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: 
I strike my fire steel with a piece of hacksaw blade. I have the added ability to either just strike/scrape the ferro rod, shave shavings off it into a tinder bundle to get more intense fire lighting sparks. I can use the striker to shave fat wood, or normal wood, which will in turn take less of a spark to ignite. I can attach a piece of paracord through the blades fixing hole so I can attach it to either the ferro rod, or keyring of some kind, or just to place as lanyard around the wrist for extra security so you don't use the striker when using. Also the teeth of the blade bite into the rod really well and will give you a lot of sparks with less effort, even when using cheaper harder material ferro rods that don't throw many sparks normally.
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.