Using a ferro rod is all about technique, that in 2021 is learned by watching good videos and then practicing starting fires. I went out today and bought my first ferro rod for $3.99, after watching about 2 hours worth of bushcraft videos on how to use them. It took me 3 minutes to start my first fire with one, on a paper towel. I then started my second fire on a piece of rotted softwood in about 2 minutes. $3.99 vs $60.00? $3.99 is working just fine for me.
I'm 7 years late to this video, but I wanna say I get this product. There's the $100 BK9, then there's the $300+ BRK Bravo Crusader. Both work incredibly well, it all comes down to preference sometimes. That being said, $60 is quite steep...
You can make this yourself... one piece of copper tubing or steel a bolt a bit of sawing with a iron saw... 10 mins job... im going to make one this weekend...
For me it boils down to two simple questions. Does it work as good as it claims? Is it going to have a massive impact on being able to help me live in a real emergency? If the answers are yes, then its worth twice the asking price, because my life is certainly worth that and more! Great video, thanks!!
I have a 9 and 6 year old that have one for emergency reasons in their get home bag and for the price of cheap Nikes my sons can use this without any problem or worry. I appreciate the review. Just like all of your reviews I believe you are honest, to the point and I learn every time I watch them. Thanks
Chris - thanks for the video. Yes, it is pricey at $60, but a combustion source that is nearly 100% dead on reliable in a survival situation, I contend it is well worth the price. Also, I would rather give a U.S. company $60 for a great product than $25 to a Chinese company. Thanks for the video!
You said it. I didn't want to have to deal with the price do much in the video but I know the market and when there is that much gap people ARE going to bitch.
Buy ONCE cry ONCE! He came up with a awesome system, as a machinist I can see quality when I see it. It's a little pricey, but you'll only have to buy it once IMHO
+Leo McKee I think calling it "the Jessica of ______ will work as long as others have brought it up. Chris is "the sole determiner of the J- label" but saying the J-word does seem to make him perk up and listen and at least consider it as a reviewable item.. LOL, it worked this time to get a review and I am glad it did. How about it Chris? PREPAREDMIND101 Is this a new way of insuring a review of a product? Too Funny.
i got a flin & Steel firestarter from ebay for 1$ 3 years ago,i use it very frequently and it still works like its new. and it doesnt look like a outdoor dildo.
The hardest part about doing a review like this is thinking the product is great but also knowing that 98.4% of the people watching it are going to have a stroke when they hear the price. But maybe that is something they need to see. Give your thoughts on the device and the price separately.
I had seen this product somewhere else and thought the exact same thing you did. "I have to get a couple of those." Then I found the site and saw the price. Too rich for my blood. It doesn't "solve" any problems it just makes things easier. I wonder if they could get the price down by selling it without the firesteel and without the tinder. The site lists tinder refills as $10 and the rod is prob close to $10 and no manual labor to put things together.
Here's the thing: I dont feel I personally NEED it, but I think if you laid all ferro-based firestarters out on a table and said "We're dropping you off in the jungle... You get to pick ONLY ONE".... people would choose this one every single time. At least, I think they would if they used it side by side.
Chris when you were hesitating to tell us how much it costs I was thinking to myself Oh crap this thing is going to be like $200. $60 for a life saving emergency piece of equipment is not a lot of money, it's perfect for a bug out bag. I think I would conserve it, and not pull it out of the bag every time I went out in the woods. You could make it even better if you put a misch metal rod in there, hell that would make it a weapon too. Mike
Bought one a year ago an definitely worth it. I was on the fence for awhile and glad I bought one. Spark is larger than my light my fire and easier to light stuff with.
Not sure if you covered it but a great thing about it, is you can also use it with one arm. Just point it at your tinder, step on it with your foot and strike it with your good arm! Pretty awesome tool!
Pretty awesome waste of money. A UST Sparkie, a UST Sparkwheel, a Long Bang brass striker, a Spark Lite, a Zippo Striker with tinder, or a UST Blast Match will all work MUCH better one-handed to spark a fire, and all 6 combined are $12 less than one Lightning Strike.
My flint and steel with a little bit of char cloth does the trick for me. I get ignition every time. The steel never wears out and you can find chert or quartz everywhere.
I think the video is a bit long for an individual product test. You do well to address all the points you do, but you can surely save about a third of the time. Many things are being said redundantly. Thanks for your great vids. I'm just getting into these things, appreciate your information.
That happens when you don't script. Scripted videos sound dry and boring to me. I do what I do and the market will decide if they want to watch or not. Many people prefer that because I'm working things out in the fly and not just regurgitating product line items.
PREPAREDMIND101 Yeah, I wouldn't like it if you just read their documentation. It's fine if you don't script. I've seen plenty of people much worse; you're a relatively good presenter.
You're right it is a great product and as such worth the price if you can afford it. I have a work around however, I had an old mini mag flashlight in the garage and I made my own version with a Dremel tool. It's actually more compact and showers sparks even tighter than my actual official Holland Gun brand striker. In addition a belt holster for the mini mag was already on the market.
Well, I hope you are getting a piece of the action. I just went and bought the red one with extra tinder- $70 + unknown shipping until they process the order tomorrow. Good stuff...
I got one. Worth every penny. I like the design. Like you say there are some limitations but it works easily and you can always find it.Got The red color can see it anywhere. Thanks for the info.
Regarding loosing your gear, try a strip or two of reflective tape that matches your gear, you won't loose gear as much and it will identify it as yours and not your friends in a camping trip or something. I like your videos quite a bit, keep up the good work.
"knock it off fire!" he saids while hitting the object on fire into the grass around, not thinking if it could possibly start a fire in the forest that hes in. Good job man
Wow, what an fucking moron! If the ground caught fire he would have seen it, HE WAS SITTING RIGHT THERE. You think he just has no peripheral vision and he cant see what's happening 45 degrees to the side of him, it was less than five feet away from him, like whatever brush he's in will just combust and burn down everything around him and he's just sitting there not noticing.
I have one, carry it with me every time I go camping/atving. I wouldn't leave home without it... Another plus is that it was made/designed by a Boy Scout and his dad and that helps support them.
