Why Use a Ferro Rod?
Unlike many other fire starting tools, a ferrocerium rod is incredibly reliable. It doesn’t rely on gas or electricity—just the right technique and a bit of dry tinder. It works in wet conditions, in high winds, and can be used thousands of times. That makes it the go-to choice for outdoor enthusiasts, bushcrafters, hunters, anglers, and scouts.With no fuel or moving parts, a ferro rod is a sustainable, long-term choice. It’s an essential tool for the great outdoors—and one you’ll want in your pack no matter the season.
How Does a Ferro Rod Work?
A fire starter (or ferro rod) is typically made from ferrocerium—a synthetic alloy that creates hot sparks when scraped with a sharp edge (like the spine of your knife). These sparks can reach over 3,000°C (5,400°F), easily igniting fine kindling or tinder and helping you start a fire to stay warm, cook food, or signal for help.Here’s how to use it:
- Hold the kindling steady next to your prepared kindling.
- Pull the back of the knife or the scraper plate supplied quickly and firmly along the steel.
- When hot sparks are formed, direct them so that they land in the material.
- When you see embers or flame, carefully feed in more sticks and build up the fire.
- You may need to repeat the process a few times, but once the technique is in place, getting the fire going is quick and efficient.
289 kr
The Survival Kit is mounted on the knife sheath of your Kansbol or Garberg. It is equipped with a ferro rod, diamond sharpener, and reflective cord.
549 kr
Eldris (S) with fire kit is a small outdoor knife made of Swedish stainless steel, featuring a spine compatible with the included ferro rod. Compact and handy for outdoor activities and everyday tasks.
399 kr
Companion Spark (S) is a reliable outdoor knife made of Swedish stainless steel, designed for outdoor life and camping. It features a finger guard and an integrated ferro rod in the handle.
479 kr
Companion Spark Emergency (S) is a versatile emergency knife made of Swedish stainless steel for adventure and prepping. It features a partially serrated blade with a blunt tip and an integrated ferro rod in the handle.
Being able to start a fire outdoors is one of the most essential survival skills for camping, hiking, or backcountry hunting. With a ferro rod from Morakniv, you get a dependable fire starting tool that works in rain, snow, wind—or when your matches or lighter let you down. A good ferrocerium rod belongs in every survival kit, ready to ignite a flame when you need it most.
Designed for harsh Nordic climates, our fire starters are compact, rugged, and easy to use. Whether you’re lighting a fire pit after a long day on the trail or need heat fast on a cold hunting trip, Morakniv’s ferro rods are built to perform in all weather conditions.
Best Tinder Materials to Use
To successfully light a fire with a ferrocerium rod, you need to start with fine, flammable material—not large or wet sticks. Here are some great tinder options, whether found in nature or packed in advance:Here are some great options that are available in or can be taken to nature:
- Birch bark or amadou fungus – natural, effective, and time-tested
- Wood shavings or sawdust – especially dry and finely shredded - Cotton balls with petroleum jelly – a classic, long-burning DIY solution
- Dried moss, grass, or bark – easy to find, but store it dry
- Consider packing a small waterproof kit with tinder—it makes all the difference in survival situations or bad weather.
Tips for Successful Fire Starting
- Practice before you need it - technique beats brute force
- Use your knife spine, not the cutting edge - it saves your blade
- Scrape off any protective coating on a new ferro rod
- Keep the sparks close to the tinder - they cool down fast
- Build your fire in stages - start small and add bigger wood gradually
When Is a Ferro Rod Better Than Matches or a Lighter?
A ferro rod won’t run out of fuel, absorb moisture, or freeze shut. That gives it a serious advantage in extreme conditions:- Wet conditions – keep your tinder dry and your ferro rod works
- High winds – hot sparks push through gusts