. If you open the body up a bit you’ll discover an emergency whistle on the cap and a glass breaker on the rear of the pen.

Inside is where the ferro rod is housed. It screws open and is sealed with an o-ring for corrosion resistance. It’s relatively small but you have half the body of the pen to hold onto while using it. There’s a small steel striker you can use if you forgot your pocket knife.

Having a pen is extremely useful in day to day life. Having a pen that can start a fire is absolutely delightful. The Schrade Tactical Pen with Ferro Rod is sturdy, well made, and easy on the eyes. The included ferro rod does everything you need it to do and screws tightly closed when you don’t need it.

KonvoySG English Flint and Steel

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If you’ve always enjoyed westerns and pioneer style movies you’ve no doubt seen an old school flint and steel. It’s one of the most basic ways to make a fire, using just a natural piece of flint and a high carbon piece of steel. The KonvoySG English Flint and Steel combines a curved piece of steel with a piece of natural English flint.

KonvoySG also includes a container of char cloth, absolutely essential for use with a flint and steel. It’s basically specially prepared cloth that will catch a spark and form an ember. To use the flint and steel you simply strike the rounded steel against the piece of flint. The whole process feels incredibly rugged and really lets you get in touch with the past.

The KonvoySG flint and steel is forged into an easy to grip handle and includes a small carry pouch for the flint and a handsome leather case for the steel. If you’re looking for a fire starter to take with you to a Revolutionary War reenactment or a back to the wild camping trip, the KonvoySG English Flint and Steel is the tool for you.

Coghlan’s Ferro Rod

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Coghlan’s has been making fine American camping gear and accessories for decades. They’re one of the oldest outfitters still operating and have a vast catalog of goods. A long time favorite of the Boy Scouts of America, the Coghlan Ferro Rod is a stripped down fire starter at a bargain basement price.

It’s a 3 and ⅞ inch long ferro rod with a steel striker on a lanyard loop. It has a small plastic handle to grip onto and produces a very satisfying spray of sparks when struck.

The Coghlan’s Ferro Rod is about as basic as a fire starter can get. It doesn’t have any extras or fancy packaging tricks. This very simplicity is what makes it so great. For under $10 you get a quality ferro rod that’s lightweight, easy to use, and won’t let you down.

Bayite Large Ferro Rod Drilled Survival Fire Starter

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If you’re looking to put together your own survival kit the Bayite Large Ferro Rod is a great place to start. It’s 6 inches long and fully ½ an inch thick. It comes pre drilled with a lanyard hole but doesn’t include a steel striker.

This is one of the largest ferro rods available and provides a massive spray of sparks. It’s great for starting a fire in damp conditions with unreliable tinder. Given its large size, reliability, and low price the Bayite Large Ferro Rod is a great option for your emergency fire solution.

Survival Hax Fire Starter Flint

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The Survival Hax Fire Starter kit gives you an impressively large ferro rod along with several other useful tools. All told there are 7 different tools in this kit, including:

• 6 Inch Long Ferro Rod
• Tinder Capsule
• Paracord Lanyard
• Emergency whistle
• Ruler
• Scraper
• Bottle Opener

The ferro rod is exceptionally large and easy to use. It’s advertised as providing 30,000 strikes, more than you’ll probably ever need. The tinder capsule is basically a small metal pill fob but does a great job keeping a small supply of waxed tinder dry and ready.

The ruler/scraper is effective at producing sparks and also includes a useful little bottle opener. When combined with the braided paracord that makes up the lanyard and the emergency whistle you end up with a very useful survival kit and ferro rod.

Extra Large Flint Striker with Survival Kit

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The Friendly Swede Survival Kit is designed to give you a fighting chance in a wilderness survival situation. It packs in several different tools, including:

• Emergency Fishing Kit
• Extra Large Ferro Rod
• Safety Pins
• 90 Inches of Paracord
• Tinder
• Ruler
• Bottle Opener
• Scraper

With the combination of the fishing kit and ferro rod you have everything you need to catch fish and cook them. The ferro rod is contained inside a large aluminum cylinder that also holds the fishing kit and tinder. Note, you might also like our best fishing multi tool guide.

Everything is attached to a braided paracord keychain lop and designed to quickly disassemble when needed. The ferro rod by itself is 3 inches long and plenty sturdy enough to provide thousands of strikes. With the included tinder you can get a small fire going in minutes and keep yourself warm and cozy until help arrives.

This survival kit from the Friendly Swede is thoughtfully designed and includes the basics you’d need to survive. It isn’t perfect, but it is a pretty great ferro rod centric kit.

Best Ferro Rod Comparison Table

How to use a Ferro Rod

Ferro rods are one of the easiest primitive fire starting methods to pick up. Start by holding the rod itself in one hand. Firmly press either the back of your knife blade or the included striker against the surface of the rod and run it straight down the rod.

You should see a shower of hot sparks. Give it a try on it’s own once or twice before you try to start a fire. Once you’ve got the hang of it rest the bottom of your fire starter against your tinder bundle or char cloth and strike sparks into it.

Ferro Rod vs Magnesium Block

Ferro rods are often confused with the related magnesium block fire starter. In many cases a magnesium fire starter will have a ferro rod on it but the two are very different.

Magnesium is a chemical element that burns incredibly hot for a short period of time. Magnesium block fire starters work by shaving small bits of magnesium off and then lighting them with sparks, a match, or a lighter.

They’re very useful as they’ll light even when wet. In damp conditions a magnesium block can be the difference between life or death.

Ferro Rod vs Flint and Steel

Flint and steel is often used as an interchangeable name for a ferro rod. They work on the same principles but use different materials. Flint and steel fire starters have been around as long as steel and iron has been available.

