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Best Firestarters in 2022

This product guide was written by GearHungry Staff
Last Updated January 18, 2018
GearHungry Staff
GearHungry Staff posts are a compilation of work by various members of our editorial team. We update old articles regularly to provide you the most current information. You can learn more about our staff here.
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Most of the time you won’t need fire starters to get your campfire going. However, if you’re lost or injured and a long way from anywhere and the rain is pelting down relentlessly a fire may be the dividing line between a happy ending and catastrophe. In the days of yore our ancestors used a simple flint stone to get their fires going and in some cases so do we. (Hey, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.) But while the fundamentals of starting a fire haven’t changed much what has changed are the details: with ferrocerium largely replacing the flint stick and the process being refined by various innovations.

In this review guide we’re going to take a look at today’s most effective fire starters. Those vital pieces of survival gear that can make the difference between being found and being found alive.

The Best Fire Starter

1
Survival SPARK Magnesium

survival spark magnesium

The lighting protocol for this Survival Spark Magnesium fire starter is similar to other fire starters in that it involves shaving a bit of magnesium from the rod onto your kindling or other tinder and then dragging the striker along the rod thereby sending sparks onto the shavings.

The Survival Sparks has a little more up its sleeve than other fire starters in that, if you look closely to the handle of the rod, you’ll see a fully functioning high quality compass to aid you in your survival efforts. Not only that but there’s an emergency whistle capable of generating 150 decibels of life saving sound. Lastly, the Survival Sparks’ magnesium rod is good for 15,000 strikes.

Key Features:

15,000 strikes

Wind-proof, waterproof and cold-resistant properties

5.6 x 3 x 1 inches

Integrated compass and whistle

Specification:
  • BrandSurvival Spark
  • ModelCHLOE00001
  • Weight2.4 oz
BUY ON AMAZON

2
bayite 4 Inch Survival Ferrocerium Drilled Flint Fire Starter

bayite 4 inch survival ferrocerium drilled flint fire starter

Having a firestarter isn’t all about preparing for an unforeseen situation. It’s okay if you just want to use one for your outdoor barbecue fire or perhaps lighting up a campfire. Whether it’s an expected situation or emergency, there’s not a single doubt this next unit will come in handy. The Bayite ferrocerium drilled firestarter comes built on a 4 inches ferrocerium rod for easily handling. Even better is the fact that it offers versatility thanks to the variation in ferrocerium rod sizes, which ultimately helps to prevent awkward gripping.

What’s more, it’s quite easy to use once the outer coat on the rod has been peeled off to expose the bright shiny steel. Simply position the striker/scraper at an angle to the rod, then push the striker forward as it drags on the rod towards the tinder to be lighted. You can even make as many strikes as possible as the rods don’t diminish that easily.

What’s more, the rod and striker are weather-resistant; come rain, shine, snow, wind, or even high altitude on hill and mountain top, this firestarter is a sure companion. Furthermore, it comes at a very affordable price, so it’s okay if you want to indulge yourself to have more than one.

Key Features:

Quality ferrocerium rods

Striker

Easy to ignite

Works in any terrain

Specification:
  • Brandbayite
  • Weight2.4 ounces
BUY ON AMAZON

3
überleben Zünden Fire Starter

überleben zünden fire starter

One of the most notable features that distinguish the Überleben Zünden Fire Starter from Ferro rods is the wooden handgrip that is stylishly designed to improve convenience and durability. Also, the Überleben Zünden Fire Starter is crafted with a metallic alloy of iron and cerium to facilitate quick and easy fire lighting process. In fact, if you strike the fire starter in the right way, it produces sparks of more than 4500 Fahrenheit, which is more than enough to start a fire even in cold or windy environments. No doubt, this is a multifunctional tool can also be used as a surface scraper, ruler and bottle opener. These are features that other fire starters of higher price range do even not offer. As for its usability, you simply have to scratch the tool on the side of the ferrocerium rod to create sparks. The thing is, once you can get a hang of how to properly set up a tinder bundle to receive the sparks, you will get an adequate amount of fire to do whatever you want. However, note that you have to remove the protective coating that accompanies a new Überleben Zünden Fire Starter before you can make a fire.

