Alternative ferro strikers

[hiwa]

I just ran into another observation yesterday. Having bought some new ferrorods the other day , I was prepping them to put on some sheaths. I was taking some coarse sandpaper ( used belt sander belts with the heavy backing that where 60 grit) to remove the black oxide coating on the rods. WOW !
Rubbed a little too hard and I had a wicked shower of sparks. I almost burnt my hand they were so intense. I folded a section of belt and did some intentional striking with it. It worked surprisingly well.
Just another inexpensive option to try and also easy to pack. I'd recommend using the coarsest grit you can lay your hands on ( 50 and 60 worked really well)

 

[stealthchaser13]

I include a Victorinox Classic in my altoids survival tin and the nail file is highly effective for striking ferro rod (you also get the added benefit of having a small blade, scissors, toothpick and tweezers). But depending on the amount of kids in the group that could get a little pricey. Like others have said, a cut down hacksaw blade works great too.

vic. classics can be had pretty cheaply on ebay...ntsa confiscation lots...