Just to be contrary, but that would take up as much space as 6 cheap Bic lighters. Here in the North, we have birch bark so starting a fire is easy without "super tinder" and yes Bics work in extreme cold weather if you keep them next to your body to warm up.
one observation...the set screw requires an allen wrench. set screws can work them selves loose. do you carry a set of allen wrenches in your survival pack? change it to a flat head or include the allen key with the product. otherwise it really is a better mouse trap.
yeah, the price shocked me too but I'm still getting one because it works as soon as you need it, no messing around with anything just fire. it is what it is.
That was a great review of a great product. I had the same reaction when I saw their video and went to buy one on their web site. So before I invested 60.00 + dollars I just had to see a no BS review. Thanks.
Very cool, I like that the striker channel has a stop at the end... With a naked rod It is SO easy to swipe off the end and knock your tinder away from the sparks. This thing is as close to idiot proof as any fire starting method I have ever seen!
cchgn Try doing that with a broken arm or if your hands are too cold to grip the rod or striker... This tool is a life saving device for emergency situations, not to build every fire you will ever start.
Walter Cunniff Really? you spent energy deciding to post that to me? wow, we could sit here try and come up with every little scenario to disclaim every device known to man. Did you invent this device? Do you represent these folks of this device. So now it's just a an emergency device? Really? So for several times the cost of a bic lighter, this is only good for emergencies. Hmm. Btw, if you have a broken arm out in the wild, you have alot more problems than trying to use a striker/ferro rod. Same with if your hands are so cold, that you can't properly use a stiker/ferro rod. Btw, this guy didn't even invent this device. He is testing it, it's not his place to say what the device is meant for. I've been making fires for 40 yrs, when as a young Boy Scout, earned a badge by making a fire and cooking a meal with nothing but a single match. Then went on to join the Marine Corps and learned more ways to start fires. I make and own Compression fire starters and have every means to start a fire. Even this guy says that this device solves the problem of regular striker/ferro rods where the sparks go everywhere except to the tinder. I was addressing that issue. IMO, the reason for that is improper technique of a striker/ferro rod, hence my explanation. Maybe you could provide something we can use, instead of trying to get on her and be pompous, I would have to call you an idiot.
cchgn Lol. I like the fact that you mentioned you were a Boy Scout and earned your Merit Badge for fire making. So did I, almost 40 years ago. Of course, I had been making fires and cooking on them for years before I was a Boy Scout. I spent the first 19 years of my life in a little hamlet called Indian Lake, in the central Adirondack State park, where bushcraft was a way of life. You were in the Marines. I respect that more than you probably know. I spent 8 years in the Army 10th SFG. Yeah, I learned more ways to make fire as well. Everyone knows that a Bic lighter is the most widely used fire starter on the planet. Sometimes they do not work. I have had brand new Bic lighters not work due to freezing temperatures. (When I got home it worked fine) Having a fool proof back up is a good idea. This product, in my opinion, is just that. Anyone can use it with zero training. That makes it an impressive emergency tool. I realize that he is only doing a product review. That is why I watched the video. I wanted to see if the hype matched the product after watching the official product video on their website. As for technique with a fire steel, I find that pinning the tinder under the tip of the rod and striking straight down into it works the best for me. It offers more control over the spark distribution and with proper body placement, blocks most winds from interfering. As for being pompous... That was never my intention. I was merely pointing out that the technique that you use, or even my technique, will not work if you are suffering from hypothermia or an injured limb. Yes you do have more issues than starting a fire if you have a broken limb. However. That fire will afford you the ability to signal for help and treat your injury more completely. Thanks for the return comment. Walt
I paused the video and went over to amazon to see if they had it. I already figured it would be expensive but honestly didn't expect that. I'm still going to get one, I think it's worth it as well...
Love the review and a great little peace of gear. Thinking out of the box made one great little fire starter. I will definitely be getting one. Two thumbs up on the review, just wish I had one for my trip in the Flint Hills today.
I'm not really into the survival thing, but this got my attention for a good two hours of your other videos!! You do a really good job presenting the material. I like how you show the packaging, unless you've lost it. You do seem to lose a lot of stuff. Lol! People like you are why they make lanyards! Good work.
One of our Assistant Scoutmasters received this item as a gift from his son. At a weekend camp out he demonstrated the starter. It worked great. I wanted to see if it would light my MSR Firefly camp stove. We turned on the stove and on the first strike the stove lit. After seeing this I ordered it as soon as I returned home. Not only as a tinder starter it works great on propane stoves. The price is a little high, but this may be the last fire stater I buy.
one thing I'd be curious about is how water proof the container is. It looks pretty water proof, and I bet it floats well, but that's always a concern of mine. Both my bug out bags are WW era german mountaineer packs with are rubberized super heavy duty canvas for that reason. Have yet to find a modern equal.
I could honestly accept the price for something like an emergency vehicle kit. Alot of people dang near froze this past winter in the south due to those snow storms and being stranded on highways.
Chris, I was watching the video that they have on the company site and was kind of going back and forth whether to get it or not. But then he talked about having an arm injury and used the product one handed to start a fire and that was a seller. Other than a lighter, no other fire starter is going to let you effect fire one handed.
That shit cost $70,,,,A ZipLock bag with some dry news paper and a Bic lighter in your bug out pack would accomplish the same emergency fire starting .... Smart is being effective without spending a bunch of money to be fashionable at the same time.
+jodopeg You're missing the genius logic. By the time the SHTF, your money will be no use so you must spend it all before then and then sit around, preparedly, waiting for it to happen. ta daa
Agree, too many people rely on "gear". Knowledge is what will save you. Gear gets consumed a.k.a it can only be used so many times (think this ferro rod, it will eventually wear out), or will get lost or stolen or fail. IMO, one of the most important skills to learn is flintknapping. It's nice to have all that stuff, but eventually it won't do you any good.
Hey Chris. First I wanna say that I really appreciate all your videos. Thank you. I recently heard about a Fire Piston. I had no idea they existed until now. Not a lot of people know what they are. I was hoping you could do a review on the "Vulcan Fire Piston". Thanks again for ALL of your insight.
I was checking these out awhile back I seen the father and son doing a video on these and like you said if it is going to save your ass in a life or death scenario there is not a price on your life I totally think it is worth the money
I completely see the quality in this product. Looking at it through the lens of "an air force pilot's survival kit" really helps to put it into perspective. However, I use steel wool and a 9volt and Ive never had an issue starting a fire even in the rain. Just saying, it's a good option and way cheaper.
