3 Helpful Tips for Using a Ferro Rod Fire Starter: Survival Fire Starting Made Easy!

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  • čas přidán 1. 07. 2024
  • Like what you see? Want more? Visit us at..
    www.coalcrackerbushcraft.com
    / danwowak
    / coalcrackerbushcraft
    and as always....
    Stay in the Woods,
    Dan

Komentáře • 496

  • @coalcracker
    @coalcracker  Před 3 lety +165

    Guys gals kids and dogs lol the reason it’s important to learn to throw better sparks is because as you progress and become more skilled you should be more efficient with different tinder types. My kid was 3 and was making fire with cotton balls. This video is about teaching you to get better and beyond just using store bought fire starters. Shavings in damp weather, duct tape balls and a damp birds nest. Igniting Those types of things with a ferro rod in adverse weather is what we are trying to learn.

    • @geemail369
      @geemail369 Před 3 lety +16

      4:03 *_BEST_* tip i know - shown here but not discussed/pointed out: keep the knife steady and _PULL_ the rod! Prevents you from accidentially brushing through the lay and keeps everything stable.
      Safety aspect: you don't ever start _(get used to)_ flailing a sharp blade around.

    • @trackerjacker0013
      @trackerjacker0013 Před 3 lety +4

      Ive been teaching my best friends sons this skill set. As usual, this is infinitely useful. They bang out blazes from wet wood and keep it going. All thanks to you.

    • @petersymons7817
      @petersymons7817 Před 3 lety +2

      Sorry u have a cold. If u have allergies, the mineral manganese 3-7 mg daily.

    • @omecronrodneydheel349
      @omecronrodneydheel349 Před 3 lety +3

      As a newb to Bushcraft, I watch and absorb all your videos. My lashings are pitiful, and my knots are...not.

    • @davidjacobs828
      @davidjacobs828 Před 3 lety +1

      Very impressive indeed.

  • @JugglesGrenades
    @JugglesGrenades Před 3 lety +142

    To everyone in CZcams land: I purchased the coalcracker 6inch ferro rod, and carry it with a piece of broken file( high carbon steel ) I have never failed to make a fire with these tools. Listen to the teacher, he knows what he's talking about. 👍

    • @BCVS777
      @BCVS777 Před 3 lety +9

      Bic lighter works good too.😊

    • @clxwncrxwn
      @clxwncrxwn Před 2 lety +17

      @@BCVS777 not in high winds/rain or extreme dampness

    • @Mo-LoveMeForever
      @Mo-LoveMeForever Před 2 lety +4

      @@BCVS777 🤦🏻‍♀️

    • @LifeIsASideQuest
      @LifeIsASideQuest Před 2 lety +9

      @@BCVS777 yeah until the gas runs out

    • @BCVS777
      @BCVS777 Před 2 lety +6

      Not meaning to be contentious but I find it amusing how the “bushcraft” culture has its quirks….like this fascination with ferro rods. Ferro rods are ok but on a cold, wet, windy day I will take a bic lighter or even matches over a ferro rod every time. I wonder how many “bushcrafters” have started fires in bad weather when it actually mattered if you get a fire started. I been in the outdoors mostly for work and some for play for 55 years. Back in the day I just carried matches in a sealed case but then along came the lighter. I’ll take a flame over a spark any day.

  • @maxwellmortimermontoure7274

    Gramps made sure all his grandkids knew how to use a ferro rod. Such good memories of my cousins, sisters and me camping and making a bunch of little fires along the nooksack river.
    Still have a very worn down magnesium/ferro starter he got me when I was 10.

  • @johnpoirier6499
    @johnpoirier6499 Před 3 lety +74

    I have to say, I'm seventy years old... I've hike countless trails.. You're method of teaching the basics...AWESOME..Thx

    • @STUPIDYOUTUBE_AI
      @STUPIDYOUTUBE_AI Před rokem

      yeah, so many people gets lost in the forest these days believing the worst won't happen. Even a simple disposable lighter will help when hiking.

