On Sale Now: RECOIL OFFGRID Issue 17

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There’s no feeling like it. Whether inside my local supermarket or at one of those endangered species called a brick-and-mortar bookstore, I get a case of the feels whenever I see a stack of RECOIL OFFGRID magazines on the newsstand. I’m proud of every issue we produce, but my smile might beam a little wider when I spot Issue 17.

Why? Because aside from the really cool (pun intended) cover looking fantastically frigid, it’s layered and insulated with plenty of practical cold weather survival knowledge courtesy of our talented editorial staff and the subject-matter experts who contribute. As the Game of Thrones memes forewarned us, winter has come. Survivalism is hard enough as it is during other times of the year, but throw in freezing temps, heavy snowfall, and bone-numbing wind-chill factor and conditions can be downright fatal. Fortunately, we’ve got your back.

RECOIL OFFGRID magazine Issue 17 preview announcement

In our popular What If? feature, we ask survival instructor Tim MacWelch and others to walk in the shoes of someone who’s injured and stranded in a white expanse, then tell us how they’d get out of that jam. On a related topic, Ryan Houtekamer provides seven survival concepts if you ever need to bug out on foot in a frosty landscape. This outdoors adventurer has more than enough experience in this regard, being part yeti and a Canadian Army veteran who did more than his fair share of military exercises in snow. And our features editor, Rob Curtis, dipped his feet into the world of wool, nylon, and other fun fabrics to bring us a comprehensive buyer’s guide on cold-weather socks.

On that same path, RECOIL OFFGRID sets itself apart from the competition by providing in-depth and honest product reviews. So, in addition to the socks feature, web editor Patrick McCarthy presents buyer’s guides of both collapsible water bottles and miniature flashlights in Issue 17. And, because, you know, he doesn’t have enough work being in charge of this website, I tasked him with reviewing the Shadrach neck knife from DGT and Master Proven for our Hands On column.

This issue is packed with other great features, from the four curious survival uses of an Altoid tin to the top 10 most neglected (but important) preps. We also have an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at SOG Special Knives’ 30th anniversary and a no-B.S. paramedic’s guide to traumatic injuries.

I think this issue is loaded with good stuff. But don’t take my word for it. Look for RECOIL OFFGRID Issue 17 on newsstands or subscribe here. Maybe you’ll get the feels, too.

Review: Viridian TacLoc Holster with ECR Instant-On

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If you’re forced to draw your handgun in a self-defense scenario, the last thing on your mind will be fiddling with the controls on your pistol’s flashlight or laser sight. It’s obvious that you’ll need to see your target clearly and aim your gun accurately, so a flashlight and laser can be very beneficial. However, you may not have time to pause and flip a switch or press a button to activate these items in the heat of the moment. Therefore, it’s common sense to minimize the number of steps between drawing your gun and firing.

Viridian TacLoc Glock gun pistol holster 00

Here’s a photo of the Viridian X5L mounted on a Glock 19 Gen 4.

In Issue 18 of our printed magazine, we review the Viridian X5L pistol-mounted flashlight/laser. To read our complete review of the X5L, pick up a copy of that issue in January 2017. In the mean time, we’d like to discuss a special feature we noticed during testing of this light. The X5L features a system known as Viridian Enhanced Combat Readiness (ECR). When used in conjunction with an ECR-compatible holster, such as Viridian’s own TacLoc design, this allows the X5L to be activated instantly when the gun is drawn.

Viridian TacLoc Glock gun pistol holster 03

Viridian was kind enough to send us a holster along with the X5L, so we’ll take this opportunity to share our thoughts on the Viridian TacLoc holster and ECR system.

Viridian TacLoc Glock gun pistol holster 01

In essence, ECR uses a magnet to activate an internal circuit in a compatible Viridian light/laser — specifically the C5, C5L, and X5L (Gen 2) models. First, turn on the light/laser and change to the desired mode (light only, laser only, light and laser, etc.). Then insert the gun into the TacLoc holster, and the device will power off automatically as the gun locks in place. When you’re ready to draw, depress the holster release, and draw the pistol — the light and/or laser will turn on instantly to its last-used mode.

