How do you ferro rod?

I like to hold the scraper still over the tinder, typically with my knuckles braced on the hearth, then quickly pull the rod back. I find this keeps the scraper from disrupting the tinder. How do you like to do it?

 

I scrape the ferro rod in random patterns, backhand my birdnest like it owes me money, and cuss...A lot.

 

That’s what I do. Except I prefer UCO storm matches. I’d rather have a strong flame then sparks.

 

That's how I do it.

 

Another for pulling the ferro rod. I even quit using my knife's edge like a heathen lmao!!!!

That cracked me up! I do keep two or 3 Bic's in my pack, but I almost always use a Esee fire kit ferro rod.

 

I definitely understand that, especially when it's cold and wet! When I wanna play around I use flint and steel, my hunting buddy thinks I'm a damn magician lol

 

A mix of push and pull.

But when I want fire right now i use paper book matches. Got em stashed all over the kit and clothes.

 

Guess I'm in the minority here. I almost always push, gives me a really concentrated small area of sparks instead of a shower of sparks in multiple directions. Can light even marginal tinder this way.

Never have had an issue with it disturbing my tinder.

 

It depends on the rod and my tinder. If all I need is one good spark then I'll pull, but if I need to shower sparks I push forward repeatedly like a madman. The only time I ever use a lighter is to light a bday candle or singe paracord. If I have lots of time I'll use flint and steel, if that doesn't work I switch to a ferro rod on natural tinder and if that still doesn't work or I'm in a hurry I use a ferro rod with a pjcb or other various homemade tinders.. (this thread needs pics)

 

I love that 5 man!

 

I do too. I got it from AddictedToSteel. It was a serrated blade but he hated the serrations so he ground them off. It has a slight recurve to it,almost like a tracker knife.

 

Same here. I've just never been able to get the same volume of sparks doing it the other way.

It's good to practice with ferro rods, because they do require some practice. And when you really need one, you don't want to be struggling with figuring out how to use it. But I really see them as a "last resort" piece of fire-starting gear. It's fun to play around, but in a situation where I truly need a fire for safety reasons, I want to get one going asap. I'm assuming I'm already cold/wet enough that my manual dexterity is compromised to some extent in that situation, and time is of the essence. So I always have a lighter and/or storm matches in a h20-proof container in my kit.

 

That's really cool!

 

I’ll carry a ferro rod and Altoids can with PJCBs when out and about in the outdoors. Works when it’s wet, easy to check how much fuel you have on hand. When it comes to using the striker and rod I push or pull depending on orientation of my footing or the tinder pile.

A couple years ago while visiting the inlaws in PA my SIL and her entourage showed up. Beer and liquor flowed, it got dark and we decided a trip to the fire pit was in order. While everyone resupplied at the bar I got gathered a pile of dry pine and oak twigs, made a “tent” over a PJCB, knelt down and whipped out the ferro rod. One swipe later I had fire. Behind me I hear my SIL (who is ornery before she has a few) say “I just saw Rick knock sparks off his penis and start a fire!” To which my wife replied “that’s why I keep him”.

 

You might want to consider "upgrading" to an esee ferro rod

 

Both push and pull. I find it easier to direct the spark bank into my tinder pile pushing the knife over the ferro rod.

Here is a challenge I made for myself last year:
One armed fire challenge with a ferro rod. Both arms tested.
I did have several failures, but also had success with each.
My thought was this: suppose I fell and broke my arm at my remote hunting location; could I start a fire with one arm?
I changed my hunting bag fire kit from that test. Easy open, easy access tinder, and larger ferro rod.
I always keep a lighter as well, but don't want to become dependent upon it.