  • @GrayBeardedGreenBeret
    @GrayBeardedGreenBeret Před 3 lety +31

    Great video, brother.

    • @jsbadger
      @jsbadger Před 3 lety +1

      I wonder if we could all get BSS to watch this. From what I've seen, he needs the instruction

    • @GrayBeardedGreenBeret
      @GrayBeardedGreenBeret Před 3 lety +3

      @@jsbadger 😂

  • @dylnthmsn420
    @dylnthmsn420 Před 3 lety +28

    Hey Dan, that other intro beat is where it's at. Don't abandon that one. Great video!

    • @maineiacts
      @maineiacts Před 3 lety +1

      Have ta say,,the new intro ok but prefer the other ' signature' tune! ( and I'm in my 60's! Not that that matters lol!) Imho 😉

    • @amcmills
      @amcmills Před 3 lety

      I'd really like to see Coalcracker do an intro similar to "Tod's Workshop". Just a few seconds of bushcraft action with live audio. That and the Coalcracker logo would be great.

  • @jhonsauceda6024
    @jhonsauceda6024 Před 3 lety +38

    I always focus on keeping the striker stationary and pull the rod back. Maybe it's just me but the sparks always go right where I intend them to go.

    • @weezypeezy1725
      @weezypeezy1725 Před 3 lety +9

      Keeps it stable too

    • @jeffh4505
      @jeffh4505 Před 3 lety +15

      I was going to say the same thing. It keeps the sparks more consistent, keeps you from punching the ground, and doesn’t destroy your tinder bundle.

    • @davidvaughn7752
      @davidvaughn7752 Před 2 lety +7

      Me too!

    • @marcdeckard7064
      @marcdeckard7064 Před rokem

      You guys go to the head of the class.
      For some reason, this you tuber prefers to teach an inferior technique. With the pull the rod, anchor the striker method, it should only take one to two pulls to start a fire.

  • @richardglickman7203
    @richardglickman7203 Před 3 lety +24

    Proper technique tips are always appreciated.

  • @TonyTooTuff
    @TonyTooTuff Před 3 lety +31

    I will have to make up another dance for this new intro.

  • @StingyPrepper
    @StingyPrepper Před 3 lety +19

    Thanks for the tips. Using a ferro rod efficiently is harder than it looks!

  • @peeves2750
    @peeves2750 Před 3 lety +24

    Thank you for this! I've been trying for years and couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. I'm an old lady with weak fingers but at least you gave me a direction. I'll keep practicing ❤

    • @jerbear7952
      @jerbear7952 Před 10 měsíci

      Forgive me but I love that you are an old lady trying to perfect her ferro rod skills. I'm not single but we should talk ;)

  • @doctorbea
    @doctorbea Před 3 lety +2

    The classic intro was perfect. I can't NOT feel a sense of lack with this new one, no matter how fantastic.

  • @benkeyes5010
    @benkeyes5010 Před 2 lety +2

    I had ALL the issues when I started. This is full of great tips.

  • @bradblankenship6219
    @bradblankenship6219 Před 2 lety +8

    You are one of the best instructors I have seen. Narrative, demonstration, technique, review. Great job. After watching this and practicing anyone should be able to start a fire quickly with a minimum of effort.

  • @sarge245
    @sarge245 Před 3 měsíci

    Great tips. My success starting a fire definitely improved after watching this video.

  • @katmarie5935
    @katmarie5935 Před 3 lety +1

    Thank you... getting up in my age at 66 now and wrist not as strong. Watching you sure helped me. I’m sparking now💕

  • @hayleymarshall9001
    @hayleymarshall9001 Před 2 lety

    I would love to be out in the woods with this snack.