Just like every high-quality fire starter, the Überleben Zünden is suitable for all weather conditions. So come rain, come shine; the Überleben Zünden will be at your service. And if you are not a fan of heavy objects, then you are in luck. With a weight of just 3 ounces, you can easily hang it around your neck with the lanyard it comes with. Furthermore, depending on the thickness of your starter, you can get a maximum of between 12,000 and 20,000 strikes. This will definitely last you for a long time before you can even think of replacing it.

Key Features:

Handcrafted wooden handle

Multifunctional tool

12, 000 to 20,000 strikes

Money-back guarantee policy

Specification:
  • Brandüberleben
BUY ON AMAZON

4
SE KHK6320 Outdoor Tanto Knife

se khk6320 outdoor tanto knife

The SE KHK6320 Fire Starter has been accused of trying too hard but we don’t see that as a problem. With its 3” modified tanto point blade and full tang construction augmenting the 1.5” ferro rod and striker it’s a complete survival kit in one package.

Unlike other fire starters the SE KHK6320 is as much a quality survival knife as it is fire starting kit. The stainless steel blade is ideal for spearing or piercing, for cutting small branches for your fire or cutting bandages if you’re injured. If you’re a fan of all-in-one fire starters this is the one for you.

BUY ON AMAZON

5
Uberleben Kraftig Fire Starter

uberleben kraftig fire starter

Like the Darmon Fire Starter this Überleben Kräftig 1/2″ ferro rod tosses out a shower of sparks at 5,500 degrees Fahrenheit. Campers, hunters, and mountaineers in search of dependable fire starters for your survival kit look no further.

Unlike some other fire starters that are 6” or more in length the Überleben Kräftig 1/2″ ferro rod is a convenient 5”. Regardless of altitude or environmental conditions that shower of 5,500 degree sparks will make short work of your kindling. The rod will accept up to 20,000 strikes so this puppy will be providing valuable service for years to come.

BUY ON AMAZON

6
Bayite Ferrocerium Rod Flint

bayite ferrocerium rod flint

Here’s another ultra-simple piece of survival technology that works like a charm and costs next to nothing. Just a ferro rod that casts 3,000 degree sparks at any altitude regardless of conditions. If you need to get a fire going to ward off hypothermia pull this out of your pack and you’re good to go.

If you’ve tried other fire starters in the past and been disappointed with the results try this ferro rod from Bayite and see what a real firestarter is like. At 6” in length, there’s plenty of room to hold it and strike it and the 4mm lanyard hole ensures it won’t lose it while you’re trying to get your fire going. Has a life of 12,000 strikes so you can see what a great value the Bayite Ferro Rod is.

BUY ON AMAZON

7
BlizeTec Fire Starter

blizetec fire starter

BlizeTec presents a 6 in 1 fire starter kit that provides several essential pieces of survival gear in a package no bigger than a keychain. There’s the ferro rod that’s good for up to 12,000 strikes, the luminous handle that provides a modicum of light for your night survival efforts, an emergency whistle that will wake the dead and a type of multi-tool that’s part can opener part measuring tape.

The luminous green handle not only provides a night light it also serves as an emergency beacon. The ferro rod itself is completely weatherproof and will continue to light your fire when other fire starters have quit. The measurements carved out of the side of the multi-tool will help you plot distances and the whistle is one of the loudest you’ll ever hear.

BUY ON AMAZON

8
Swiss Safe 5-in-1 Fire Starter with Compass

swiss safe 5-in-1 fire starter with compass

No one ever plans to get lost in the wilderness, but with the Swiss Safe 5-in-1 Fire Starter, any wrong turns or lost-map shenanigans will be a little easier to deal with. This set is good for 16000 strikes as well as capable of working no matter the weather. The magnesium rod creates fire instantly, which burns at an astonishing 5,500 degrees Fahrenheit.

