Fire Steel

While ordinary lighters and matches quickly reach their limits in wind, moisture, and cold, a fire steel can be used to ignite a fire quite easily even under extremely adverse conditions. Therefore, these equally compact and robust survival tools are essential equipment for many outdoor professionals.

At Meister Messer, you will find high-quality fire steels for your next adventure in nature, designed for up to 20 000 ignitions and sometimes equipped with practical additional features such as a screwdriver. In the following guide, you will also learn what to look out for when buying a fire steel.

What is a fire steel and how does it work?

A fire steel - also known as a fire starter - is a handy tool in the form of a rod or block that allows you to generate sparks and ignite a fire. Depending on the design, the survival tool is made of either carbon-rich steel, magnesium, or Auermetall III - a cerium-iron alloy, also known as ferrocerium. In addition to the ignition rod, a steel scraper is usually included in the delivery, which you need for making fire.

When you rub the scraper from top to bottom over the fire steel, sparks are created, whose temperature can sometimes reach several thousand degrees Celsius. When these sparks hit tinder such as dry grass or wood shavings, a fire quickly ignites. The best option is cotton tinder, which can also be made by yourself. However, you can also use the blunt back of a knife to scrape off the metal or magnesium shavings.

However, keep in mind that fire steels are usually coated with a protective layer that you must scrape off before the first use in order for the tool to function reliably. To ensure a strong spark, you should position the scraper at a 30 to 45 degree angle against the fire steel and pull it across the steel with sufficient pressure. If the angle is too shallow, sparks are often insufficient.

Buy a fire steel: These variables are important

Even though a fire steel is a relatively simple designed outdoor tool, the versions offered in the market still differ in the details. To find your personal fire steel test winner, you should pay attention to the following purchasing criteria:

• Size and Weight: Fire steels are generally very compact. Many models can be easily carried on the keychain. Their weight usually ranges between 50 and 100 grams. However, Meister Messer also offers particularly handy fire steels that weigh just 20 to 30 grams. For longer outdoor tours, larger versions are especially suitable, which are very durable.
• Number of ignitions: Fire steels wear out over time. Therefore, it is recommended to pay attention to the manufacturer's specifications. Some models are designed for only 1 000 or 2 500 ignitions, while others are suitable for significantly more than 10 000 ignitions. The latter are particularly suitable for outdoor enthusiasts who are frequently on the go in nature.
• Material: Whether you opt for a fire steel made of carbon steel or Auermetall III, or choose a magnesium block – all types of fire steels reliably produce sparks. With ordinary steel rods, the sparks reach a temperature of around 1 500 degrees Celsius. Models with magnesium alloy, on the other hand, generate sparks with a temperature of up to 3.000 degrees Celsius, while fire steels made of Auermetall can even reach temperatures of over 5.000 degrees Celsius.
• Additional features: Some fire steels offer you additional functions. On Meister Messer, for example, you will find models with an integrated compass and versions that can also be used as screwdrivers, bottle openers, and/or striker pins.

Order fire-making equipment cheaply at Meister Messer

Are you planning an outdoor trip and looking to buy a fire steel? For Swiss customers, Meister Messer is the right contact for that. However, our range not only includes numerous fire steels, but also lighters and matches designed for outdoor use. Of course, you can also get the appropriate tinder and various fire starters in the Meister Messer online shop – So take a look at the range now and easily and securely order everything you need to make a fire.