  • @hdbinnc8583
    @hdbinnc8583 Před 3 lety +7

    The technique works beautifully. My wife asked me what was on fire in my den. 😇

  • @ziamarie
    @ziamarie Před 2 lety +5

    Thank you for this video! I know this might sound ridiculous to most people but after watching this, i went outside and tried the ferro rod again (ive never been able to do it right before) and it worked! I was soo happy i FINALLY could use the damn thing and am glad i didnt get rid of it lol thank you for breaking it down crayola style for me 😊

  • @debraallen63
    @debraallen63 Před 2 lety +1

    My daughter just got us an "emergency kit" with a ferro rod in it and we found this video!! Great tips 👍 It works?!
    Subbed 😊

  • @rodnstaff33
    @rodnstaff33 Před 3 lety +2

    Your new intro is spot on! Nice work. I'm a new subscriber and I really dig your channel/content.

  • @williamcameron8826
    @williamcameron8826 Před 2 lety

    Not sure if you'll read this..but your videos are awesome..it would be a pleasure to meet you
    Thank you

  • @cjcornwall
    @cjcornwall Před 3 lety +1

    Thanks, Dan (Coalcracker Bushcraft). This has been very helpful. I will practice your techniques.

  • @Friedbrain11
    @Friedbrain11 Před 3 lety +3

    I just got my first ever rod. Then you show up with a tutorial! Perfect. Now I know what it should be doing and how to do it. Thank you!!!!

  • @JRPapollo
    @JRPapollo Před 3 lety +3

    Totally awesome. Never knew this. I just thought the ferrocerium I got was not quality or something. Thank you!

  • @P3T3RXIII
    @P3T3RXIII Před 3 lety +3

    I think this is the best way to teach us how to use the ferro rod. Very explanatory and very informative. Thanks again for sharing this video.

  • @pierremayer1207
    @pierremayer1207 Před 2 lety

    You are absolutely right. Frustration is the key to failure in any endeavor.

  • @newtonsantos_photo963
    @newtonsantos_photo963 Před 3 lety +1

    Man, I am new to the rod stuff and thanks to your video, the right way I will do since the beginning!!! That was awesome from you 👍🤙

  • @Frogdog1313
    @Frogdog1313 Před 3 lety +5

    Best channel in the tube - watched this and went to the website to get the 6” rod (and some other stuff 🤦‍♂️) - as a fellow PA resident (Northumberland County) I love what you got going on brother - hoping to free up some time in the near future for a weekend course 👊

  • @one-of-us9939
    @one-of-us9939 Před 3 lety

    Bro, I watched your video and then put a Paracord wrap handle on it and went outside with some dryer lint and... KA BOOM! Fire.
    You are such a good friend... Thanks bro!

  • @timbeaty854
    @timbeaty854 Před 3 lety +1

    I tried to read through the many comments but I didn't see this. If you posted this idea I apologize in advance. Yep...leverage. Take a 2" to 4" stick around you camp site. With your bundle ready, place the stick about 3" from your pile and the rod across the stick down, touching the surface you're on and pointing toward the outside ring of your lighter... 1" of so. That keeps the rod ridged. Then you have a sturdy rod placement with a very sturdy striker target. Works for me. Just sayin'. Love this channel.

  • @SonofChurchill
    @SonofChurchill Před 2 lety

    Best tips & video on CZcams on how use Ferro Rod right.

  • @lightsnsiren79
    @lightsnsiren79 Před 3 lety +2

    Thanks for not taking yourself too seriously. That combined with the good teaching keeps me coming back.

  • @mbarr1029
    @mbarr1029 Před 3 lety +2

    AWESOME tips. Thank you. Nice to see Shawn plug your tarp again this week. Saving up for it myself.

  • @sheerwillsurvival2064
    @sheerwillsurvival2064 Před 3 lety +6

    Got the sharping puck today love it 👊🏻

  • @jamesmcnamara7484
    @jamesmcnamara7484 Před 3 lety +1

    Don’t forget to maintain that 90* edge. Love your videos! A freind of mine I have been teaching this stuff to says i remind him of you. Lol good on me!

  • @trollpatrol8453
    @trollpatrol8453 Před 3 lety +2

    I make people use it when I have fires. Have a bit of materials, tools to process, this is how you do it.. make the fire! Generally a few burnt half logs so a few people can make mini fires at the same time. Great skill to have! Great vid bud!