The multi-tool design means it’s more than just a firestarter, too, so you’re even more prepared to deal with the unpredictability of the wilderness. Furthermore, the compact and lightweight design means it won’t take up any room in your day pack, and as it’s something many would consider essential, it’s something you should never leave behind.

BUY ON AMAZON

9
Light My Fire FireSteel Scout Magnesium Firestarter BIO

light my fire firesteel scout magnesium firestarter bio

The Light My Fire FireSteel Scout Magnesium Firestarter offers the most effective way of lighting a camping stove or tinder that you will ever come across. And also, the fire starter will work in any environment, whether wet, sunny or freezing cold. The Light My Fire FireSteel Scout is made up of two components: the fire steel, which is a rod fitted with a red-colored plastic that facilitates firm grip and a second component, which is the metal striker; both of these can be kept in a neck lanyard, so they won’t be misplaced. Additionally, this fire starter is constructed with a magnesium rod designed by Light My Fire, but it’s not very different from the ferrocerium rods by Überleben Zünden. The magnesium rod weighs only 27 grams, making it an extremely light tool that can be easily stored or transported. What’s more, the tool offers a maximum of 3000 strikes under any weather. So you won’t have to fret over cold or windy weather.

As for its usability, you simply have to rake the metal striker on the side of the rod. This action will produce showers of sparks that you will have to redirect into any fuel source or tinder. For instance, when lighting a cooking stove that does not come with an inbuilt igniter, you will have to turn on the gas and then strike this fire starter and direct the showers of sparks to ignite the stove. It’s that simple! What’s more, the tool does not require the use of any flint, battery or lighting fluid. So you don’t have to spend extra money on replacing parts of the product.

BUY ON AMAZON

Things To Look For When Buying A Fire Starter

While fire starters aren’t as complex as some of today’s high tech devices there are a few things you ought to keep in mind before you buy one.

Size is something, not everything – Fire starters can range from just over an inch long to 6 inches and more. So does it matter what length fire starter you get? Truth be told you can start a fire with 1 ½” fire starters but it’s typically easier if your ferro rod is 5” or 6”. You’ll get a more robust cascade of sparks that will increase your chances of getting the fire started quickly.

The scraper is important – The scraper or striker is the device you use to scrape the ferro rod to create sparks. While just about any sharp object will do in a pinch you should try to always use a hard steel scraper. Fortunately, most of the above-reviewed fire starters come with good quality scrapers of their own.

fire starter faq

Fire starters can’t start everything – In order for fire starters to work effectively, the sparks must be landing on proper tinder. If you’re lost in the wild chances are your choice of tinder will be limited to what’s available. Birch bark makes great tinder but it must be dry to work. If you have cotton balls in your pack they’ll make good tinder too. Charcloth will also catch a spark maker effectively.

Beware the coating – Some folks take their new fire starters into the woods and are aghast when they won’t produce sparks. Most of the time it’s not the fire starters fault. It’s because the person has forgotten to remove the coating on the ferro rod. Don’t let that be you. Also, remember to hold the scraper at a 45-degree angle to the rod for best results.

Fire Starter FAQ

Q: How Do Fire Starters Work?

A: Some simply require that you scrape the ferro rod and, in doing so, send a shower of sparks into your tinder. Other fire starters require you to scrape a bit of magnesium off of the mag stick and then light that with sparks from a flint.

Q: What Is The Safest Fire Starter?

A: The fact is all fire starters are typically safe if you use them as directed. If you’re careless about where you direct the waterfall of white hot sparks you or someone else may get hurt. Regardless of which of the fire starters you use it all comes down to being mindful of what you’re doing.

Q: Is There An Age Limit To Buy And Use A Fire Starter?

A: No. But for practical purposes, you probably don’t want your 12-year old using a device that sends out sparks at 5,500 degrees.

Conclusion

Fire starters are old school tech that’s as dependable today as it was 500 years ago. Whether you use a combination of magnesium chips and flint stone or ferro rod and scraper the firestarter is an absolutely essential component of any outdoor survival kit.

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