I like it.. I like the concept and from what I saw I like that it actually works as designed. I ordered one from Amazon for $67.50 and free freight. It doesn't weigh anything so it won't bother me but it will sure start every fire for me. Thanks for the heads up!
Saw these on Darrell Holland's site a bit of time ago and was immediately impressed by the design. Took a shot at two, one for each vehicle's emergency kit. (They were only $56 then IIRC.) As you said, Chris. They are bomb proof built and work like a champ. Great addition to my emergency fire/water kit. Not cheap, but neither is hypothermia to deal with...
Another great feature of the Lightening Strike: your striker will never knock your tinder pile over because the striker doesn't leave the aluminum tube. Thanks for the demo, Chris.
It looks great, but would be better if it 1) came in bright orange so you could find it easier if you drop it and 2) had a screw on water proof cap for the tinder. The price should start to coming down as more of the less experienced preppers start buying them.
I would love to get some of these and am still considering, but spending $68.80 (which includes shipping) is something I'm going to have to think once, twice, three, ten, twenty times about before I hit the button to purchase.
+Susie Q Susie, go on to Amazon and get a UST Sparkie, a UST Sparkwheel, a Long Bang brass striker, a Spark Lite, a Zippo Striker with tinder, and a UST Blast Match. All six of those work MUCH easier with one hand than a Lightning Strike, and all 6 combined will cost you $21 less than 1 Lightning Strike.
Susie Q Glad to help. A Bic is still the best way to go. $5 for a four-pack and I know they'll still work after sitting 25 years in a bag, I just tried the ones I put in my mom's 72 hour kit we put together with her in 1988. She just passed away, and I got the bag we put together for her and went through it. Brought a tear or two (or 25) but it was nice to see all those things went unused but still prepared.
Great and well conceived product, easy and safe to use and if the fire rod is done you can replace it easily (naked rods are mostly cheaper than a new firestarter). Well, 60$ (or ~44€)...i think it is worth the price. Thanks for the review, Chris!
It would be interesting to see if they would make a model that is just the striker and ferro rod inside the tube. It might cut down on the price. Then you could just buy their fire starters or use/make your own.
Hit the nail on the head, you're pretty much right about everything you said. I gotta say, though, that I just keep a couple cigarette lighters and stormproof matches in my "oh shit" bag and it's a lot cheaper. And those are for the exact same emergency situation that this fire starter is. Another great review, keep em comin!
Ok im definitely going to make my own and it would not be very hard to make . I will make mine a little smaller so it will be easier to pack i dont need as much fire tinder as that one carries. Mainly its the idea of shooting sparks from a tube . Aluminum or ss tubing and a fire rod with a lanyard hole . I will probably thread the ends with a tap and die and will probably use a bolt and nut or a pin or cotter pin etc...
Great idea. Great design. If I had the money.. If I was going hunting in, say, Greenland - I would have one in my kit along with an expensive sleepingbag, expencive knife etc.
Im a machinist and could make something similar at work on a manual lathe in way than 1 hour. Plus ,of course a quick mill set up to cut the slot. BUT, I didn't think to. Thats what I like best about product, the design was a great idea. What I dont like as much, with the speed of CNC machines, and cost of aluminum, is the incredible price. They must cost litterally only a few dollars a piece to make, plus the rod and stricker.
I miss mine already. Going to Survival On Purpose next for his review. As soon as that June paycheck hits I'm going to get a red one. I know its pricey but I actually think it's worth it. Used my Spark Force to light a swedish torch earlier and wished I had that lightning strike. Would have shaved a few minutes and less ferro rod.
The problem, as with most people these days, is in your technique. Understand the underlying concepts, pay attention to detail and practice, practice, practice! Most of my fires with Flint (the rock) and Steel, ferro, match, etc are ignited with a single strike. Almost all with 5 strikes or less and I use every tinder imaginable. As I've told many people, "If you're flailing away, you're training to fail."
How well does this work wet? Almost everything you lit was designed to be easily lightable in perfectly calm and normal weather. Let's see how this thing works when it's raining and all you have is what is around you. There is no way in the world this thing is worth $60. You could buy 20 bic lighters and seal them in plastic and have enough money left over to buy a case of beer with what you would save. Did you receive any compensation at all for this review?
tarstarkusz I kept the Lightning Strike. Why, you think it's so bad I have to be paid? If I were, so you think they would pay someone to spend half the video dealing with the fact that it's not cheap? As far as "how well does it work when it's wet?"... C'mon dude! It's a ferro rod! It's still the best at what it does. I actually used it in the video going up tomorrow. If this thing cost $20 EVERYONE would have it. The price is getting in the way of accepting that the tool itself is great and does exactly what is designed to do.
+PREPAREDMIND101 Chris, you saw this coming and called it....pay no attention to the morons. I have one and it's worth every penny......Keep the vids coming buddy and thanks again for everything you do...
Great review Chris. Living on less than $900 a month,$60 is a lot of money but not really if you stop and think what you're getting for the money. You only have to buy it one time in your life.
Thanks for the info Prep, I think its worth the 60 bucks for the wife or kid that's just starting to learn. After that you'll always have it in the glove box or emergency kit somewhere. You get the thumbs up.
If you're a good woodsman a little fire on the ground shouldn't scare you, unless it's fire season in the Okanagan (Interior BC Canada, goddamn desert up here), but if your in more temperate climates it shouldn't be a problem.
I looked around in my house, and got 1 inch diameter aluminum pipe that was 8 inch long, a feral rod and some epoxy. then I made one for about $10. the only tool I needed was a hack saw.
But the UST Sparkie, a UST Sparkwheel, a Long Bang brass striker, a Spark Lite, a Zippo Striker with tinder, or a UST Blast Match are all MUCH easier to use one-handed, and you can buy all 6 of them for over $12 less than you can buy one Lightning Strike. It's gimmicky and overpriced beyond sense.
Is it possible the compressed kerosene block would have been harder to light *without* the plastic wrapper? Plastic goes up quite easily and burns pretty good (being a petroleum product)
I don't know if you already have, but you should get a wireless mic with a lapel for your videos or a shogun boom mic with a wind sock. Hit me up if you need more details/ advice.