  • @karl3349
    @karl3349 Před 2 lety +1

    What a great tutorial!! Thanks!! Shows that the small striker that comes with most rods isn't hefty enough to get the right sparks!

  • @SuperD37
    @SuperD37 Před 3 lety +9

    Used a lot of ferro rods and watched even more videos on technique while trying to learn something new. As an instructor in another specialty, I can recognize the invaluable technique you're showing here. Outstanding vid, the best I've seen yet for ferro rods.

  • @RoyceKitts
    @RoyceKitts Před 2 lety +1

    Bought a small hand ax and a full tang knife today after watching so many of these videos. I'm usually a backpacker, so it is interesting to see the differences.

  • @merricevans1341
    @merricevans1341 Před 2 lety

    You have a very good relationship with Mother Nature
    Most people have no relationship with the earth beyond buying her at walmart

  • @tinderkeep5652
    @tinderkeep5652 Před 3 lety +2

    Great information. I see so many people, in fact nearly everyone, doing more than one really good strike. People just seem to have a mind-set that it's going to take 5 or more "loosey-goosies" as you put it to get something lit. One thing few realize is what such repetitive strikes and the build-up of heat that goes along with it, does to the edge of their striker or knife. Then they get discourage because things become exponentially worse with each subsequent fire-start session, with the reason usually being that the edge of their striker has become dull or rounded because they've completely screwed with the heat-treatment of the metal - a look under magnification would show this. The same goes for flint and steel, it takes only one good, well thought-out strike to get an ember - something I've shown over and over, seeing so many "smash" flint-to-steel over, and over, and over . . . but that's another subject of discussion.

  • @ericniederkruger7537
    @ericniederkruger7537 Před 3 lety +1

    Most helpful video I have seen in a while. You are clear, and use your gestures and mechanics well. Going out to check myself out now!

  • @kieranwilmshurst2980
    @kieranwilmshurst2980 Před 2 lety

    nice stuff dude, basics are always the most forgotten

  • @joegarcia1674
    @joegarcia1674 Před 3 lety +1

    Awesome Intro. Like always, Great Information.

  • @TheAngryHippie
    @TheAngryHippie Před 2 lety

    You sir, are a true badass. Thank you for this channel and the phenomenal content !

  • @mstommie776977
    @mstommie776977 Před rokem

    I was a loosie goosie out of control with not enough pressure.
    I made fire with a jute bird nest.
    Me! I made fire 🔥 !!!!!
    So excited
    Thank you for the simplictic instructions. Best one I watched.

  • @kellywelch3
    @kellywelch3 Před 3 lety +1

    Always great advice! Thanks Dan.

  • @teranovski
    @teranovski Před 3 lety

    all i can say is thank you for the information. great video.

  • @timterrill6318
    @timterrill6318 Před 3 lety +5

    Thank you for the tips. And liking the new intro 👍🏻

  • @davidrenz5886
    @davidrenz5886 Před rokem

    Fabulous video, very informative and made me chuckle...Stay in the woods baby!

  • @jaredf5000
    @jaredf5000 Před 2 lety +1

    this is a great video/tips... this is one of those skills that seems super simple and straight forward, but if you dont practice up before a situation, you could be one regretful, cold person!

  • @bronk5150
    @bronk5150 Před 3 lety +2

    As always, thank you for an informative and entertaining lesson!

  • @shovelhead8
    @shovelhead8 Před 3 lety +1

    Great tips, Dan. Thank you. Stay safe and stay cool

  • @xsjunky
    @xsjunky Před 2 lety

    couldn't figure out what i was doing wrong before! thanks for the great demonstration, explanation, freaking excitement!

  • @jasongarling20
    @jasongarling20 Před 3 lety +3

    I like the new intro, but I did get down quite a bit with the other. Though the new one I guess is more fitting! Keep up the great work!

  • @Johny40Se7en
    @Johny40Se7en Před 7 měsíci

    "Not a speed device, it's a pressure device" that is one heck of a quote and tip, cheers 👍

  • @deniseward002
    @deniseward002 Před 2 lety +1

    Very well put, thank you. I can't wait to get one of these ferro rods!

