The Best Ferro Rods (AKA Ferrocerium rod)

The Ferro rod is one of the most reliable and best fire-making tools. Ferro rods are impervious to the elements and work even if they get wet. One Ferro rod can be used to make thousands of fires. I always keep them in my camping gear and as part of my emergency supplies.

When most people start a fire, they usually use a lighter, but what if you’re in a survival situation? Lighters run out of fuel or can break. You’ll want something that lasts a long time and works every time. This is where the Ferro rod comes in.

The Best Ferro Rods

überleben Hexå Ferro Rod

The überleben Hexå is one of my favorite Ferro rods I’ve used. They come in two sizes, but I prefer the six-inch version. The large size makes using the Ferro rod easy, even while wearing gloves.

The überleben Hexå is a medium-hard Ferro rod that makes abundant and hot sparks. The hexagon shape also helps generate sparks easier when using the steel striker.

My only gripe is the striker could be better.

Pros:

• Large size

• It lasts a very long time

• Easy to use with gloves

• Available with a handle if you want it

Cons:

• Expensive

• Striker is flimsy

Feuerstock Survival Tool

There is a lot to like about the Feuerstock Ferro rod kit. The rod itself is five inches long and half an inch thick. I like the red coating, which makes finding the rod easier should you drop it.

The Feuerstock comes with the best striker I’ve ever used. The striker has a nice rubberized handle which makes holding it very easy. It also has a carbine striker at the end. It holds a sharp edge for a long time and generates excellent sparks in every weather condition.

For ease of use, the Feuerstock is top tier.

Pros:

• Excellent tungsten carbide striker

• Red coated rod

• Good size

Cons:

• Not the cheapest

Light My Fire Army

The Light My Fire Army is a good choice if you’re looking for a light and compact Ferro rod. The Army Ferro rod material is hard and produces abundant sparks using the included striker. The rod is 2.2 inches long and the minimum size I’d want to use.

The Light My Fire Army is a small rod, and it’s more difficult to hold than the larger Ferro Rods. This small size is excellent if you’re counting grams and want something lightweight.

Pros:

• Compact and light

• Small but a good striker

• Striker includes a whistle

Cons:

• The small size makes using it more difficult.

Exotac fireROD XL

The Exotac fireROD XL is a serious piece of kit. It has a large 1/2-inch thick Ferro rod and a waterproof storage compartment. The Ferro rod is also threaded so that you can replace it should you use it that much. I like that it includes everything you need to make a fire.

The kit has duct tape and four quickLight tinder tabs. The Exotac fireROD XL is an excellent all-in-one kit with everything you need to start a fire.

Pros:

Large diameter Ferro rod

Waterproof storage compartment

Duct tape and tinder are a nice touch

Cons:

Expensive

What is a Ferro rod?

Ferrocerium rods are a metal alloy designed to be used to start fires. To use a Ferro rod, you take a metal striker and scrape it across the rod. Doing this creates a shower of hot sparks, quickly catching your tinder on fire.

Ferro rods are impervious to the elements and work even if they get wet. They are incredibly durable and last a long time. The Ferro rod must be in your survival kit if you need a reliable way to start fires.

How to choose a Ferro rod

There are hundreds of Ferro rods on the market. Many are made by the same companies and just rebranded. Most of them work just fine, but I’ve learned valuable tips over the years that will help you choose the best Ferro rod for your needs.

Larger Ferro rods are Easier to use

Trying to start a fire can be a real annoyance holding a tiny little Ferro rod. Especially when your hands are wet and cold or if you’re wearing gloves.

I like a large Ferro rod because it is easier to hold. The size makes it very easy to hold and use with my striker. My favorite Ferro rod is six inches long and half an inch thick. I have it tied to a lanyard that I wear around my neck along with a neck knife.

For information on the best neck knives check out our post.

Striker Design is Important

For a striker to work correctly, it needs to have a sharp edge. If it’s too dull, you will struggle to generate sparks. If you buy a Ferro rod with a striker, ensure it works well. If the striker is not sharp enough, you can sharpen it using many knife sharpening tools or some sandpaper on a table.

The striker doesn’t need to be sharp like a knife. It just needs an acute 90-degree angle to drag across the Ferro rod.

The hardness of the Ferro rod

Ferro rods are made in a variety of hardnesses.

A Harder Ferro rod will create sparks, which will be hotter. Harder Ferro rods will also last longer.

Softer Ferro rods contain more magnesium. They generate molten metal that isn’t as hot as sparks and doesn’t last as long.

Some tinder will light better when using a soft Ferro rod.

I like harder Ferro rods, but you should experiment to see which type works best for you.

Extra Features

• Lanyard Holes: I will only buy a Ferro rod with a lanyard hole. I like to keep my Ferro rod and striker tied together. Keep from losing your Ferro rod and striker by tying a paracord lanyard.

• Strikers: Many Ferro rods come with strikers. Some Ferro rod kits include a multi-tool striker with saw teeth to help scrape magnesium to help start the fire.

• Storage Capsules: Some Ferro rods have handles with a storage compartment for holding tinder. This is a nice feature that comes in handy.

• Carrying Cases: Not necessary if you have a lanyard on your Ferro rod. The carrying case can help hold extra tinder.

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