Gotta say Im impressed with this product. I dont know if its worth 60 clams, but it sure does what its designed to do. That said, fire strikes, flints, ferros, etc are all backup fire-starting devices when your main devices do not work. What should be everyone's main fire-starting device? A Bic lighter.
Thoughts, what does this do that a normal ferro rod does not? there is only one thing that I can see, concentrates the sparks in a small area. Is the ability to concentrate the sparks on a smaller area worth $60 plus shipping? I can't see it saving my life when a bic/normal ferro combo won't
You could probably make one of these yourself for A LOT cheaper. Just buy some aluminum tub and use a drill or dremel tool to make a hole. Huge ass ferro rods can be bought online pretty cheaply as well.
A more compact version would be nice. Five pieces of tinder instead of twenty, a smaller ferro rod, shorter aluminum tube, and I would give buying one some thought.
They do make a mini version, it's the same price. Look at the UST Sparkie, a UST Sparkwheel, a Long Bang brass striker, a Spark Lite, a Zippo Striker with tinder, or a UST Blast Match. All 6 can be purchased for $55.42 which is $12 less than one Lightning Strike, and all 6 are more effective to use one-handed than the LS.
My thoughts on the device? It seemed to work quite well. The concept is well designed if a bit bulky. The price? A little steep, 60 is a bit high, tho to be honest, I thought you were gonna quote a higher price. 40-45 and I would have ordered already. That said even at the listed price, I plan to buy one. A pretty much "sure fire" that is long lasting and replaceable? Worth it, even at that price point IMHO
When price becomes reasonable I may purchase one, but @ $60 I'm holding off, if it hits $30, I'll tell you right now, be getting 5 of these. Good vid though, thanks Just a thought, try metal detector for your lost ferro rod.
Sadly, they probably will outsource it, because if they stay at a price point of $60, they're gonna sink faster than the Titanic, which was another wonderful idea and design, but in any business, specifically this one, if they don't steer right, it's gonna be "Iceberg dead ahead!" for them too. There's too much competition to ask $60 because most people will already have a fire starter that cost much less and will, with a lil more patience, get the same job done, and that extra $ left over in the cost difference can be used for ammo, a spare bow string or something else they might need.
great review. totally agree with your take on it. for emergency kit, pilot, trucker, ect. I think you are right about the production cost. I think if the makers were to license it to a bigger company that has capital and supplies to produce it cheaper they can totally drop that price. It would sell like crazy if you they did that. Holland Guns is that the name? well they should consider it(I think they are considering the "patent pending" written on the side.). hold on guys, I think once the business deals are done it'll hit your major outlets soon.
seen there video and your right this is a small outfit and they just sstarting up. so the price will go down eventualy. great review and one point to consider is the aluminum body is reusable. if the rod wear out you replace it with a refill wish is bringing down the price overall. Great product, pricy but great anyway. thanks for the review. as wingman says quality product come with a price.
This thing looks like the Mercedes of fire starters. Only way to improve on it for me is if it was made out of titanium but that would raise the price 2 fold if nkt more. Whoever came up with this is a genius, it has everything you need, done right and it comes in a nice neat package. Big thumbs up to the guys making this product.
I love how people will spare no expense when it comes to gear like knives and other items, but when it comes to the actual tool that creats the fire, that the other expensive tools were brought to make, they get frugal all of a sudden.
Chris, great video. Looks like an outstanding fire starter. I checked your on-line store, but couldn't locate the item, after looking in quite a few catagories. I'd prefer to purchase it from your store if I can.
I can see the price when you think that you, for the scenario you stated, will only ever buy 1. As something that sits in the bottom of a ghb or bob and will not be used until absolutely needed, the price is not that bad.
From the looks of it, the rod in there has a high magnesia content, and it will wear down quite quickly. You were saying that you have used it for one week, and in the video you are now at about a quarter of the thickness of the rod. Next to the high initial price, what does it cost to replace the rod, if even possible?
Why don't they ship internationally...What would I give, if I could order some things on amazon or knife selling websites, to ship to Germany :/ But nonetheless I think it's a great US made product, and you definitely can rely on that thing. Greetings from Germany, keep up the great work! Tim
so..thanks i will make one out of copper pipe and cork and a solid big ferro rod
"If you can't get a fire started with this thing; don't ever leave the city!" I actually laughed out loud!
Fun review Chris, thanks!
If you own one of these things don’t ever leave the city ha ha
Using a ferro rod is all about technique, that in 2021 is learned by watching good videos and then practicing starting fires. I went out today and bought my first ferro rod for $3.99, after watching about 2 hours worth of bushcraft videos on how to use them. It took me 3 minutes to start my first fire with one, on a paper towel. I then started my second fire on a piece of rotted softwood in about 2 minutes. $3.99 vs $60.00? $3.99 is working just fine for me.
I'm 7 years late to this video, but I wanna say I get this product. There's the $100 BK9, then there's the $300+ BRK Bravo Crusader. Both work incredibly well, it all comes down to preference sometimes. That being said, $60 is quite steep...
You can make this yourself... one piece of copper tubing or steel a bolt a bit of sawing with a iron saw... 10 mins job... im going to make one this weekend...
For me it boils down to two simple questions. Does it work as good as it claims? Is it going to have a massive impact on being able to help me live in a real emergency? If the answers are yes, then its worth twice the asking price, because my life is certainly worth that and more!
Great video, thanks!!
I have a 9 and 6 year old that have one for emergency reasons in their get home bag and for the price of cheap Nikes my sons can use this without any problem or worry. I appreciate the review. Just like all of your reviews I believe you are honest, to the point and I learn every time I watch them.
Thanks
Chris - thanks for the video. Yes, it is pricey at $60, but a combustion source that is nearly 100% dead on reliable in a survival situation, I contend it is well worth the price. Also, I would rather give a U.S. company $60 for a great product than $25 to a Chinese company. Thanks for the video!
Thank you Edmund...I was saddened to see others say ship it over seas...or lets steal the idea and not support the community.
You said it. I didn't want to have to deal with the price do much in the video but I know the market and when there is that much gap people ARE going to bitch.
Buy ONCE cry ONCE!
