Arguably one of the most influential outdoor innovations of the 20th century was the invention of the ferro rod.
Ferro rods, short for ferrocerium rods, were invented in 1903 by Austrian chemist Carl Auer von Welsbach.
Ferrocerium is a synthetic, pyrophoric alloy made from a blend of elements including cerium, lanthanum, iron, and magnesium.
Ferro rods work by striking the rod, which removes small fragments of metal. When exposed to air, these fragments rapidly oxidise, producing hot sparks that can reach temperatures of up to 3,000 °C.
Initially used in lighter flints, ferro rods gained popularity in the mid-20th century as a reliable fire-starting tool. They became common in military survival kits and were later adopted by bushcrafters and outdoor enthusiasts for their ability to ignite fires in harsh conditions.
Today, ferro rods remain one of the most popular fire-lighting methods among outdoor enthusiasts. Unlike matches or lighters, ferro rods are extremely reliable, long-lasting, and completely water- and wind-proof.
Ferro rods don't rely on fuel or moving parts — all that's needed is a hard edge to scrape against the ferro rod.
Our strikers are made from high-speed steel and feature raised edges for easy use, but any metal with a sharp 90° spine, such as the back of a knife or a folding saw, will do the job.
Unlike matches or lighters, ferro rods are 100% waterproof and windproof.
In extremely humid conditions, or after prolonged exposure to water, the surface may oxidise slightly due to the iron content — but a few scrapes are all it takes to remove this and restore full functionality.
Unlike lighters, ferro rods require a bit of technique — especially when using natural tinders. They're an excellent way to develop skills in sourcing and preparing tinder, and the knowledge gained transfers easily to more primitive fire-lighting methods such as flint and steel or bow drills.
We don't just sell off-the-shelf ferro rods; all of our ferro rods are manufactured using our Forest Fundamentals Ferrocerium™ blend.
We tested numerous ferro rod compositions until we perfected the optimal balance between softness and durability.
Our ferro rods produce large showers of molten sparks, while remaining hard enough to ensure longevity and reliability in the field.
The design and type of striker used also has a profound effect on a ferro rod's performance.
All of our strikers are made from high-speed steel — the same material used in machine cutting bits, where extreme hardness and edge retention are essential.
Our strikers also feature a raised striking edge to remove more material when striking, along with a straight, bevelled tinder scraper for processing natural tinders such as fatwood or birch bark.
