Firesteel Ferro Rod

[Kampfer]

Can someone educate me the benefit of EDC a EDC Firesteel Ferro Rod instead of a normal bic lighter?
I smoke, so I always have a few bic lighters near by.

[ducttapetech]

It is more of a back up or just in case. Great for camping and the such. They are simple to use and work when wet. And they are way more liights to them than any bic will ever have.

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[Kampfer]

Wouldn't be easier just use a real lighter to start a fire?
If it got wet, only takes a few mins to dry out.

[ducttapetech]

It is easier, but again, back up or for long term camping or survival. Hell I like to use flint and steel just for the fun of it when I go camping.

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[Toolslinger]

Definitely more of a backup than anything. I carry one when camping or in my hiking pack. They have some benefits in that they will always produce sparks no matter the conditions. They don't produce flame, so some skill/practice is required (or tinder carried) to get the right combination of materials to start the fire. They also have a certain 'primitive' feel to them in that you are starting fire with sparks ala Flint and Steel. They can be pretty fun to show off with if you are camping with people who don't spend much time outdoors (same with Flint and Steel).

I EDC a lighter (although I don't smoke). It's amazing the number of times someones needed a light and not had matches or a lighter handy.

[Kampfer]

use flint and steel just for the fun of it

So that is the reason I guess? 

long term survival? A normal lighter would last months even for a heavy smoker.
I think you would find plenty of fire starting devices in any store, home or vehicle you enter to salvage.

[Steinar]

long term survival? A normal lighter would last months even for a heavy smoker.

If the lighter isn't emptied on cause of a crack, something accidentally keeping the button pressed, etc. Ferrocerium rods are very simple and robust. Also, I've been told the high temp sparks may make it easier to light some materials than the cooler flame of a lighter.

[ducttapetech]

use flint and steel just for the fun of it

So that is the reason I guess? 

long term survival? A normal lighter would last months even for a heavy smoker.
I think you would find plenty of fire starting devices in any store, home or vehicle you enter to salvage.

As long it doesn't freeze up, break, fluid gets drained because the switch gets press down in your pocket.  Had that happen a couple of times.
Some of it is for fun. And a bic will last a while and it is easier. But the ferro rod is mainly a back up.

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[Kampfer]

Understood, thanks.

[Breezy12]

It is easier, but again, back up or for long term camping or survival. Hell I like to use flint and steel just for the fun of it when I go camping.

I do the same thing. my sons didn't even know what matches were for years!

[ducttapetech]

It is easier, but again, back up or for long term camping or survival. Hell I like to use flint and steel just for the fun of it when I go camping.

I do the same thing. my sons didn't even know what matches were for years!

Glad I am not alone. Been trying to master a fire bow. Sometimes I can get it. Usually I end up messing it up.

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[Toolslinger]

It is easier, but again, back up or for long term camping or survival. Hell I like to use flint and steel just for the fun of it when I go camping.

I do the same thing. my sons didn't even know what matches were for years!

Glad I am not alone. Been trying to master a fire bow. Sometimes I can get it. Usually I end up messing it up.

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Never had much luck with friction fires in general. Although I can't say I've been all that persistent about it.

[Steinar]

Anybody who use a fire piston here? I bought one, but it was a pure rip-off (the piston could hardly move in the tube, so absolutely useless). Still fascinated by the idea, though.

[Breezy12]

It is easier, but again, back up or for long term camping or survival. Hell I like to use flint and steel just for the fun of it when I go camping.

I do the same thing. my sons didn't even know what matches were for years!

Glad I am not alone. Been trying to master a fire bow. Sometimes I can get it. Usually I end up messing it up.

nope, you're definitely not alone.

I have a similar track record when it comes to friction fire. The only time I've been able to get it to work was with a pre-made bowdrill set back when I was in Scouts. I enjoy making my own bowdrill set when camping, but I've never been able to get it to actually produce a fire. one of these days...

[ducttapetech]

Anybody who use a fire piston here? I bought one, but it was a pure rip-off (the piston could hardly move in the tube, so absolutely useless). Still fascinated by the idea, though.

I have not used one yet. I have heard people using them. I do believe that they are supposed to be tight so it can create combustion.

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[Steinar]

Anybody who use a fire piston here? I bought one, but it was a pure rip-off (the piston could hardly move in the tube, so absolutely useless). Still fascinated by the idea, though.

I have not used one yet. I have heard people using them. I do believe that they are supposed to be tight so it can create combustion.

Tight, so they are air tight, yes, but they should at the same time have as low friction as possible. There are videos online which show tight you should expect some types to be. The one I got was of man-made materials and I still had to use quite appreciable force to get the piston out, even when it was fully depressed. Also, it didn't take much extra force (over what the large friction required) to press it all the way to the bottom, which shows that wasn't even airtight. Ah, well, live and learn.

[ducttapetech]

Yeah that is to tight with that one. Sucks you got one that does not work well.

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[JAfromMn]

Totally water proof.

good to keep as back up in a bag.

it will never leek and run out of fuel .

[Smashie]

You can use them when your hands are too cold to operate a lighter or use matches

[JAfromMn]

You can use them when your hands are too cold to operate a lighter or use matches

That I didn't know.

I bic is about impossible to run with numb froze hands.

now I'm going to buy one for my bag for that reason alone.

great point smashie

[dmanuel]

I know I was very grateful that I packed my ferro rod on this last outing. Lighter number 1 fell out of my shirt pocket when shifting supplies around on the boat and was lost to the ocean. No worries though, I always carry a second lighter just in case. The ocean claimed that one as well, of course the generous amounts of brandy didn't have anything to do with my fumbling fingers. My wife managed to get a fire going to cook all of the food with just the ferro rod and natural tinder. I was pretty dang proud of her, especially since it was her first attempt with the ferro rod in the wilderness and her first attempt with natural material!

[Kampfer]

I know I was very grateful that I packed my ferro rod on this last outing. Lighter number 1 fell out of my shirt pocket when shifting supplies around on the boat and was lost to the ocean. No worries though, I always carry a second lighter just in case. The ocean claimed that one as well, of course the generous amounts of brandy didn't have anything to do with my fumbling fingers. My wife managed to get a fire going to cook all of the food with just the ferro rod and natural tinder. I was pretty dang proud of her, especially since it was her first attempt with the ferro rod in the wilderness and her first attempt with natural material!

You can not blame the lighters going AWOL, lol.
Good job on your wife. Please make sure you don't drop her too.

[Kampfer]

good to keep as back up in a bag.

it will never leek and run out of fuel .

Sounds like those hang candle flashlights.

[dmanuel]

You can not blame the lighters going AWOL, lol.
Good job on your wife. Please make sure you don't drop her too.

I tried once, but she knows how to swim! 

[greenbear]

Ferro rods are kind of a bushcraft thing. I have one and have used it - no good for lighting your pipe though     I have a proper flint and steel set-up that I use when camping, there are easier ways (Bic lighter) but the satisfaction of lighting a fire with a bit old rock and a bit of old metal makes it worth the while I reckon