He came up with a awesome system, as a machinist I can see quality when I see it. It's a little pricey, but you'll only have to buy it once IMHO
At 60 bucks I'm cool with it, but I heard at first it was 200$
So guys, lesson learned. If you want him to review something, just call it "the Jessica of ________"
Won't work. I am the sole determiner of the J-label.
PREPAREDMIND101 Haha lol!
+Leo McKee I think calling it "the Jessica of ______ will work as long as others have brought it up. Chris is "the sole determiner of the J- label" but saying the J-word does seem to make him perk up and listen and at least consider it as a reviewable item.. LOL, it worked this time to get a review and I am glad it did.
How about it Chris? PREPAREDMIND101
Is this a new way of insuring a review of a product? Too Funny.
The sharpens best sharpener is the Jessica of.............. The tungsten carbide field sharpeners
i got a flin & Steel firestarter from ebay for 1$ 3 years ago,i use it very frequently and it still works like its new. and it doesnt look like a outdoor dildo.
Well done sir, you set it up so I was expecting a WAY more outrageous price. 60 Bucks is a bargain compared to the price I was expecting :)
The hardest part about doing a review like this is thinking the product is great but also knowing that 98.4% of the people watching it are going to have a stroke when they hear the price. But maybe that is something they need to see. Give your thoughts on the device and the price separately.
I had seen this product somewhere else and thought the exact same thing you did. "I have to get a couple of those." Then I found the site and saw the price. Too rich for my blood. It doesn't "solve" any problems it just makes things easier.
I wonder if they could get the price down by selling it without the firesteel and without the tinder. The site lists tinder refills as $10 and the rod is prob close to $10 and no manual labor to put things together.
It's the last fire starter you will need. The company probably does not expect repeat customers. Hence one time high price.
When your freezing your ass off, trying to start a fire in the snow or rain, you'll wish you had one....even at $150. Cold sucks! Warm is good!
Here's the thing: I dont feel I personally NEED it, but I think if you laid all ferro-based firestarters out on a table and said "We're dropping you off in the jungle... You get to pick ONLY ONE".... people would choose this one every single time. At least, I think they would if they used it side by side.
Lol lol doing the best that can brother with the dyslexic mind. Love the vids dan
Chris when you were hesitating to tell us how much it costs I was thinking to myself Oh crap this thing is going to be like $200. $60 for a life saving emergency piece of equipment is not a lot of money, it's perfect for a bug out bag. I think I would conserve it, and not pull it out of the bag every time I went out in the woods. You could make it even better if you put a misch metal rod in there, hell that would make it a weapon too. Mike
I use a welders Stryker. Just squeeze and you have Sparks. The enclosed head keeps the Sparks moving toward your tinder.
Bought one a year ago an definitely worth it. I was on the fence for awhile and glad I bought one. Spark is larger than my light my fire and easier to light stuff with.
Not sure if you covered it but a great thing about it, is you can also use it with one arm. Just point it at your tinder, step on it with your foot and strike it with your good arm! Pretty awesome tool!
Pretty awesome waste of money. A UST Sparkie, a UST Sparkwheel, a Long Bang brass striker, a Spark Lite, a Zippo Striker with tinder, or a UST Blast Match will all work MUCH better one-handed to spark a fire, and all 6 combined are $12 less than one Lightning Strike.
My flint and steel with a little bit of char cloth does the trick for me. I get ignition every time. The steel never wears out and you can find chert or quartz everywhere.
I think the video is a bit long for an individual product test. You do well to address all the points you do, but you can surely save about a third of the time. Many things are being said redundantly.
Thanks for your great vids. I'm just getting into these things, appreciate your information.
That happens when you don't script. Scripted videos sound dry and boring to me. I do what I do and the market will decide if they want to watch or not. Many people prefer that because I'm working things out in the fly and not just regurgitating product line items.
PREPAREDMIND101 Yeah, I wouldn't like it if you just read their documentation. It's fine if you don't script. I've seen plenty of people much worse; you're a relatively good presenter.
You're right it is a great product and as such worth the price if you can afford it. I have a work around however, I had an old mini mag flashlight in the garage and I made my own version with a Dremel tool. It's actually more compact and showers sparks even tighter than my actual official Holland Gun brand striker. In addition a belt holster for the mini mag was already on the market.
Well, I hope you are getting a piece of the action. I just went and bought the red one with extra tinder- $70 + unknown shipping until they process the order tomorrow. Good stuff...
I got one. Worth every penny. I like the design. Like you say there are some limitations but it works easily and you can always find it.Got The red color can see it anywhere. Thanks for the info.
Regarding loosing your gear, try a strip or two of reflective tape that matches your gear, you won't loose gear as much and it will identify it as yours and not your friends in a camping trip or something. I like your videos quite a bit, keep up the good work.
"knock it off fire!" he saids while hitting the object on fire into the grass around, not thinking if it could possibly start a fire in the forest that hes in. Good job man
Adam Szpiczynski That "forest" is my old backyard. Its still there.
Wow, what an fucking moron! If the ground caught fire he would have seen it, HE WAS SITTING RIGHT THERE. You think he just has no peripheral vision and he cant see what's happening 45 degrees to the side of him, it was less than five feet away from him, like whatever brush he's in will just combust and burn down everything around him and he's just sitting there not noticing.
I have one, carry it with me every time I go camping/atving. I wouldn't leave home without it... Another plus is that it was made/designed by a Boy Scout and his dad and that helps support them.
Just to be contrary, but that would take up as much space as 6 cheap Bic lighters. Here in the North, we have birch bark so starting a fire is easy without "super tinder" and yes Bics work in extreme cold weather if you keep them next to your body to warm up.
one observation...the set screw requires an allen wrench. set screws can work them selves loose. do you carry a set of allen wrenches in your survival pack? change it to a flat head or include the allen key with the product. otherwise it really is a better mouse trap.
yeah, the price shocked me too but I'm still getting one because it works as soon as you need it, no messing around with anything just fire. it is what it is.
That was a great review of a great product. I had the same reaction when I saw their video and went to buy one on their web site. So before I invested 60.00 + dollars I just had to see a no BS review. Thanks.
Very cool, I like that the striker channel has a stop at the end... With a naked rod It is SO easy to swipe off the end and knock your tinder away from the sparks. This thing is as close to idiot proof as any fire starting method I have ever seen!
Yep. If the skeptics had one in hand they'd think so too. I don't throw the J-word around lightly.
