In the first segment of this series we discussed using a battery and gum wrapper to get a fire going, then in the second segment we took it a step further by demonstrating the use of a 9-volt battery and steel wool to light the tinder at the base of the fire. Today we are going to switch gears a bit and focus on ferro rod fire making methods.
However, before we venture down that path, I feel compelled to tell you a little secret about my survivalist mentality as it applies to making fire. I have spent several nights in the wilderness without the benefit of fire, normally as part of my own personal training. It is because of this training that I have come to understand the importance of being able to start a fire. It is my personal opinion that you need to learn as many methods of making fire as humanly possible. That being said, it is also my opinion that you utilize them in order of simplicity; if you have a lighter, matches, and an accelerant, then by all means use them. Always work smarter, not harder and strive to get the fire going in the simplest way possible. My bug out bag contains no less than a dozen lighters. I support this fire making method with a dozen boxes of waterproof matches. This method is further backed up by the presence of at least 5 ferro rod striking methods, which is then backed up with 3 separate magnifying glasses, and finally a bow and drill set. That is how important I feel the skill of fire making is to survival in the wilderness.
Is fire making the most important skill in the survival complex? In my humble opinion; it is! Here are a few reasons why. Fire provides light, a source of heat, and a level of defense against predatory animals. Light is necessary in order to accomplish tasks after dark. A heat source is invaluable in a survival situation. The warmth it provides can help compensate for a lack of shelter, or provide adequate warmth for the interior of a shelter if one can be erected. A heat source will also be necessary to boil and purify water, as well as for cooking food on. Having an additional layer of protection against possible predatory animals, is always an added bonus we recommend employing whenever out in the wilderness.
When it comes to unconventional fire making methods, one of my all-time favorites involves the use of ferro rods and strikers. These handy little tools are make it possible to get a fire going in a short amount of time. They are also an excellent method to consider utilizing in cold, damp, and/or windy conditions. They are fairly easy to use, and when you have as many of them as I do in your bug out bag, you will never be without fire again when out in the wilderness. In the video below we see the proper way to utilize a ferro rod and steel striker to ignite a fire.
If you haven;t seen this yet, check out this new Tesla Fire Starter! This fire-starting survival tool is brand new and you can see it in action here.