They work by striking a piece of steel against a flint rock. This causes tiny pieces of near molten steel to fly off into your tinder. Ferro rods work using an artificial alloy and burn at much higher temperatures. Flint and steel only gets up to about 800 degrees fahrenheit. That’s hot, but not even close to the temperature of ferrocerium.

They’re still useful fire starters and honestly look really cool. Flint and steel fire starters are very popular among reenactors, traditional bushcrafters, and other historical enthusiasts.

At a Glance: Our Top 13 Best Ferro Rods

• Overall Best Ferro Rod: Exotac Nanostriker XL
• Best Survival Ferro Rod: Bear Grylls Fire Starter
• Best Leatherman with Ferro Rod: Leatherman Signal
• Best Bracelet with Ferro Rod: Last Man Paracord
• Best Value Ferro Rod: Light My Fire
• Best Lighter Style Fire Starter: Zippo
• Best Multi Tool Ferro Rod: The Friendly Swede
• Best Tactical Ferro Rod: Schrade Tactical Pen
• Best Old School Fire Starter: KonvoySG
• Best Cheap Ferro Rod: Coghlan’s
• Best Emergency Ferro Rod: Bayite Large
• Best Camping Ferro Rod: Survival Hax
• Best BOB Ferro Rod: Friendly Swede Survival Kit

Top Ferro Rods Video

Frequently Asked Questions about Ferro Rods

As outdoor enthusiasts, we understand the importance of reliable and efficient fire-starting tools during camping, hiking, and survival situations. When it comes to igniting a fire in the great outdoors, ferro rods have gained popularity for their durability, versatility, and ability to produce hot sparks even in challenging conditions.

To help you make informed decisions about choosing the best ferro rod for your outdoor adventures, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) about ferro rods. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to the world of fire starting, this FAQ section will provide you with valuable insights and answers to common queries.

From understanding the mechanics of a ferro rod to learning how to use it effectively, we’ll cover the essentials to ensure you have a reliable fire-starting tool in your camping kit. We’ll also provide tips on selecting the right ferro rod, discuss its advantages over other fire-starting methods, and offer essential safety precautions to consider.

By addressing these frequently asked questions, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to choose and use a ferro rod effectively, regardless of the weather conditions or terrain you encounter during your outdoor adventures.

So, let’s dive into the world of ferro rods and discover why they have become an essential tool for outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliable fire-starting solutions in the wilderness.

What is a ferro rod?

A ferro rod, short for ferrocerium rod, is a fire-starting tool commonly used in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and survival situations. It consists of a rod made of a ferrocerium alloy, which produces hot sparks when struck against a rough surface.

How does a ferro rod work?

Ferro rods work through a process called pyrophoricity. When you scrape the ferro rod with a hard surface, such as a knife or a striker, it creates friction and generates sparks. These sparks are incredibly hot (around 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit) and ignite the surrounding tinder or fire-starting material.

What are the advantages of using a ferro rod for fire starting?

Ferro rods offer several advantages over traditional fire-starting methods like lighters or matches. They are waterproof, windproof, and can be used in various weather conditions. They are also durable, long-lasting, and do not require fuel or gas, making them a reliable and lightweight option for outdoor enthusiasts.

What should I look for when choosing a ferro rod?

When selecting a ferro rod, consider the following factors:

• Length and diameter: Longer and thicker rods tend to produce larger sparks and are easier to grip.
• Ferrocerium quality: Look for rods made from high-quality ferrocerium alloy, as they produce better sparks.
• Handle material: Opt for a rod with a comfortable and non-slip handle, such as wood or rubber, for better control during use.
• Accessories: Some ferro rods come with additional features like built-in whistles, compasses, or emergency tinder storage, which can be useful in certain situations.

How do I use a ferro rod to start a fire?

To use a ferro rod for fire starting:

• Gather your tinder, such as dry leaves, twigs, or a cotton ball.
• Hold the ferro rod firmly in one hand, with the striker or knife in the other.
• Position the rod at a 45-degree angle and place the striker near the top of the rod.
• Apply pressure on the striker and quickly scrape it down the length of the rod.
• The sparks produced should fall onto the tinder, igniting it.
• Continue blowing gently on the tinder to nurture the flames and build a fire.

How long will a ferro rod last?

The lifespan of a ferro rod depends on several factors, including its size, frequency of use, and the quality of the ferrocerium alloy. On average, a standard-sized ferro rod can produce thousands of sparks, making it a reliable fire-starting tool that can last for hundreds or even thousands of uses.

Can I use a ferro rod in wet conditions?

Yes, one of the significant advantages of using a ferro rod is its ability to work in wet conditions. The ferrocerium alloy creates sparks that are not affected by water, making it an excellent tool for fire starting when other methods may fail.

Are there any safety precautions to consider when using a ferro rod?

Yes, here are some safety precautions when using a ferro rod:

• Always be cautious when striking the rod to avoid injuring yourself or others.
• Keep the ferro rod away from flammable materials and make sure sparks do not land on anything that could catch fire.
• Do not strike the rod near your face or directly into the wind to prevent sparks from blowing back at you.
• After use, store the ferro rod in a safe place, away from children and flammable substances.

Remember to always follow fire safety guidelines and local regulations when starting fires in outdoor settings.

Final Thoughts

Ferro rod fire starters are one of the cheapest and most effective ways to start a fire out in the backcountry. They work when wet, last for years, and are incredibly simple to operate.

Figure out if you want a standalone fire starter or one that’s part of a kit. Once you know that you can decided if you want to go basic and reliable or innovative and modular.

The best ferro rod for you is going to match your specific needs perfectly.