Feuerstahl

Feuerstahl, also known as a ferrocerium rod, is a man-made metallic material used as a modern-day fire starter. It consists of an alloy, typically made of iron and cerium, along with other rare-earth elements like lanthanum and neodymium. When scraped with a sharp object, such as the striker provided with most ferrocerium rods or the spine of a knife, it produces a shower of intensely hot sparks, reaching temperatures of around 3,000 degrees Celsius (5,430 degrees Fahrenheit). These sparks are capable of igniting tinder, making it a reliable tool for starting fires in various conditions, including wet or windy environments where matches or lighters might fail.

The principle behind its operation is the rapid oxidation of the alloy components when exposed to air at high temperatures. The scraping action shaves off small particles of the metal, which then rapidly combust upon contact with oxygen. This process generates a sustained stream of sparks until the material is depleted. Ferrocerium rods are highly durable and can produce thousands of strikes, making them a popular choice for survivalists, campers, hikers, and anyone who needs a dependable method for fire ignition. They are often found in compact, portable forms, sometimes integrated into multitools or survival kits. The effectiveness of a ferrocerium rod depends on the quality of the rod itself and the flammability of the tinder used to catch the sparks.