I've alway carried "Misch" metal rods or "Fire Steel" in my packs and gear in the back country while hunting, hiking or fishing. We all know all to well, how the weather can go from T-Shirt weather during the days to a cold front and a serious drop in temperature come evening and throughout the nights, especially if winds are involved. Along with combinations of rain and snow, I lost a friend to hypothermia years ago. A guy well versed in the outdoors, raised out in the Great Northwest. His mistake was having no back up fire building devices other than matches.
On one of the knife forums awhile back I found VCM. Vince sells some of the best names in custom knives, he just started doing custom stuff for knives and knife accessories and such. I had Vince build me some classy one of a kind custom "Misch" metal fire starters to compliment some of my custom knives and also to save my hind end in the back country one day, if ever need be.
A piece of steel wool and one of these are better than a match any day, even soaking wet or froze. Something you can bank your azz on. I included the Gene Ingram "Pocket" short cut because it will hang around my neck along with the mini "Misch" rod, I consider them insurance.
Vince's classy touch to "Misch" rods.
From left to right.
Magnum "Misch" rod, 3/8"x5", Sambar Stag handle, Ironwood butt cap, red liner, Wengewood front cap and Sambar lanyard pull.
Mini Magnum "Misch" rod, 5/16"x3" Sambar Stag handle, white center cut Mommoth Ivory butt cap, red liner and Sambar lanyard pull.
Mini "Misch" rod, Sambar Stag handle, safety orange lanyard with a whistle lanyard lock.
Ivory May @ Mammoth "Misch"