Actually the technique is to hold the striker and pull the rod, so as not to knock ant tinder away. This product suggests doing it backwards.
cchgn
Try doing that with a broken arm or if your hands are too cold to grip the rod or striker... This tool is a life saving device for emergency situations, not to build every fire you will ever start.
Walter Cunniff Really? you spent energy deciding to post that to me? wow, we could sit here try and come up with every little scenario to disclaim every device known to man. Did you invent this device? Do you represent these folks of this device. So now it's just a an emergency device? Really? So for several times the cost of a bic lighter, this is only good for emergencies. Hmm. Btw, if you have a broken arm out in the wild, you have alot more problems than trying to use a striker/ferro rod. Same with if your hands are so cold, that you can't properly use a stiker/ferro rod. Btw, this guy didn't even invent this device. He is testing it, it's not his place to say what the device is meant for. I've been making fires for 40 yrs, when as a young Boy Scout, earned a badge by making a fire and cooking a meal with nothing but a single match. Then went on to join the Marine Corps and learned more ways to start fires. I make and own Compression fire starters and have every means to start a fire. Even this guy says that this device solves the problem of regular striker/ferro rods where the sparks go everywhere except to the tinder. I was addressing that issue. IMO, the reason for that is improper technique of a striker/ferro rod, hence my explanation. Maybe you could provide something we can use, instead of trying to get on her and be pompous, I would have to call you an idiot.
cchgn Lol. I like the fact that you mentioned you were a Boy Scout and earned your Merit Badge for fire making. So did I, almost 40 years ago. Of course, I had been making fires and cooking on them for years before I was a Boy Scout. I spent the first 19 years of my life in a little hamlet called Indian Lake, in the central Adirondack State park, where bushcraft was a way of life. You were in the Marines. I respect that more than you probably know. I spent 8 years in the Army 10th SFG. Yeah, I learned more ways to make fire as well. Everyone knows that a Bic lighter is the most widely used fire starter on the planet. Sometimes they do not work. I have had brand new Bic lighters not work due to freezing temperatures. (When I got home it worked fine) Having a fool proof back up is a good idea. This product, in my opinion, is just that. Anyone can use it with zero training. That makes it an impressive emergency tool. I realize that he is only doing a product review. That is why I watched the video. I wanted to see if the hype matched the product after watching the official product video on their website. As for technique with a fire steel, I find that pinning the tinder under the tip of the rod and striking straight down into it works the best for me. It offers more control over the spark distribution and with proper body placement, blocks most winds from interfering. As for being pompous... That was never my intention. I was merely pointing out that the technique that you use, or even my technique, will not work if you are suffering from hypothermia or an injured limb. Yes you do have more issues than starting a fire if you have a broken limb. However. That fire will afford you the ability to signal for help and treat your injury more completely. Thanks for the return comment.
Walt
Looks great! I can't wait to get my hands on one to give it a try!
I agree with his statement. Even look that with injury or lost of fine movement you could use the device.
I paused the video and went over to amazon to see if they had it. I already figured it would be expensive but honestly didn't expect that. I'm still going to get one, I think it's worth it as well...
Love the review and a great little peace of gear. Thinking out of the box made one great little fire starter. I will definitely be getting one. Two thumbs up on the review, just wish I had one for my trip in the Flint Hills today.
Really looks like an awesome survival tool. Thanks for the info.
I'm not really into the survival thing, but this got my attention for a good two hours of your other videos!! You do a really good job presenting the material. I like how you show the packaging, unless you've lost it. You do seem to lose a lot of stuff. Lol! People like you are why they make lanyards! Good work.
One of our Assistant Scoutmasters received this item as a gift from his son. At a weekend camp out he demonstrated the starter. It worked great. I wanted to see if it would light my MSR Firefly camp stove. We turned on the stove and on the first strike the stove lit. After seeing this I ordered it as soon as I returned home. Not only as a tinder starter it works great on propane stoves. The price is a little high, but this may be the last fire stater I buy.
I have one in my wife's car bag. She doesn't go out or practice near like I do and this is a piece of mind for me, when I'm not around.
one thing I'd be curious about is how water proof the container is. It looks pretty water proof, and I bet it floats well, but that's always a concern of mine. Both my bug out bags are WW era german mountaineer packs with are rubberized super heavy duty canvas for that reason. Have yet to find a modern equal.
I could honestly accept the price for something like an emergency vehicle kit. Alot of people dang near froze this past winter in the south due to those snow storms and being stranded on highways.
Chris, I was watching the video that they have on the company site and was kind of going back and forth whether to get it or not. But then he talked about having an arm injury and used the product one handed to start a fire and that was a seller. Other than a lighter, no other fire starter is going to let you effect fire one handed.
That shit cost $70,,,,A ZipLock bag with some dry news paper and a Bic lighter in your bug out pack would accomplish the same emergency fire starting .... Smart is being effective without spending a bunch of money to be fashionable at the same time.
+jodopeg Piss on your paper, you are probably the kind that trashes the woods..
+jodopeg You're missing the genius logic. By the time the SHTF, your money will be no use so you must spend it all before then and then sit around, preparedly, waiting for it to happen. ta daa
jodopeg lmfao
Agree, too many people rely on "gear". Knowledge is what will save you. Gear gets consumed a.k.a it can only be used so many times (think this ferro rod, it will eventually wear out), or will get lost or stolen or fail. IMO, one of the most important skills to learn is flintknapping. It's nice to have all that stuff, but eventually it won't do you any good.
Hey Chris. First I wanna say that I really appreciate all your videos. Thank you. I recently heard about a Fire Piston. I had no idea they existed until now. Not a lot of people know what they are. I was hoping you could do a review on the "Vulcan Fire Piston". Thanks again for ALL of your insight.
I was checking these out awhile back I seen the father and son doing a video on these and like you said if it is going to save your ass in a life or death scenario there is not a price on your life I totally think it is worth the money
I completely see the quality in this product. Looking at it through the lens of "an air force pilot's survival kit" really helps to put it into perspective. However, I use steel wool and a 9volt and Ive never had an issue starting a fire even in the rain. Just saying, it's a good option and way cheaper.
I like it.. I like the concept and from what I saw I like that it actually works as designed. I ordered one from Amazon for $67.50 and free freight. It doesn't weigh anything so it won't bother me but it will sure start every fire for me.
