How to Use a Ferro Rod

A beginners guide to learning the techniques behind using a ferro rod to make a natural tinder fire.

Check out what I have in the works with upcoming projects:

[nightschoolblacksmith]

Just tried a couple of the techniques you demonstrated, I had success in generating sparks when I never had before. Thank you!

[mynameisearlb]

Thank you for the very thorough information and demonstration. I bought a couple ferro rods probably 6 months ago and today was the first time I attempted to start a fire with one. After about 30 minutes of trying (got two flames) I wasn't able to get a fire going.

I determined that it was likely due to my tinder but maybe also my technique. I watched another one of your videos where you show the feathering technique. I will try that tomorrow.

You got yourself another subscriber, and thanks again!

[charleskelm]

Thank you. Great video. I didn't know anything about ferro rods before watching this, and now I feel prepared to start practicing.

[WarGrrl]

The bottom line for ME is :any Ferro rod soft or hard will work well if you have the right striker, then practice technique. The second is the right tinder. The best striker I have ever used (n I've tried so many diff. ones) is the back of the saw blade on my Wave or my Supertool. Rods that I just couldn't get more than a few sparks totally shower my tinder when I use my Wave & I've found It gives me the most control. Also it doesn't cause ridges on your rod or mess up your knife.
This vid is excellent in helping peo get their fires going. Thank you for straight up correct and informative content, It's refreshing.

[OutandAboutWest]

That saw outstanding! Thanks to you, I now know what I was doing wrong with my softer rods (as a Dutch guy, I was only used to the Swedish rods).
Cheers mate! –Bas

[crosshair]

As always thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with me and my son Tristan, we both really appreciate it sir

[jasonhoyt]

This was actually one of the best videos on ferro rods that I have seen.

[nicholasquintero]

Great video. I literally had no questions afterwards.

[susanwoodward]

Wow - the best video I have seen about ferro rod fire starting. Thank you

[dougwatches]

Timely information for me; here I was thinking that I was doing a poor job of tinder selection, but now there are other areas for me to consider. There will be a lot more experimentation going on in the back yard, now.

[sereignity]

This has been the best explanation I have seen on ferro rods. Great video. I am checking out your tinder ones next. Thank You.

[ChrisWilliams-hmnx]

Now that is a helpful Ferro rod video! Thank you.

[TheOtterOutdoorsman]

You are completely right, your ferro rod really does depend on how it's made. I have one that is so hard, I was actually getting shavings off before I was getting sparks.

[MrTatts]

Great video Joe and something which will be of immense help to those who are fairly new to a ferro rod, let alone those helpful tips about luck, weather, and the age / condition of your tinder pile.

[williamgates]

The feral woodcrafter was one helluva designed knife! Very thought out in all features in my opinion. With the right circumstances I believe that knife would have been more popular than the woodlore as well as Genesis

[philipculbertson]

Outstanding video on using a ferro rod! Lots of info here that I haven't seen very often. As you know, a tinder bundle that is dry, well made, large and fluffy takes away most of the most common reasons people struggle. I could tell from your demonstration, your bundle was so good, nearly each strike got success. Watching the series Alone on tv has really made me appreciate having good resources to begin with. Thanks again for the video.

[drbowdeadly]

Great video and awesome explanation! Thanks for taking the time to share with us!
-Eli

[scruff_uk]

A VERY good breakdown of the key factors involved in this firelighting skill amigo.

Thanks for taking the time.

Thom

[SurvivoTek]

Nicely done, my friend!  I think breaking ferro firemaking into these four steps is really helpful.  Thanks for sharing!

[csh]

"The more I practice, the luckier I get". A quote by golfing great Ben Hogan. Same applies here. Thanks Joe.