Viridian TacLoc Glock gun pistol holster 05

Based on our testing, the ECR system works quite well. It reliably illuminated the X5L every time we drew it with no delay. By the time the gun leaves the holster, the device is already on, allowing the user to focus wholly on the most important task: self-defense.

Viridian TacLoc Glock gun pistol holster 07

The only slight hiccup we encountered was that the X5L would occasionally stay lit after re-holstering, but a quick jiggle or bump would activate the magnetic circuit as intended. Regardless, we’d much rather have this issue with the light not turning off than have to worry about the light/laser not turning on reliably. Thankfully, that was never a problem.

Viridian TacLoc Glock gun pistol holster 06

The TacLoc holster includes a paddle, and is compatible with the BLACKHAWK! 3-bolt system. A belt loop is also...

As for the TacLoc outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster, we were pleased with our experience. As you’d expect, this molded Kydex holster fits the Viridian X5L like a glove — after all, it was made by Viridian specifically for the device. The level-two retention lock clicks into place firmly on the Glock, and is easy to release with the index finger for a fluid draw. The TacLoc’s mid-ride placement is comfortable and quick to access, and the $49 MSRP is very approachable.

Viridian TacLoc Glock gun pistol holster 04

If you want a Viridian light/laser with instant-on ECR system but would prefer to BYOH (bring your own holster), that’s also an option. Viridian offers an ECR Instant-On Holster Upgrade Kit for $15. This kit includes everything you need to make your existing holster ECR-compatible.

For more information on the Viridian TacLoc holster and ECR system, check out the video demonstration below, or visit ViridianGreenLaser.com.

Skull Crush Tactical Touring Harley Davidson Saddle Bags

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In the past, we’ve mentioned that a motorcycle can make an excellent bug-out vehicle in certain circumstances. On a bike, you can out-accelerate and out-maneuver other vehicles, or simply weave through small gaps in traffic to escape gridlock in an emergency scenario. Motorcycles are also usually more affordable and fuel-efficient than their automotive counterparts — we could go on, but you get the idea. A bike isn’t always preferable to a car or truck, since you wouldn’t want to ride through a blizzard, but there are many cases when it’s a viable option.

Skull crush motorcyle saddle bag 7

Skull Crush Tactical Touring Saddle Bags are designed to fit Harley Davidson Touring motorcycles. Photo Credit: Harley...

However, when it comes to bug-out bikes, there’s one key issue: carrying all your gear. You can strap on a backpack, but that’s a small amount of gear compared to what would fit in a car trunk or truck bed. If you want more storage capacity on your bike, you’ll need some saddle bags — unfortunately, many standard saddle bags don’t provide adequate organization, or the ability to grab all your gear at once.

Skull crush motorcyle saddle bag 6

Skull Crush has made better use of the saddle bags found on Harley Davidson Touring motorcycles, with its new Skull Crush Tactical Touring Saddle Bags. These soft bags are made of 1000-denier Cordura nylon, and fit neatly inside your Harley’s hard-sided saddle bags. They’re available in six colors: black, tan, ranger green, urban gray, digital desert sand, and MultiCam.

Each Skull Crush Tactical Touring Saddle Bag is constructed with two zippered compartments, and a padded flooring to protect your gear. One inner wall is lined with hook-and-loop material, so you can stick on other gear, such as pouches and holsters. Both outer side panels include PALS webbing, allowing the addition of  a near-endless variety of MOLLE-compatible gear.

Skull crush motorcyle saddle bag 1

A heavy-duty handle allows you to grab the entire contents of a saddle bag in one hand, and carry it with you. This makes these a good choice for luggage duffel bags, range bags, LE duty bags, go-bags, or medical kits.

