What’s the best ferro rod? This is a common question. The superficial and increasingly trite answer is “the best ferro rod is the one in your pocket”. Sure, but in bushcraft, we can choose what we carry in our pockets. So, which is the right ferro rod to put in our pocket in the first place?

It’s an important choice. In bushcraft, lighting a fire is pivotal, and a good quality ferro rod stands as one of the most reliable, and versatile tools for this vital task.

As such, a ferro rod, also sometimes referred to as a firesteel, or a fireflash, has become a core choice in modern bushcraft outfits, as well as survival kits. This is due to a number of reasons, including the device’s simplicity, resilience and reliability.

With proper technique and the right choice of rod, these devices easily produce a hot spark for fire lighting on demand. And so people want a ferro rod that is dependable and easy to use. These days this choice is made less than straightforward by the number of options on the market, including many inexpensive generic ferro rods.

For a while, ferro rods were almost synonymous with the classic Swedish Firesteel. But since then, there has been a proliferation of brands and models on the market, some superior in quality and performance, and some inferior. Hence, we need to be selective about what we put in our pocket or possibles pouch…

Comparing Ferro Rod Materials and Recommending Brands

Another question, also relatively common, is “what are the most suitable materials for a ferro rod?” As I explained in an episode of #AskPaulKirtley, this question is very difficult to answer. This is because, while ferrocerium is well understood, the exact alloy in the rod of a particular manufacturer is not known to the consumer. Hence, it is impossible to compare one ferro rod against another based on a list of ingredients, since there are no such lists of ingredients, either on packaging or on the website of particular brands or manufacturers.

Therefore, one has to judge a ferro rod on the basis of how it performs, rather than by knowing the exact specification of what it contains. Further, one has to compare one ferro rod against another based on how one performs relative to the other.

This leads people such as myself, with a lot of experience of a range of ferro rods, to recommend brands that produce ferro rods that perform well, both on a relative and absolute basis, and do so consistently. Even though I don’t endorse any particular brand, I end up recommending brands of ferro rods that consistently outperform others. These all have similar qualities.

Drawing on extensive field experience and informed by countless interactions with students, I’ve come to some firm conclusions about the types of ferro rods I like.

Ferro Rods Brands I’ve Had Good Experiences With

My preference leans towards three specific brands: the Light My Fire Swedish Firesteel, the StrikeFire from Bushgear, both of which I have used for many yeas, and the more recent addition to my favorites, the Dragon’s Breath ferro rods by Survival Supplies Australia. These brands have proved themselves in a range of conditions in various environments.

Grab a Firesteel for your pocket:

• Swedish Firesteel: https://amzn.to/49SuKeG
• StrikeFire Ferro Rod: https://amzn.to/47sYFrY
• Dragon’s Breath Ferro Rod: https://www.survivalsuppliesaustralia.com.au/Dragons-Breath-Ferrocerium-Rod-Striker

What sets these brands apart is their relative hardness — a crucial factor in generating consistent sparks and ensuring longevity. Unlike the softer, generic models, these harder rods require a firm strike but reward you with a robust spark. Their solid construction not only promises durability but also aids in the ease of use when employing the correct technique.

Size and Handling: A Balance for Bushcraft

The size of a ferro rod plays a significant role in its effectiveness. While lightweight, thinner rods (such as the Light My Fire Scout model) have their place in ultralight hiking kits, and oversized ferro rods furnish a long throw and a potentially huge cascade of sparks, I advocate for the original “army” sized models. This size allows for a longer strike and a more substantial spray of sparks than the smaller rods, enhancing the likelihood of igniting your tinder. Unlike the oversized rods, the army-model rods are still compact enough to fit comfortably in a pocket while undertaking real-world journeys. Thus, they strike a balance between convenience and functionality.

Well-designed ergonomic handles can significantly enhance the performance of a high- quality ferro rod. The handle should sit snugly in the hand, allowing for a stable and controlled strike. The grip is not just a matter of comfort but, in allowing stable control of the rod, also contributes to spark placement precision. This is a factor not to overlook when working with challenging tinders.

A Word on Strikers and Technique

The quality of the striker that accompanies a ferro rod is almost as critical as the rod itself. The poorest so-called strikers render a decent ferro rod almost useless. Ergonomic strikers with ample thumb surface and comfortable grips facilitate a more effective strike. The striker should have a very square edge, preferably with a burr, which allows a generous spark to be easily produced. This is a significant advantage, especially in adverse conditions such as cold, damp weather. A well-designed and manufactured striker minimizes the effort required to produce a spark, which in extreme circumstances could prove a critical difference between success and failure.

When discussing techniques, I often emphasize the “push” method using a knife. This technique, which I’ve demonstrated in previous videos, maximizes the spark produced and is highly effective with the preferred brands. Notably, this method can wear down a ferro rod over time, yet the brands I recommend can withstand this wear well, underlining their durability.

Final Thoughts on the “Best Ferro Rods”

In conclusion, a ferro rod is a quintessential element of any modern bushcraft or survival kit. The brands I have grown to trust — Light My Fire, StrikeFire, and Dragon’s Breath — exhibit the qualities necessary for a reliable fire-starting tool: they are of sufficient hardness, feature an optimal size for both transport and use, and are paired with effective strikers. These characteristics, combined with proper technique, ensure that when the need arises, the spark for a much-needed fire is always within reach.

Make sure you watch the video embedded in the article above for more details.

Learn More In My Fire Essentials Mini-Masterclass

The Fire Essentials Mini-Masterclass is a compact yet impactful online training seminar. It contains the set of fire techniques and knowledge you should have as your core competency in this area of outdoor skills, from the key principles, through to material selection, as well as the best use of the relevant tools.

Get the full details here -> https://paulkirtley.co.uk/fire-essentials

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