The ultimate fire-starting tool

Forget the exotic and funny ways to start a fire. There are only three reasonable options. Ferro rod, matches, or Bic lighter. They are small and compact. Why not carry the three of them? But of course, for the sake of argumentation, let’s determine which one is the very best, the one that should stay in your pockets, no matter what?

The ferro rod is a favorite among many outdoor people: you can get thousands of strong sparks with it. That’s why it has a place in any survival kit. It works even when it's wet! If you lose the scraper, it’s still possible to get a lot of sparks from it with a sharp object, like the back of a knife. However, a lot of training is needed to be proficient at lighting a fire with it, since it just creates sparks. That’s a limitation. And forget having a younger kid being able to use it. Although useful in competent hands, the ferro rod can’t be considered the number one fire-starting tool. It requires way too much training and optimal fire conditions. That being said, most bushcraft enthusiasts love it, so we are glad to give it the title of the “most edgy fire-starting tool”.

The Bic lighter is small, affordable, ubiquitous. Impossible to ignore that little beast, it works in most weathers, and even wet, it does not take long to dry. It’s easy to use for most people and it creates an OK flame. It’s possible to start hundreds of fires with one lighter. However, it has a weakness, it does not perform well in very cold weather. The mechanism freezes. But, overall, and most of the time, the bic lighter is the “most convenient fire-starting tool” you can use. From all fire-starting tools, it produces a usable flame the fastest, and it can be used with just one hand! Quite a benefit if you were to be injured! It’s the workhorse of firestarters for campfires. But is it the ultimate?

That prize goes to matches. Yes, the old, boring matches. Kitchen matches, waterproof matches, windproof matches, as long as they are quality matches and kept away from water, they are a superior fire-starting tool. They work in any weather and make a strong flame. And what about strike anywhere matches? They are fantastic, strike them on your titanium pot, it is always a fun thing to do! Sure, nobody carries a thousand matches in their pocket, but you don’t need a thousand matches to start a fire, you just need one! They are so simple to use that anyone, even young kids, can start a fire with them, and that’s a serious advantage. Their simplicity and usefulness make them the “most reliable fire-starting tool.” They should have first place in your survival kit.

As always, remember that in practice, the “best of anything” will be the thing you carry with you –and know how to use– in time of need.