Fire-Fast Trekker. Best Emergency Waterproof Survival Fire Starter. Magnesium and Euro Fire Steel Ferro Rod. Compact Durable Tool for Bushcraft, Camping, Backpacking, Hiking, Hunting, or Bug Out Bag

This thing is too bulky and heavy for backpacking, and if you carry a few bic lighters, do you need one of these? But I carry it anyway. The ferro material that generates sparks is far and away better than anything else I've used. You get a veritable shower of sparks and I've never had to strike more than twice to get cotton balls burning. It's like fireworks, compared to most cheap starters, and it doesn't take long to get the hang of it. And it looks like it will be good for hundreds if not thousands of lights. It works when cold and wet (which a bic lighter might not) and with metals other than the enclosed striker (the back of a knife will do). The magnesium is hard to shave off, but if you need it to start a fire, it's because you really need a fire and you'll put up with the difficulty. The use of paracord to attach the striker to the rod is a nice, if showy, touch. The fact that you can carve up the handle for kindling in an emergency is cute, though I question whether it's worth the extra size and weight it adds. People can pack their own tinder. To be perfect, they probably should have hollowed out the handle as a place to pack cotton balls and petroleum jelly, the firestarter's friends.

It is just simply the best quality. Maybe a little big, a little heavy, but I think that is part of the appeal. This product is meant to be used and often and last and outperform.

I have had a ferro rod and lost it. I almost bought another one similar to the one I lost but read the reviews on this. Then went on Youtube and watched a video or two on this one. After watching the videos I liked it. And figured if it was no good I could always buy another ferro rod. When I got it I took it outside to try. It seemed odd to scrape a bit of the wood off but I did. The only thing, you have to make sure there is no wind or put it in a hole so the tiny slivers of wood do not blow out. Then I scrapped the magnesium on the wood. I have had bad luck with magnesium not starting in the past and was not expecting much. Finally it was time to see how the spark would go. Looking at the little tool to strike the rod I almost got my backpacking knife and used the back of the blade. The tool looked so small lol. But I took the little sharpened tool, struck it down the rod and Wow! It made a big and Strong shower of sparks! The first try actually surprised me it was so intense! The tiny pile of wood and magnesium I had made for a first try did not light but honestly I was off a little. I positioned the rod better and the next strike lit it right up! The magnesium shavings were small enough even they lit! I was very pleased. Of course I had to try it again and made the pile of wood shavings from the handle a little larger as well as the magnesium. Took the little scraper-tool and first try it set the shavings on fire. Then I had to try it on other things without using the shavings from the tool, like cotton balls with Vaseline. Worked perfect. I love it. Much better to me than a regular ferro rod.

This is my very first POST on Amazon, that is how strongly I feel about this product. This product is awesome, ..WELL WORTH THE MONEY... The size of the Ferro Rod is large enough to last years under heavy use. It also throws the best spark. Backed up by the Extremely Large Size Magnesium Rod, whose shavings provide long burning tender AND the Large Handle serves dual purpose of ease of holding and an extra source of wood tender....I will never need any thing else in wet or dry conditions.

The Magnesium part is THINK and so much mass, it will last 30+ years of using it 10x a year. The Flint part is tiny but will do the job for a long long time. VERY well built. I started 3 (three) fighters camping at Big Sur, California in Aug, 2025. It took only 1 minute to make as 10x small pile of Magnesium and then one or two strikes of the Flint and VOILA! FIRE. The Magnesium burns gently and and catches paper/leaves on fire very well.

It’s a great fire starting tool. It’s thick and heavy. Downside is it’s thick and heavy. Not a good backpacking item.

Hiking the Arizona trail, and this fire starter has not let me down. Sturdy construction. According to the enclosed data sheet, you can shave the handle to assist with your fire-starting efforts; however, I have not had to go that route. I highly recommend this bush tool; you will not be disappointed.

Yeah, y'all go ahead and do yourselves a favor. Grab this fire steel, I can finally start a fire here in the rainy PNW where everything is soaked. Get this fire steel. It'll be the last one you buy unless you lose it. Don't lose it. [Edit - 2024] Heh, I'm still in the honeymoon phase with this dude, I named him Flint. It's still going strong and for some stupid reason, I use this over the old Bic in my fire kit every time, even in wet conditions. Now my buddybro I used to go river camping with used to make fun of me for using this fire steel given it has the Magnesium, he said it's cheating. I say it's using my whole brain instead of half my brain. It's a great product, folks, several years later. Scrape off a pile of Magnesium onto your wood shavings, then drop a spark on it and get that tinder bundle on it without smothering your flame. You have yourself a fire, just that easy. Also, make sure to carry a fire extinguisher with you in case things get out of hand, they're lightweight and cost around $25 or less. Bring a little folding shovel with ya so you can do a good job of putting that fire out when you leave if you've had the fire going for a long while. You'll wanna make sure the ground isn't smoldering underneath. Please be safe out there. Doing those extra steps may save thousands of furry, feathery, scaly little lives out there; it's up to us to make sure they're safe while we're out exploring their home. Imagine a bear walking through your front door and setting up camp, only to burn your house down. So be mindful of that and let's do a better job. 10/5, I highly recommend.