Fire Steel Break-In?

[JNieporte]

When you buy a commercial (Light My fire, Doan, etc.) ferro rod, it comes with a black coating that must be removed before using. Usually this means scraping, and invariably causes you to lose some of the ferrocium underneath. Is there a better way to remove the coating? Removing it with rubbing alcohol, paint stripper, or anything? For some reason I think I tried alcohol and it didn't work...

 

[CShepherd]

The coating is there to prevent oxidation. I've never really noticed a problem with just removing it as I'm using the ferro rod. To be honest the biggest thing that I've noticed to throw more sparks is when the rod is finally worn down flat in one spot. Look out then, the sparks will fly.

Charlie

 

[CUTS LIKE A KRIS]

Striking the rod has always worked for me as a break in, that way you keep the protective coating on all but the striking platform!

 

[Masteroffajitas]

Does it really steal that many strikes from you when you scratch off the coating?

 

[raylaconico]

Use fine sandpaper. I also find that worn firesteels will throw more sparks than a new one.