Thanks for the heads up!
60 bucks is nuts though. This should be 25-30 bucks max.
Saw these on Darrell Holland's site a bit of time ago and was immediately impressed by the design. Took a shot at two, one for each vehicle's emergency kit. (They were only $56 then IIRC.) As you said, Chris. They are bomb proof built and work like a champ. Great addition to my emergency fire/water kit. Not cheap, but neither is hypothermia to deal with...
Another great feature of the Lightening Strike: your striker will never knock your tinder pile over because the striker doesn't leave the aluminum tube. Thanks for the demo, Chris.
+William Burr Very good point!
It looks great, but would be better if it 1) came in bright orange so you could find it easier if you drop it and 2) had a screw on water proof cap for the tinder. The price should start to coming down as more of the less experienced preppers start buying them.
I would love to get some of these and am still considering, but spending $68.80 (which includes shipping) is something I'm going to have to think once, twice, three, ten, twenty times about before I hit the button to purchase.
This company needs to go on Shark Tank and get the price DOWN.
+Susie Q Susie, go on to Amazon and get a UST Sparkie, a UST Sparkwheel, a Long Bang brass striker, a Spark Lite, a Zippo Striker with tinder, and a UST Blast Match. All six of those work MUCH easier with one hand than a Lightning Strike, and all 6 combined will cost you $21 less than 1 Lightning Strike.
Thanks for taking the time to provide all this information. I have 8 Bug Out Bags I'm putting together so you really helped me out.
Susie Q Glad to help. A Bic is still the best way to go. $5 for a four-pack and I know they'll still work after sitting 25 years in a bag, I just tried the ones I put in my mom's 72 hour kit we put together with her in 1988. She just passed away, and I got the bag we put together for her and went through it. Brought a tear or two (or 25) but it was nice to see all those things went unused but still prepared.
Great and well conceived product, easy and safe to use and if the fire rod is done you can replace it easily (naked rods are mostly cheaper than a new firestarter). Well, 60$ (or ~44€)...i think it is worth the price.
Thanks for the review, Chris!
This is truly an amazing product. I got mine in and within minutes I was smiling, this is even *better* than advertised.
“Aim small, miss small.”
It would be interesting to see if they would make a model that is just the striker and ferro rod inside the tube. It might cut down on the price. Then you could just buy their fire starters or use/make your own.
Hit the nail on the head, you're pretty much right about everything you said. I gotta say, though, that I just keep a couple cigarette lighters and stormproof matches in my "oh shit" bag and it's a lot cheaper. And those are for the exact same emergency situation that this fire starter is. Another great review, keep em comin!
Ok im definitely going to make my own and it would not be very hard to make . I will make mine a little smaller so it will be easier to pack i dont need as much fire tinder as that one carries. Mainly its the idea of shooting sparks from a tube . Aluminum or ss tubing and a fire rod with a lanyard hole . I will probably thread the ends with a tap and die and will probably use a bolt and nut or a pin or cotter pin etc...
It's almost perfect except it should have a hex key on the striker just in case the set screw loosens up on you in the field.
Great idea. Great design. If I had the money.. If I was going hunting in, say, Greenland - I would have one in my kit along with an expensive sleepingbag, expencive knife etc.
Im a machinist and could make something similar at work on a manual lathe in way than 1 hour. Plus ,of course a quick mill set up to cut the slot. BUT, I didn't think to. Thats what I like best about product, the design was a great idea. What I dont like as much, with the speed of CNC machines, and cost of aluminum, is the incredible price. They must cost litterally only a few dollars a piece to make, plus the rod and stricker.
I wish it had room to put a bigger diameter rod in but other than that I'm glad I got one.
Looks like you could maybe DIY something similar out of aluminum tubing and an off the shelf ferro rod.....
Thanks for all the effort in this video. Nice job all the way around.
I miss mine already. Going to Survival On Purpose next for his review. As soon as that June paycheck hits I'm going to get a red one. I know its pricey but I actually think it's worth it. Used my Spark Force to light a swedish torch earlier and wished I had that lightning strike. Would have shaved a few minutes and less ferro rod.
very god equipament, excelent
The problem, as with most people these days, is in your technique. Understand the underlying concepts, pay attention to detail and practice, practice, practice! Most of my fires with Flint (the rock) and Steel, ferro, match, etc are ignited with a single strike. Almost all with 5 strikes or less and I use every tinder imaginable. As I've told many people, "If you're flailing away, you're training to fail."
How well does this work wet? Almost everything you lit was designed to be easily lightable in perfectly calm and normal weather. Let's see how this thing works when it's raining and all you have is what is around you. There is no way in the world this thing is worth $60. You could buy 20 bic lighters and seal them in plastic and have enough money left over to buy a case of beer with what you would save. Did you receive any compensation at all for this review?
tarstarkusz I kept the Lightning Strike. Why, you think it's so bad I have to be paid? If I were, so you think they would pay someone to spend half the video dealing with the fact that it's not cheap?
As far as "how well does it work when it's wet?"...
C'mon dude! It's a ferro rod!
It's still the best at what it does. I actually used it in the video going up tomorrow. If this thing cost $20 EVERYONE would have it. The price is getting in the way of accepting that the tool itself is great and does exactly what is designed to do.
+PREPAREDMIND101 Chris, you saw this coming and called it....pay no attention to the morons. I have one and it's worth every penny......Keep the vids coming buddy and thanks again for everything you do...
Great review Chris. Living on less than $900 a month,$60 is a lot of money but not really if you stop and think what you're getting for the money. You only have to buy it one time in your life.
Thanks for the info Prep, I think its worth the 60 bucks for the wife or kid that's just starting to learn. After that you'll always have it in the glove box or emergency kit somewhere. You get the thumbs up.
Chris my nine year old son and his friends, use the Lightning Strike, it is so easy and helps build confidence, it is worth every penny......
If you're a good woodsman a little fire on the ground shouldn't scare you, unless it's fire season in the Okanagan (Interior BC Canada, goddamn desert up here), but if your in more temperate climates it shouldn't be a problem.
I looked around in my house, and got 1 inch diameter aluminum pipe that was 8 inch long, a feral rod and some epoxy. then I made one for about $10. the only tool I needed was a hack saw.
