West Lake Tactical Pack of Eight (8) 5/16" DIY Ferrocerium (Ferro) Rods Flint Fire Starter Magnesium Tool Kit AKA Firesteel, an Essential Part of Any Survival Kit

I know the majority of reviews say otherwise, but I can't. They're a lot tougher than I thought they'd be. I tried hacksaw blades with filed edges and they barely threw sparks. I bought some Bayite strikers, but even they don't always throw sparks. I experimented with various angles and techniques (drawing the ferro rod back appeared to be the most consistent). Although the sparks appear to be hotter, I still prefer the Light My Fire rods. Sparks will fly from the LMF ferrorod with a light flick of any striker. They won't be as hot, but that won't be a problem if you prepare your tinder properly. Because I use less pressure, I also feel like I have a lot more control over the tool. With these rods, it's difficult for me to direct sparks. br>br>In terms of the seller, I had placed an order for two sets. They only sent one set to me. When I called to correct it, they said they'd send me another, which they did, and it arrived quickly. After a week, I received an email informing me that I had been charged again because I had sent the original order to be exchanged. So I was charged for three orders when I only placed two, and I only received one at first, forcing me to call and request the second. Fortunately, I was able to contact Amazon, who promptly issued a refund.

Alexia Kane

| Jul 01, 2021

These are fantastic! This is fantastic. Make sure you measure and order the correct size, but these are exactly what I was looking for and work perfectly. There are a lot of sparks! Fits perfectly inside an Altoids tin, which is "everyone's" go-to tinderbox. On the first (well-aimed) strike, I've gotten embers or flame to ignite wood scrapings, char cloth (love char cloth), magnesium shavings, and a few loose threads from the leg hem of my jeans, among other things. I used a cutoff hacksaw blade scraper (my favorite) and a cheap-o spark generator to get some great sparks. Import knives are 50 cents each. They are successful. Tip taken from a thief: To make a handle, I wrapped a 1 inch wide strip of duct tape around one end. Turn up the volume as much as you want. It's also a good idea to drill a lanyard hole in one end. Then, in a bright orange or pink paraphrase, Because black things dropped on the forest floor are incredibly difficult to find, especially if you're panicking because you dropped it, you'll want to run a cord through it.

Kadence Rollins

| Jun 26, 2021

These are a fantastic medium-hard ferro rod, which means they throw a lot of sparks but aren't so soft that each strike wears away a lot of material. These are the ideal compromises that you often hear about but rarely see. br>br>I drill 5/16" holes about half an inch deep into antler or other hard woods to use as handles for these because they are short and require some finesse to hold and use on a regular basis. I use sandpaper to scuff the last 12" of the ferro rod, then mix up a dab of two part clear epoxy (loctite brand 5 minute quick set works great, but anything will do), rub a thin layer of glue over the sanded portion of the rod, and gently tap the rod into the handle. Wait a full day after wiping away the excess glue with a strong rag. It's that simple. br>br>Just make sure to test fit the rod into the handle first; if it starts to seat but is still too tight, don't push it any further. Set it aside to dry while you prepare it for glue, and then seat it all the way in once it's dry. br>br>These make excellent gifts, and a ferro rod is the most effective way to light a gas grill or charcoal that has been soaked in lighter fluid. It's ablaze in a matter of seconds.

Martha Hebert

| Feb 04, 2021

I WAS SURPRISED AT HOW WELL THESE RODS WORKED WHEN I ORDERED THEM. SO I GAVE ONE UP TO TRY IT OUT. THEY WORK WONDERFULLY ONCE THE BLACK COATING HAS BEEN SCRAPED OFF. AND AT APPROXIMATELY $1 EACH, THEY ARE AN EXTREMELY GOOD DEAL. AS A STRIKER, I USE THE CORONA AC8300 SHARPENING TOOL, AND IT THROWS LARGE CHUNKS OF BURNING STEEL. A FRACTION OF A SECOND IS ALL IT TAKES FOR THEM TO BURN. I ALSO USED A BLADE FROM A HACKSAW (THE CUTTING EDGE) AND IT WORKED WELL. THE ROD WAS DIGGED INTO BY BOTH STRIKERS. AN EXCELLENT FIRE STARTER. I PURCHASED THESE TO INCLUDE IN SMALL SURVIVAL KITS. IN ALTOIDS TINS, THEY FIT PERFECTLY. THESE ARE THE RODS THAT I RECOMMEND.

Derrick Schmitt

| Jun 27, 2021

It performs exactly as expected and is small enough to fit in a pocket. A striking stick, in addition to a lighter and matches, was desired as a third method of igniting a flame. It performs admirably and is small enough to fit into my pocket.

Kobe Stevens

| Dec 24, 2020

After scraping off a small layer that protects the rod, it showers a ton of sparks on your kindling with very little effort; I scraped it with the back of my EDC pocket knife and it lit up the area I was in on the first try. I would strongly suggest it.

Brixton Salazar

| Sep 29, 2021

What can you say about ferro rods in general? The product arrived in good condition, and I was able to produce some nice sparks while testing it. With these rods, starting a fire is not an issue. I have no idea how long a rod will last, and I'm not expecting to find out anytime soon. br>Overall, the rods function properly and have caused no problems thus far.

Paityn Norman

| Jun 04, 2021