Skull crush motorcyle saddle bag 2

All Tactical Touring Saddle Bags are made in the USA, and they include a lifetime warranty. These bags are sold individually for $130, or in pairs for $225. For more information, visit SkullCrush.com.

Threat Identification Infographic: Handgun Concealment “Tells”

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One of the most important aspects of any self-defense system is situational awareness. By paying close attention to your surroundings, and knowing which warning signs to look for, you can see a potential attacker coming and prepare yourself for quick action. Without situational awareness (SA) you might end up oblivious to threats right in front of your nose, and be blindsided by a sudden attack. Even if you’re a trained martial artist or shooter with years of combat training, you’re automatically at a disadvantage when your attacker has the element of surprise.

Carrying a concealed weapon is an excellent tool for self-defense. However, concealed weapons are also sometimes carried by dangerous criminals, muggers, and thugs. So, in order to avoid being taken by surprise when a malicious individual draws a handgun, it’s helpful to be aware of anyone in your vicinity who might be carrying. Even if that individual ends up not being a threat, it’s wise to keep an eye out at all times.

handgun-in-holster

In poker, a “tell” is an unconscious action that may reveal an opponent’s true intentions. Similarly, there are many identifiable “tells” that might give away someone attempting to conceal a weapon. Keep in mind that many of these tells are far more subtle if the individual is equipped with adequate training, a high-quality holster, and appropriate clothing. Fortunately for us, most bad guys won’t bother with those formalities, so their tells may be much easier to spot.

The following threat identification infographic was created by Megan Jaegerman with input from former NYPD detective Robert T. Gallagher. It shows a few common mistakes made by individuals attempting to conceal a handgun. Law enforcement officers are often trained to spot these behaviors, and with a little practice, you can learn to identify them too. (Click here for a full-size version of this infographic.)

Concealed handgun infographic firearm pistol 1

We should also mention that this guide works both ways: if you carry a concealed weapon, you should be careful not to exhibit these behaviors. Otherwise, an attacker might notice you’re carrying a weapon when you’re trying to remain discreet. Also, even with a proper holster, printing through clothing can be a giveaway. Click here to read more about the importance of printing from our friends at RECOILweb.com.

Survival Tip: A Better Way to Strike a Ferro Rod

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Some tools seem so intuitive that we never really think about the way we use them. For example, when was the last time you contemplated alternate ways to use a flashlight or a pair of scissors? They’re pretty straightforward tools, and we’ve all seen them used a certain way a thousand times, so we usually go into auto-pilot mode when we pick up these items.

Ferro rod fire steel 01

For survivalists, a ferrocerium or ferro rod fire starter is another ubiquitous implement. You can pick it up in one hand, grab a sharp-edged striker in the other hand, and swipe the striker along the rod, showering your tinder bundle with sparks. Simple enough — we’ve seen dozens of people do it this way over the years, and it tends to be at least reasonably effective. However, there may be a better way to strike a ferro rod.

Ferro rod fire tinder trick 2

Striking downward against the top of the rod scatters sparks inconsistently.

The first key to improving your rod’s effectiveness is to move the ferro rod, not the striker. This prevents pushing the striker into your tinder, and disturbing or scattering the pile. Manufacturers of ferro rods will typically give you this information in their instructional guides, such as this guide from Coghlan’s. However, there’s another useful tip you should learn, seen in the video below:

Outdoorsman and YouTube video creator Clay Hayes posted this short video, and it shows a second modification to the striking technique. By holding the striker underneath the ferro rod and pulling the rod backwards, sparks are directed into the center of the tinder bundle. When using the top side of the rod, these sparks tend to scatter, making it harder to light the fire.

So, next time you whip out your ferro rod, think twice about how you’re striking it. It might save you some time and energy as you light your campfire.

Medical Trauma Treatment: Stories of Combat Survival

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Disclaimer: This story is not a detailed guide on emergency first-aid methods. Do not attempt to perform these techniques without first receiving professional paramedic or first-aid training.

