sheath, ferro or no ferro?
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Flint? do you mean ferro rod?
If so, definitely not on it. I use my knife repeatedly throughout the day when in the wood; I use my ferro rod once if that (there being loads of other options to light my one fire a day). Why would I expose the ferro rod to the damp and the potential damage of being on my sheath? It's wrapped away with the rest of my fire starting kit. I have to prepare tinder and kindling as well as fuel for my fire; why on earth do I need 'quick draw access' to the ferro rod?
If so, definitely not on it. I use my knife repeatedly throughout the day when in the wood; I use my ferro rod once if that (there being loads of other options to light my one fire a day). Why would I expose the ferro rod to the damp and the potential damage of being on my sheath? It's wrapped away with the rest of my fire starting kit. I have to prepare tinder and kindling as well as fuel for my fire; why on earth do I need 'quick draw access' to the ferro rod?
I saw that in a Clint Eastwood movie once… I think it was called “A fist full of kindling”.
Thanks, been in the sun all week. Fixed.
I can see it bulking up your waste, interfering.
I’ve only had one sheath with a rod loop and the rod managed to catch and snag branches and stalks all the time. I don’t use one much these days, but mine still resides on a bit of micro cord with a mini striker attached, in a waterproof tin with a couple of chunks of fatwood and other bits of tinder.
Only other one I have is in the excellent value for money Spitfire kit.
www.polymathproducts.co.uk
Only other one I have is in the excellent value for money Spitfire kit.
Spitfire - Pocket Fire Lighting Kit - Polymath Products
The quick and easy way to start fires in all weather conditions.
www.polymathproducts.co.uk
I have one. It came standard on the sheath. I simply wear a shirt, poncho etc over it to avoid snagging. It emotes the protean
Rambo with knife and flint subduing nature and all that rot.
You can also wear a paracord bracelet to secure your street ( or is it woodland game trail) cred.
Rambo with knife and flint subduing nature and all that rot.
You can also wear a paracord bracelet to secure your street ( or is it woodland game trail) cred.
I might be the only one here it seems, but I don't mind the loop and carrying a firesteel on my sheaths, in fact I prefer when there is a choice to have the loop.
I do use knives every day, and although I have experienced snagging, I would rather have my pockets empty and things I need in a bag or on the belt.
I do use knives every day, and although I have experienced snagging, I would rather have my pockets empty and things I need in a bag or on the belt.
Exactly this, it just seems unnecessary to have it on a sheath. I feel the same way about having a sharpening stone on the sheath to, if I need it it’s in my pack or haversack!
I have never had an issue of corrosion, but mine are really hard rods, I prefer them over the softer light my fire versions, which do breakdown.
I have one in my wallet, I never use matches any more, and even light candles using a firesteel.I often have a small backup ferro rod on my knife sheaths. Wrapped in electrical tape under a ranger band for emergency fire lighting.
Just in case.
Regards,
Preper
Bit gimmicky when it comes to a fixed knife I suppose, but when it comes to my SAK that is another matter as I have a pouch for that which keeps all manner of other things handy too.
Ferro rod is a gimmick for gear fetishists. I mean I got one and it's fun, so I'm not throwing shade. But I'd just bring a small BIC or two every time.
The rod meanwhile sheds its volume in oxidation dust every couple of weeks as it basically eats itself.
So yeah, separate if at all.
The rod meanwhile sheds its volume in oxidation dust every couple of weeks as it basically eats itself.
So yeah, separate if at all.
I have two sheaths with slots for a ferro rod; one I use a lot, the other I don't. I cannot understand why I am happy to use one of them but not the other - that's a mystery. Are they worth it? Maybe. I do find it convenient to have my knife and the knowledge that I've also got a firesteel with it when I'm out but, on the occasions that I use a sheath without a ferro rod slot, I can't say I miss it.
It seems that they were a bit of a fad at a time when one might also have a little pouch for your sharpening stone also stitched to your sheath; whether they were useful or not will inevitably be a personal choice, probably borne out of experience and habit.
It seems that they were a bit of a fad at a time when one might also have a little pouch for your sharpening stone also stitched to your sheath; whether they were useful or not will inevitably be a personal choice, probably borne out of experience and habit.
As others have said so well, the matter seems to be more personal choice than anything. I have had both types of sheath but I tend not to carry a ferro rod on the sheath but rather in my pocket, secured to a lanyard by a mini carabiner (Alpkit type) together with my SAK. If I use the rod, it can be easily re-attached and it's kept out of the way and dry all the time.
I don't like any extra weight on my sheath, so that is a key part of my approach. I made myself a knife and a sheath for it with sharpening stone pouch, tinder container and ferro rod loop. That sheath now lives in my spares box as I quickly realised that it was too clunky in the woods: always catching on something and dragging my belt down.
Although it's not a "cool" opinion in some circles, I really like the plastic (?) F1 sheath as a model of efficiency and lightness. It can also be kept clean very easily.
Just my 2d worth.
I don't like any extra weight on my sheath, so that is a key part of my approach. I made myself a knife and a sheath for it with sharpening stone pouch, tinder container and ferro rod loop. That sheath now lives in my spares box as I quickly realised that it was too clunky in the woods: always catching on something and dragging my belt down.
Although it's not a "cool" opinion in some circles, I really like the plastic (?) F1 sheath as a model of efficiency and lightness. It can also be kept clean very easily.
Just my 2d worth.
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