Misch Metal (Going Gear) vs. Ferro Rod (LMF)

TAH

TAH

Joined
Jul 3, 2001
Messages
6,138
For a few years now, I've been using both of these rods with success, but over the last year, I "think" I have become more confident and proficient with the GG Misch Metal. I do have more control of the sparks on the LMF, but the LMF sparks seem wimpier and not as hot. Perhaps, it's the way the Misch Metal throws globs of sparks, but it just seems easier and more effective on a wider range of tinder.

Does anyone else feel the same or is this my imagination? Also, does any company offer a Misch Metal rod with a handle already attached?

Thanks!
 
i'm comfortable with both the LMF firesteels and the older softer going gear misch metal rods.

i really do wish that they were able to get the softer ones back in stock that throw globs of metal.


if you find a source post up here please.
 
My Going Gear rods are the soft version. I haven't tried the newer ones. The softer ones are outstanding. After doing a little more research, I couldn't find any misch metal rods with handles or any ferro rods (like LMF) without handles - other than the ones Ben's Backwoods are selling, which are pretty short. :(
 
I have never tried true misch metal rods, that I am aware of. But what I have learned through experience is that what you strike the rods with is a big determining factor on results. I find that everything from LMF to cheap Coughlan's rods will really kick out when a sharp square edge is used on them. I used to swear by a chunk of broken off hack saw blade, then I used the back of a multi tool saw blade etc. The difference was night and day.
 
upnorth said:
I have never tried true misch metal rods, that I am aware of. But what I have learned through experience is that what you strike the rods with is a big determining factor on results. I used to swear by a chunk of broken off hack saw blade, then I used the back of a multi tool saw blade etc. The difference was night and day.
Click to expand...

I agree - a lot of it is in the striker. As you mentioned, I use a hacksaw blade, but I honed the top to a very sharp square edge and it throws sparks like the Fourth of July.


IMG_1707-2.jpg
 
Used both mentioned by the OP, but my favorite remain Gobsparks from firesteel.com.
 
I saw the Gobspark and was wondering how it compared to the original "softer" Going Gear rod.
 
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