What size ferro rod?

Cody Hofsommer

Cody Hofsommer

Joined
Dec 2, 2011
Messages
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I am thinking about making a small batch of ferro rods for Christmas presents, and to sell maybe. I was wondering if there is a general concensus of what is a good size to use. Bigger is better until you have to carry them, but they don't do much good in the car either. Thought I'd ask the experts! Thanks
 
Cody Hofsommer said:
I am thinking about making a small batch of ferro rods for Christmas presents, and to sell maybe. I was wondering if there is a general concensus of what is a good size to use. Bigger is better until you have to carry them, but they don't do much good in the car either. Thought I'd ask the experts! Thanks
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I've had two from the magnesium rods break on me. My LightMyFire(20,000 strike) has not failed me yet, and to date the only one I have been able to get a fire with. Though in examination it could be that my skill has finally gotten good enough.
 
I prefer 3/8 myself

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The Firesteel.com Bunker Firesteel is my favorite I've ever used. 1/2" thick, 6" long, it throws one serious shower of sparks. Similar sized ones would probably do well.
 
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Fire steel.com. Ranger model is my preferred size as I am more likely to carry it due to its size
 
IUKE12 said:
3/8 X 3 inches is about right for hauling around IMO.
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Yep for most carry But think of Fracture as How it is / carried and where,Have had one in the 1960's Before it was popular and became thin from use..broke and not easy to find, thicker/longer is my choice.
 
I like the 3/8" size. I think the last ones I bought from firesteel.com were the Armageddon models. I've had em for a few years.
 
Whatever you choose consider painting the rods with nail polish to seal and stop corrosion. I tend to use the flaming pink that I have around for my toe nails.
 
So far the LMF 3/8 2.0 model is the biggest I've used and it fits my needs really well. I've tried other the same size and smaller and they just don't get it done the way the LMF 2.0 3/8 does. If LMF made the same steel in a 1/2" model I'd likely buy one just to play with and throw it in a carry bag/ fire kit.
 
I can't remember which model name (or where I bought them....), but via dimension description I also prefer the 3/8" x 5" size. I have 2 of 'em and can tell you they *really* throw off the sparks. I'm not concerned about breaking or pushing too hard against the rod when striking either.
 
3/8"x4" gives you enough to handle & still have the 3" of usable rod. 3/8" is the standard size most use for firesteel loops on their sheaths too. If you want to send any out for testing, I'll gladly help ya out! :D What are you planning on doin' for handles?
Here's a link to the steels. I've bought from Ron for years. Was one of the first 400 members of his forum before he shut it down.
Armageddon is the size you want.
http://firesteel.com/FireSteel-Armageddon
 
I would suggest making them the same size as the LMF army model. Most firesteel loops on sheaths that I have seen have all been for this model. It would give you an easier sell for people who have that size on their sheath. Which seems to be most. I prefer the scout size myself though.
 
Well I ordered a few 3/8 by 3" and we'll see how those go. For handles I plan on using pits and pieces of nice spanilized wood that I have left from different knives,
Antler tines, and anything else I can think of that looks cool! Thanks for the help guys. I'll have to post a pic when I get some done.
 
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