Question: [Fire steels](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrocerium), ferrocerium rods -- oversized versions of the "flint" in a lighter or torch starter, are an apparently popular survival/backwoods fire starting method.

* Why would one want one of these rather than a [Storm Lighter](https://i.stack.imgur.com/gmcYM.jpg)?
* Is one type or brand more effective than another?
* Sizes are [all over the map](https://i.stack.imgur.com/MMwc4.jpg). Do these all work equally well? Is it just a matter of lifespan?
* There are bare rods, rods on lanyards, and rods in handles. How does it matter?
* What is needed to make sparks with one of these rods? Will natural flint work as a striker?
* Do you "strike" or "scrape" a fire steel? How do you hold it?
* Can you use less sensitive tinder than is needed for a fire drill or fire piston?
* Are there any special precautions or specific failures for fire steels?

Answer: 
The big plus with a firesteel is that you can pretty much do what you want to it, including soaking the thing in ice cold water, and it'll still work as well as before. The big downside is it's just sparks, so it's harder to build a fire.

However, with practice, it's not that hard and does provide a good backup if your matches get soaked through and your lighter gets damaged.

In terms of specific questions:

* I have two or three brands and I see no discernible difference between them.
* The bigger the better - the thicker it is, the longer it will last before being worn down.
* Any flat blade will generally do the trick, though if you use a sharp knife bear in mind it'll get worn down quite quickly.
* I prefer rods on handles - it makes it a lot easier to hold whilst using.
* You scrape rather than strike, still relatively fast. However, I've found good pressure and angle is much more important than speed. When practicing, go slowly - you'll improve your technique and be surprised how many sparks you can create this way.
* No real specific precautions you need to bear in mind, just the general ones when you're dealing with fire!
We use both. It is not difficult to light a fire with a ferrocerium rod especially if you have pine trees around as we do. A bit of sap from one of them on your shavings, cotton balls, spanish moss and one strike from the rod will start the fire. No sap? Then we also carry a small jar of vaseline. Both are overkill but help when you must light a fire in the pouring rain or high humidity. Small shavings can be made on site and charcloth is also usable with a firestick.

Two is one and one is none...Equipment fails under special conditions and that is why we do not skimp on firestarting ways. We have started fires using a magnifying lens which we needed when the guy carrying the firemaking tools decided to fall into the lake and drench our equipment. Only the firesteel and the magnifying glass worked then.

They are also a lot of fun but recommend watching a video or two to see the proper hand motions. Keep the stick when striking (scraping is the correct word), right on top or in the target. All of which you have probably done by now.