Editor’s Note

In Issue 17 of the print edition of RECOIL OFFGRID magazine, we presented an exclusive interview with “LEGO,” an active-duty special operations combat medic who shared his experience with contributor Andrew Schrader. In that interview, titled “The No-B.S. Paramedic Guide”, LEGO conveyed how to handle the three most common traumatic injuries: blunt head trauma, blunt abdominal trauma, and penetrating trauma. Pick up a copy of Issue 17, on shelves starting December 2nd, 2016, to read the full article.

Because LEGO is still active-duty we can’t disclose his identity or unit affiliation, but we’ve confirmed that he has been deployed a sh*t-ton of times in various combat zones throughout the world. As a supplement to that feature, we’re presenting two more of his harrowing adventures and the lessons preppers can learn from them.

Blunt Abdominal Trauma

One crush injury I worked on happened when the road gave way and one of our HMMWVs (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) rolled off a canal bank. Luckily the mud bank was soft enough that he didn’t get pinched in half. If it weren’t such a serious situation, it would have been comical seeing him pressed into the mud like Wile E. Coyote.

“Medevac was a good one to two hours off.”

 
With any injury, you have to assess the airway, breathing, and circulation first. You always want to establish baseline vitals. These help you identify how bad off they are and if your treatments are working. In my case, the individual had broken ribs and had internal bleeding. I took baselines and called in for medevac. In your case, you would have someone call 911 while you continue to treat. The earlier you can get help to you, the better his or her chances for survival.

Since we weren’t on target yet, medevac was a good one to two hours off.

Once I checked that his airway was fine — I could tell by the screaming — I started addressing circulation. When you know medevac can be delayed, blood can become more important than everything else because you can’t get it back. If it’s going to be more than an hour, address flowing bleeding first, even if it’s simply slapping on a tourniquet and converting it to a pressure dressing later.

After I put a quick dressing on his visible bleed, I addressed his breathing. I noted it was starting to become labored, and as I checked his ribs I noted that several were broken. He had what we call a flail chest. That’s where three or more ribs are broken in two or more places. It has a very distinct look; the section that is fractured moves opposite of the rest of the ribcage during breathing.

To address breathing, I put a small 500ml IV bag over the fracture portion and then wrapped it in ACE wrap. With any kind of fracture you want to limit movement by splinting it. The weight on the flailed section prevents it from moving and causing more damage (i.e. more bleeding). You can use duct tape or ACE wrap too if that is all you have. (Editor’s note: We’ve been told that MRE bags also work well for this purpose, as well as for sealing sucking chest wounds.)

Head Trauma

I’ve had several instances where I’ve had to deal with head trauma in the field. Everything from HMMWVs rolling over to treating blast injuries that threw people to the ground. But the one that sticks out in my head where I made a critical difference was where a teammate peeled off a fast rope and fell out of a helo [helicopter] head first, burning into the ground like a lawn dart from 25 feet up.

He was completely unconscious by the time I got to the ground, and I noticed when I reached him that he hit hard enough to crack his Pro-Tec helmet. With smelling salts he came to and was alert. He kept telling me he was fine and he answered all of my questions without any problems. As a precaution, I stabilized his spine and put him on oxygen. Oxygen, if you have it, helps reduce swelling.

“as the brain swells the patient will get agitated.”

 
We were a good hour drive from the nearest hospital and the helos had already left because they were out of fuel.

At first my focus was on his spine, but after a detailed neurological exam I could see that wasn’t an issue. It was only because of the constant level-of-consciousness checks I provided that I was able to start identifying a problem.

He started to get combative, almost like the questions and treatments were frustrating him. This is a huge sign you have an issue because as the brain swells the patient will get agitated. He was now only correctly answering two or three questions of the simple questions I had been asking him. I upped the O2 and changed his positioning so that his head remained above his heart. When I got to the E.R. the nurse seemed lethargic given the urgency of the situation. Even though I was stomping my feet and trying to relay the fact he was decompensating, they had not even called the doctor over yet. I was pissed at the lack of urgency.

