Review on The Friendly Swede Ferro Rods: The Ultimate Fire Starter Survival Tool For Camping & Hiking! by Bill Lyons

I had seen these used in a couple of wilderness survival TV shows and on line videos. Previously I had always just carried a disposable butane lighter as my primary fire starter. But on a recent camping trip I managed to spill some coffee on the lighter, it wasn't much of a spill but it apparently was enough. As the flint got wet and the lighter would not light. I also carry weatherproof matches, but I am finding these to be more cheaply made in recent years and not as reliable; difficult to strike on improvised surfaces. So I finally decided to try one of these. Even though many references mention the striker as being not so good I tested the fire starter with the included striker. It took me all of two scrapes to ignite the tinder. Making it easier to use than the "strike anywhere storm proof matches" I have been using, which usually takes me about three matches to get one to light. Now, if I carry matches, they are a back up to this product for that matter the lighter may become a back up to one of these due to wind. I have, in the past, bought really cheap magnesium starters (Wally World specials) but never used one. After testing this one I found the cheap ones in my gear box and decided to test one. I found them much harder to use due to the short length and lack of any kind of handle. It took me at least 10 scrapes to get anything going with the same tinder. I say at least 10 as I lost count after getting frustrated having the cheaper one jump out of my hand several times while scraping it. Save your money on buying cheap ones and go with one of these.