The ferro rod is only 3 inches long, and about 4mm diameter. That doesn’t give much length, or surface area, to get a spark. The striker is less than 3” long. It doesn’t give much spark.You work pretty hard to get a spark. If you are *planning* on camping, or using this to routinely light a fire at home, you’ve chosen the wrong ignition system -- you should use a larger, more friendly system, requiring less effort. But for emergencies, this is compact, lightweight, and it works. Pack one in eachSee full review