No problem. It's easy to waste.. I mean, spend some time there
A ferro is a ferro is a ferro. I have used ferros from 9 different companies. The differences (harder vs softer) are too negligable to matter. If anything, softer are more reliable, can be used with more tinders and work better with marginal tinders. Still, the difference is minor. Therefore cheaper = better.
I find that the two most significant factors in success with a ferro are the skill of the user and the scraper. (Strikers are used with flint the rock, scrapers are used with ferros.)
My fave is the UST Spark Force. (UST's Strike Force is just as good, just a lot bulkier.) The Spark Force can be EDC'd on a keyring, comes with a fantastic carbide steel scraper that generates world class sparks and is only $4.35 USD here:
http://www.manventureoutpost.com/pro...er-Orange.html
My second favorite is the 1/2" x 5" for $7-8 USD on eBay sold by comelili or axeprice (same company). A bit bulky but will last quite a while.
On a side note, handles come off of ferros sooner or later. Any handle that has been pinned or duct tape as the handle have worked best for me.
Victory awaits the one, that has everything in order - luck we call it
Defeat is an absolute consequense for the one that have neglected to do the necessary preparations - bad luck we call it
(Roald Amundsen)
Bumbling Bushcraft on Youtube
Nordisk Bushcraft - The Nordic bushcraft blog and forum
Mors says that birch handles never come off. I'll add juniper to that list. I have a couple of knife blanks I've been meaning to handle and juniper is far more common than birch around here. Worse case I can always pin them. Thanks!
I get the big 1/2 x 5 inch ones for $8 on eBay from China and 3/8 x4 from eBay as well in 2 pack for $10 shipped
I would add museum gift kiosks...thats where I got mine :-)
Also medieval and viking age festivals etc.
Victory awaits the one, that has everything in order - luck we call it
Defeat is an absolute consequense for the one that have neglected to do the necessary preparations - bad luck we call it
(Roald Amundsen)
Bumbling Bushcraft on Youtube
Nordisk Bushcraft - The Nordic bushcraft blog and forum
Evil bay for me, but I am now using the magnesium with ferro rod combination.
Alan
By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.(Benjamin Franklin)
Just bought 2 off of Ebay with magnesium for about £1 each. They chucked in a free poncho.