I made such a fuss that a passing surgeon in the hallway stopped and came into the room just in time to see my teammate go from answering the nurse’s questions to going into a full seizure. It just so happened that the doctor passing by happened to be the only neurosurgeon in the country and was seconds from leaving to get on a flight out.

After surgery and an induced two-week coma, he recovered fully. In short, by doing what I could do to reduce swelling and recognizing the shift in condition from his baseline, along with the ability to convey the information, was the key that saved his life. The doctor told me later that my teammate was 10 minutes from never waking up again.

The next time I saw him, he was getting out of the military to become a preacher. I guess he saw the light.

Making a Paracord Ball Keychain

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Have you ever seen paracord woven into a ball, and wondered how it’s done? Making a simple knot lanyard is easy enough, but creating a sphere from a single strand of paracord is much less intuitive. These spherical paracord formations are often called monkey fist or monkey paw knots, and they can be created using cord alone or with a round stone, marble, ball bearing at the center.

Here's one traditional method for tying a monkey's fist knot.

Here’s one traditional method for tying a monkey’s fist knot. Other decorative methods are also available.

These ball knots have a variety of potential uses:

  • Making the end of a rope easier to throw across gaps, such as those between a ship and dock. This is called a heaving line, and often contains an added weight at the center of the knot.
  • Anchoring a line during rock climbing by jamming the knot in a crack. Rarely used by modern climbers due to safety concerns.

Paracord ball keychain weave knot 6

  • Serving as a button closure for a bracelet, by passing the knot through a loop. See this guide from Paracord Forum for more details.
  • Easy-to-grab zipper pulls or keychains.
  • Decoration or ornamentation on the end of a line.
  • With a heavy metal weight at the center, for swinging use as a self-defense weapon.
Paracord ball keychain weave knot 2

The loose formation of a paracord ball knot. See video below.

There are a number of variations on the monkey fist knot. In the below video from Paracord Knots on YouTube, the host shows a silent demonstration of how to tie a small paracord ball keychain. This version contains no weight or marble at the center, but it would be possible to add one before tightening the knot.

Trench Foot Treatment & Prevention

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If you’re planning to spend time outdoors this winter, you’ll need to be cautious of frostbite and hypothermia due to the cold conditions. However, there’s another more insidious medical problem to be watchful for: trench foot. Also known as immersion foot syndrome, trench foot is a harmful condition caused by prolonged exposure to damp, cold, and/or unsanitary conditions. If left untreated, it may cause loss of blood flow, numbness, open sores, fungal infection, and tissue decay (necrosis) which may force amputation of the foot or leg.

Photo of logs burning in a campfire.

You might be thinking, “trench foot only happens to soldiers living in cold muddy trenches, right?” While the name of the condition originated in World War I as a result of those conditions, it’s not restricted to winter. The related condition of tropical immersion foot (or “paddy foot”) afflicted many soldiers during the Vietnam war, despite temperatures of 70°F and up. Trench foot is also not restricted to wartime environments, and frequently affects hikers, mountain climbers, and backpackers. It has even affected attendees of a particularly rainy music festival.

Here’s an interesting 5-minute documentary segment from the BBC, which briefly addresses the initial causes of and solutions to trench foot during World War I:

British physician and bacteriologist Almroth Wright made tremendous progress in trench foot treatment by cleaning the wounds thoroughly, then leaving them open to the air to heal naturally. This contradicted the older practice of pouring antiseptic into the infected wound, and immediately closing or covering it. The key cause of trench foot is excessive moisture, so allowing the feet to breathe and dry out was a game-changer at that time.

Black and white photo of Almroth Wright. Wright advanced treatment of trench foot by allowing patients' feet to breathe and dry.

Almroth Wright advanced treatment of trench foot by allowing patients’ feet to breathe and dry.