  • @johndorber6877
    @johndorber6877 Před 3 lety +1

    Speaking as someone who failed on his first step, your tips are very helpful.
    I'll try again (not in the dining room this time) in the woods on the weekend.

  • @michaeljones5395
    @michaeljones5395 Před 3 lety +1

    Great tips Dan! Well explained! Thank you for sharing!

  • @surviveandstrive6436
    @surviveandstrive6436 Před 3 lety

    This is the way our generation learns and teaches to compensate for the lack of education in the public school system. Thanks for your work man! 💪🤙😉

    • @samhain9394
      @samhain9394 Před 11 měsíci

      They aren't teaching this shit in private schools either, pointdexter.

  • @troybranaman316
    @troybranaman316 Před 3 lety

    Spark blaster 2021 !!! Thank you for posting this video!!! Tools for the tool box !! Take care and stay safe my friend!!

  • @jacquiblanchard3131
    @jacquiblanchard3131 Před 3 lety +1

    Excellent tips, Dan. Thanks so much!

  • @matthewvelo
    @matthewvelo Před 3 lety

    Thanks Dan, makes a lot of sense and explains my random success with my ferro rod. Cheers mate.

  • @operationseekingtruth
    @operationseekingtruth Před 3 lety +1

    Epic new intro!

  • @jamespowell4950
    @jamespowell4950 Před 10 měsíci

    Haven't even used one for the first time and I feel like an expert. Great teaching.

  • @davidherrick6245
    @davidherrick6245 Před 3 lety +5

    Dan, as always great video. Wish I saw this a bunch of years ago. I learned the pressure, pressure, pressure thing the hard knox way...trial and lots of error.
    Keep up the good work, always enjoy your vids.

  • @mikes1097
    @mikes1097 Před 3 lety +4

    I love the new intro!

  • @jimcr120
    @jimcr120 Před 2 lety

    What a pleasure to find your channel and your solid content! I taught survival in ME and the ferro rod was my favorite when teaching. So dependable!

  • @edgarfriendly7571
    @edgarfriendly7571 Před 3 lety +1

    Saw another CZcamsr place the knife, edge down, in front of the tinder and then drag the ferrorod over the back for better spark control. And you can put your indexfinger on top of the rod for better stability - especially if you are using a small rod. Works great for me.

  • @philipstaite4775
    @philipstaite4775 Před 3 lety +1

    Ok, looking to up my fire starting skills from ESEE-5, wood, and lighter to the ferro rod in place of the lighter. I'm inspired to give it a go on our next camping trip.

  • @emmiebl6605
    @emmiebl6605 Před rokem

    This has been soooooo helpful. Will be trying this out later!

  • @Jen-CelticWarrior
    @Jen-CelticWarrior Před 10 měsíci

    Okay, so I did the pressure thing, and…it worked!!😱 Yay, thanks!!

  • @lindanwfirefighter4973
    @lindanwfirefighter4973 Před 3 lety +2

    Oh my goodness what perfect timing I just got my fero rods in the mail!

  • @bamadanbushcraft5369
    @bamadanbushcraft5369 Před 3 lety

    Great presentation Dan.

  • @tbaylo4034
    @tbaylo4034 Před 5 měsíci +1

    To recap: get a firm grasp on your rod, and apply a good bit of pressure when you stroke. 👍🏼

  • @rhoveen
    @rhoveen Před 3 lety +1

    Thank you I am gonna go try this! AWESOME!!!

  • @SandybackOutdoors
    @SandybackOutdoors Před 3 lety +2

    Awesome tips, as always Dan 👍. Definitely got me thinking a lot more about my own technique. Cheers.

  • @jmupp2876
    @jmupp2876 Před 3 lety +1

    Great video!

  • @Pje3ski
    @Pje3ski Před 2 lety

    My coalcracker ferro rod arrived today, got home from work and shaved some fat wood and started a fire! Thanks for the instructions. Going to keep practicing, and try to find some more fat wood.