This looks like it would make one-handed operation a hell of a lot easier than most ferro rods.
But the UST Sparkie, a UST Sparkwheel, a Long Bang brass striker, a Spark Lite, a Zippo Striker with tinder, or a UST Blast Match are all MUCH easier to use one-handed, and you can buy all 6 of them for over $12 less than you can buy one Lightning Strike. It's gimmicky and overpriced beyond sense.
Holland's video 'demonstrating' the LS against the competition said all I need to know about the company.
Is it possible the compressed kerosene block would have been harder to light *without* the plastic wrapper? Plastic goes up quite easily and burns pretty good (being a petroleum product)
I don't know if you already have, but you should get a wireless mic with a lapel for your videos or a shogun boom mic with a wind sock. Hit me up if you need more details/ advice.
Ha! I made something similar for my son because his sparks often moss his target! I will have to make a video of him using it.
"Hey.......knock it off, fire!"
Gotta say Im impressed with this product. I dont know if its worth 60 clams, but it sure does what its designed to do. That said, fire strikes, flints, ferros, etc are all backup fire-starting devices when your main devices do not work. What should be everyone's main fire-starting device? A Bic lighter.
Great piece of kit. I would pay the money for a high quality item.
I bought one, it is incredible. I have started some very wet stuff wit it, works great. Highly recommend it.
they now have a mini lightning strike. but both it and the full size still cost 60.00 after 3 years.
wow
this is my 1st look @ this product...
Awesome!
I had mine for 3 years so far love it
The behemoth of a fire starter for sure! I didn't see it do anything a dozen other flint/steel starters haven't.
Thoughts, what does this do that a normal ferro rod does not? there is only one thing that I can see, concentrates the sparks in a small area. Is the ability to concentrate the sparks on a smaller area worth $60 plus shipping? I can't see it saving my life when a bic/normal ferro combo won't
You could probably make one of these yourself for A LOT cheaper. Just buy some aluminum tub and use a drill or dremel tool to make a hole. Huge ass ferro rods can be bought online pretty cheaply as well.
A more compact version would be nice. Five pieces of tinder instead of twenty, a smaller ferro rod, shorter aluminum tube, and I would give buying one some thought.
They do make a mini version, it's the same price. Look at the UST Sparkie, a UST Sparkwheel, a Long Bang brass striker, a Spark Lite, a Zippo Striker with tinder, or a UST Blast Match. All 6 can be purchased for $55.42 which is $12 less than one Lightning Strike, and all 6 are more effective to use one-handed than the LS.
My thoughts on the device? It seemed to work quite well. The concept is well designed if a bit bulky. The price? A little steep, 60 is a bit high, tho to be honest, I thought you were gonna quote a higher price. 40-45 and I would have ordered already. That said even at the listed price, I plan to buy one. A pretty much "sure fire" that is long lasting and replaceable? Worth it, even at that price point IMHO
Awesome video as usual, say where did u find those zip blocks I couldn't find them anywhere ?
When price becomes reasonable I may purchase one, but @ $60 I'm holding off, if it hits $30, I'll tell you right now, be getting 5 of these.
Good vid though, thanks
Just a thought, try metal detector for your lost ferro rod.
Looks like a great design. I wouldn't doubt that in the future someone duplicates it for less money, or the company outsources manufacturing.
Sadly, they probably will outsource it, because if they stay at a price point of $60, they're gonna sink faster than the Titanic, which was another wonderful idea and design, but in any business, specifically this one, if they don't steer right, it's gonna be "Iceberg dead ahead!" for them too. There's too much competition to ask $60 because most people will already have a fire starter that cost much less and will, with a lil more patience, get the same job done, and that extra $ left over in the cost difference can be used for ammo, a spare bow string or something else they might need.
great review. totally agree with your take on it. for emergency kit, pilot, trucker, ect. I think you are right about the production cost. I think if the makers were to license it to a bigger company that has capital and supplies to produce it cheaper they can totally drop that price. It would sell like crazy if you they did that. Holland Guns is that the name? well they should consider it(I think they are considering the "patent pending" written on the side.). hold on guys, I think once the business deals are done it'll hit your major outlets soon.
Great piece of kit !
seen there video and your right this is a small outfit and they just sstarting up. so the price will go down eventualy. great review and one point to consider is the aluminum body is reusable. if the rod wear out you replace it with a refill wish is bringing down the price overall. Great product, pricy but great anyway. thanks for the review. as wingman says quality product come with a price.
This thing looks like the Mercedes of fire starters. Only way to improve on it for me is if it was made out of titanium but that would raise the price 2 fold if nkt more. Whoever came up with this is a genius, it has everything you need, done right and it comes in a nice neat package. Big thumbs up to the guys making this product.
Expensive but great piece of kit, gonna pick one up
Great honest video the product looks awesome but just as you said a little to pricey for some,
I love how people will spare no expense when it comes to gear like knives and other items, but when it comes to the actual tool that creats the fire, that the other expensive tools were brought to make, they get frugal all of a sudden.
Chris, great video. Looks like an outstanding fire starter. I checked your on-line store, but couldn't locate the item, after looking in quite a few catagories. I'd prefer to purchase it from your store if I can.
I can see the price when you think that you, for the scenario you stated, will only ever buy 1. As something that sits in the bottom of a ghb or bob and will not be used until absolutely needed, the price is not that bad.
From the looks of it, the rod in there has a high magnesia content, and it will wear down quite quickly. You were saying that you have used it for one week, and in the video you are now at about a quarter of the thickness of the rod. Next to the high initial price, what does it cost to replace the rod, if even possible?
I may add it to my just gestating bug out bag. Very new to the practice.
Jessica seems to have blue eyes and a spark that sets people on fire. Awesome.
She does. Oh..you meant the Lightning Strike?
seems a great fire starter but it's a bit bulky, plus it looks like a soft rod so how easy is it to get a replacement, and how much would it cost?
Why don't they ship internationally...What would I give, if I could order some things on amazon or knife selling websites, to ship to Germany :/ But nonetheless I think it's a great US made product, and you definitely can rely on that thing. Greetings from Germany, keep up the great work! Tim
A machined aluminum tube? Nicee, the fact it's not cast is a huge sign of quality, even though aluminum is quite easy to mill.