In modern times, we have a better understanding of trench foot. Since it begins as a result of prolonged exposure to moisture, and is accelerated by cold temperatures and bacteria/fungi, the best preventative measure is to keep feet dry, warm, and clean. In heavy rain or snow, this can be difficult, but regular foot inspection is essential to watch for initial symptoms — numbness, tingling, swelling, and pain. Even waterproof boots aren’t a sure fire fix — while they can keep out external moisture, they may also trap in sweat, leading to maceration and softening of the skin.

Trench foot boot immersion medical water 2

The introduction of wooden “duckboards” helped keep soldiers’ feet out of the mud and moisture during...

If these initial symptoms are spotted, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends trench foot treatment via applying warm packs or soaking in warm water (102° to 110° F) for approximately 5 minutes. Medical attention should be sought if symptoms continue to worsen.

Trench foot boot immersion medical mud 3

The effects of trench foot on an unidentified soldier during WWI. Source: Library and Archives Canada, PA-149311 /...

Even if no symptoms are present, the following preventative measures should always be taken if you’re spending time in a wet environment:

  • Thoroughly clean and dry feet at least once per day, or multiple times throughout the day if possible.
  • Put on clean, dry socks daily. If no fresh socks are available, air-dry your existing socks or place them near a fire to dry.
  • Do not wear socks when sleeping or resting. Allow your feet to breathe and dry out. However, keep them warm and be cautious of frostbite.

For more information on trench foot treatment and prevention, read the CDC Disaster Recovery Fact Sheet on trench foot or immersion foot.

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Zombie Tools Limited-Edition Bushlicker Knife

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With a name like Zombie Tools, you might expect this Montana-based team of bladesmiths crafts weapons that look cool but are impractical for survival use. Fortunately, that’s not the case — Zombie Tools blades may look good, but they can also take a beating in the real world. The company has continued to prove this point by unveiling knives that emphasize practicality, while retaining the unique battle-worn ZT aesthetic.

The Zombie Tools elves are hard at work finishing a backlog of blade orders before Christmas.

The Zombie Tools elves are hard at work finishing a backlog of blade orders before Christmas.

A few weeks ago, we wrote about the redesigned Zombie Tools Para Bellum, a slight twist on the traditional Filipino bolo knife. More recently, ZT has announced the release of another practical blade, known as the Bushlicker. The innuendo-laced name fits right in alongside other creatively-dubbed ZT blades like the Traumahawk and D’Capitan. However, the Bushlicker is substantially different from most previous ZT blades in a number of key areas.

Zombie tools bushlicker bushcraft knife 1

The Bushlicker is ZT’s very first bushcraft knife, designed with a simple and useful blade size and profile. The short, upswept belly is ideal for carving wood and skinning game, while the hard-edged spine serves as a ferro rod striker. Rather than ZT’s typical leather-wrapped aluminum handle scales, this knife uses black G10 laminated onto a red Kydex liner on each side of the full-tang handle.

Zombie tools bushlicker bushcraft knife 2

Speaking of materials, there’s another first for ZT: a departure from 5160/6150 spring steel. All previous ZT blades have been made of these forms of steel, but the Bushlicker is different. This little blade uses German 80CRV2, which in ZT’s words is “tough as f**k” and “will outlive you”. The blade can be carried into the wilderness in its included black leather sheath, which is embossed with the ZT logo. Here are the rest of the key specs:

  • Total Length: 8.5 inches
  • Blade Length: 4.25 inches
  • Handle Length: 4.25 inches
  • Steel Width: 0.165 inches
  • Weight: 8 ounces
  • MSRP: $275

Zombie tools bushlicker bushcraft knife 3

Finally, the ZT Bushlicker knife is the company’s first limited-edition blade. Only a few dozen have been produced for release this holiday season, and the knife will only be available for purchase while this supply lasts. Once they’re gone, the Bushlicker will be no more. The upside is that unlike standard-production ZT blades, these are not being made-to-order, and are therefore ready to ship immediately. So, you can still pick one up before Christmas.

