überleben Kräftig Fire Starter - Round Solid Ferro Rod - 1/2 Thick Fire Steel - 20,000+ Strikes, Sparks Up to 5,500F/3000C - Survival Igniter with Shock-Cord Neck Lanyard & Multi-Tool Striker

In my opinion, this firesteel has the perfect ferrocerium alloy. It is not super soft and quick wearing like a UST nor is it as hard as my UCO. The striker comes with works, but not well. I use the back edge of my Cold Steel Outdoorsman Knife and with a long strike, I can light some pretty questionable tinder. It is not the lightest ferro rod on the planet so, if you are a backpacker this one may not be for you. Overall, this thing is a beast!

Perfect

This rod is great; gives lots of hot sparks that stick around for a while. Id say the metal is on the softer side, which I personally prefer, because it makes it easier to get a fire going. (Im in Oregon where its always raining, so skimping on sparks is a recipe for a cold night...) I like to save money and cut weight were I can, so I went with the 5 one. 8 seems like overkill on a rod that, lets face it, is already a little bit overkill. (Though, if Im being honest, part of me still wants to buy the 8 one. Size matters, right?) Overall, very happy with the purchase. überleben is doing it right!

Lots of decent less expensive choices but this is the best. If i need to start a campfire or the like, i need something i know is going to work every time.

Works great!

Large stick that you can get a grip on even with cold hands. Good strong sparks. 10 times better then those smaller sticks. You wont regret it when the time comes when you need to start a fire. Buy with confidence.

It was easy to use. I had never used one before so it was a little awkward but I got a fire after only a few minutes.

I finally got to take this out into the real world, and I am impressed. The rod will let you shave or strike depending on your needs, and on strikes, it creates a meteor shower. Slightly larger than I would prefer as a through hiker but the performance gives fair balance to the weight cost. Plenty of others have pics up so I wont bother. Just adding my two cents in highly recommending this product.

Love it large size makes for easy use

Plenty big to not even need a handle. Throws sparks with the best of them.