  • @jam1701
    @jam1701 Před 3 lety

    I like how they use a ferro stick on Survivor. That’s some might good entertainment. 😀

  • @waylanator
    @waylanator Před 2 lety

    As always, great info and advice!

  • @ericathompsen8110
    @ericathompsen8110 Před 3 lety +1

    Those are some helpful tips thank you and keep doing what you doing you're amazing. And I enjoy watching your videos.

  • @michaelsnook6712
    @michaelsnook6712 Před 5 měsíci

    I came here to correct your wording! Let’s call it the “all spark” lol awesome video!

  • @tm5aw357
    @tm5aw357 Před rokem

    Thank you. Striking the ferro rod from against the handle instead of the middle of the blade made all the difference for me.

  • @christopherevans2547
    @christopherevans2547 Před 2 lety

    This video just earned you at least one new subscriber. 👌

  • @chrisrivervalleygun
    @chrisrivervalleygun Před 3 lety +1

    Good tips, thanks

  • @tamihenderson4075
    @tamihenderson4075 Před 3 lety

    TY for the video just got a ferro rod and thought I would try it out right away knew I was doing something wrong I will def be doing your pressure exercise till I get it right!!

  • @DriftlessWarrior
    @DriftlessWarrior Před 2 lety +3

    I'm a complete newbie to the knife and ferro rod stuff--just bought mine last week. I watched this video multiple times before going out and trying it myself. Thanks to your excellent instructions (not just the how, but the why, and how *not* to do it), I was pleasantly surprised to start throwing halfway decent spark globs almost immediately! They're not as good as yours, but it's an exciting start! Thanks so much for all the time and effort you put into these videos, Dan. Looking forward to learning more and adding even more fun to my outdoor adventures!

  • @debbiecurtis4021
    @debbiecurtis4021 Před 2 lety

    I've ordered mini ferro rods and strikers. I'm going to sew them into coats and make paracord jewellery. Today I did a bugout prepping walk, and was gathering tinder.

  • @Roddo731
    @Roddo731 Před 3 lety +1

    Very hot tip indeed Dan!! I always have success with my F Rod But I do get into a habit of moving too fast I’m gonna try that drill working with the pressure thanks for the tips!

  • @danielbruinsma4049
    @danielbruinsma4049 Před 3 lety +2

    Amazing new intro love it.

  • @gergokerekes4550
    @gergokerekes4550 Před 3 lety +2

    I love how down to earth these videos are, easy and fun way to learn and get better.

    • @sondrestre828
      @sondrestre828 Před 8 měsíci

      I mean, a survival video about starting a fire in the bush is the most down to earth thing you can do, what did you expect?

    • @gergokerekes4550
      @gergokerekes4550 Před 7 měsíci

      many of the survivalist content creators are acting like this is something highly special. many are quite high and mighty too.@@sondrestre828

  • @minisynthcollective7822

    Thanks for this. Was struggling yesterday so watched this and now I know what I am doing wrong. Have learned so much from you. Really appreciated.

  • @clarenced4090
    @clarenced4090 Před 29 dny

    Thanks so much for the info. I was struggling with lighting my first fire without a lighter or matches. Put more pressure, and it worked great 👍😊.

  • @agaig9812
    @agaig9812 Před rokem

    Another great, " How to" video. Thank you for keeping it simple! Keep em coming.

  • @steveborgresistance8310
    @steveborgresistance8310 Před 3 lety +1

    Excellent! I just learned & perfected my ferro rod method this winter. The detail I struggled with the most was finding the right blade in my collection that would throw sparks right. It ended up being my leatherman saw blade & only 1 cold steel trail master in 01 carbon steel with a sharp spine. 🔥👍👍🗡

  • @quinntheeskimooutdoors6234

    Looks good Dan, thanks and take care.

  • @tylert5532
    @tylert5532 Před rokem

    Great insights/techniques, thanks!!!

  • @sortilumm6105
    @sortilumm6105 Před 3 lety +1

    This intro is really nice!! Great video, as always, Dan :)