For more info on the Zombie Tools Bushlicker bushcraft knife, go to ZombieTools.net.

Understanding Ferrocerium: What It Is & How it Works

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Ferrocerium — it’s a word that sounds like it should describe the contents of a pill bottle from the drug store, rather than a tool in your survival kit. Adding to this confusion, ferrocerium rods or “ferro rods” are referred to and associated with a myriad of other terms: fire steel, metal match, magnesium rod, mischmetal, Auermetall, flint, or artificial/man-made flint. A quick search on Amazon.com reveals products with various combinations of these names.

So, what the heck is ferrocerium, and how does it work?

Ferrocerium ferro rod fire starter flint magnesium 1

Baron Carl Auer von Welsbach, inventor of ferrocerium. Source: Wikipedia

The substance now called ferrocerium was invented in 1903 by Austrian scientist Baron Carl Auer von Welsbach, pictured above. Welsbach was experimenting with types of mischmetal — that is, combinations of rare earth elements, such as cerium, lanthanum, and neodymium. Cerium was especially notable for its low ignition temperature.

Ferrocerium ferro rod fire starter flint magnesium 3

Cerium is a rare earth metal that is an essential element of ferrocerium. Source: Wikipedia / images-of-elements.com

When Welsbach mixed a combination of 70% cerium and 30% iron, he noticed the resulting alloy gave off sparks when scratched. When ferrocerium is struck by a hard and sharp object, such as a carbon steel blade, tiny shavings are oxidized and ignited by the friction of the striker and burn at 3,000°C/5,430°F.

Chemistry students may remember that iron compounds use the prefix ferro due to iron’s Latin name ferrum. Therefore, this new iron-cerium alloy was called ferrocerium. Some European countries still call the material Auermetall after the baron’s first name.

Modern ferrocerium typically appears as a cylindrical metal rod.

Modern ferrocerium typically appears as a dark-colored metal rod.

Later on, Welsbach added other metals to ferrocerium in order to fine-tune its properties. Lanthanum created brighter sparks, and other metals made the alloy harder and more durable. Since then, material scientists have continued to modify the recipe, producing a substance with the following approximate makeup:

  • 30% Iron
  • 35-50% Cerium
  • 25% Lanthanum
  • Small amounts of neodymium, praseodymium, and magnesium
Ferrocerium ferro rod fire starter flint magnesium 4

The DGT Shadrach knife contains a mini ferrocerium rod. See Issue 17 for a full review.

Notice that ferrocerium contains magnesium. However, it’s inaccurate to call the alloy a “magnesium fire starter” due to the extremely small amounts it contains (about 2%). Actual magnesium bar fire starters contain a large block of pure magnesium, which can be shaved and ignited with a ferro rod.

This magnesium bar contains an embedded ferro rod, but the rest of the bar is pure magnesium.

This magnesium bar has an embedded ferro rod, but the rest of the bar is pure magnesium tinder material.

It’s also technically inaccurate to call ferrocerium “flint” because it has no chemical relationship with the rock/mineral of the same name. However, since both ferro rods and flint rocks spark when struck against steel, ferrocerium is often called flint or artificial flint. The “flint” insert in a Zippo lighter, for example, is just a tiny piece of ferrocerium.

Flint and other hard minerals can be used to create sparks, but are unrelated to ferrocerium.

Flint, chert, quartz, and other hard minerals can be used to create sparks, but are unrelated to ferrocerium.

Not even the name “fire steel” is technically accurate, since ferrocerium contains no carbon steel, only iron or iron oxide. “Fire iron” would be a more appropriate name, but doesn’t quite have the same ring to it.

No matter what you call it, ferrocerium is an excellent tool for fire-starting in survival situations. This time-tested alloy generates showers of white hot sparks on demand, and is worthy of a place in just about any survival kit.