Best Metal Fire Starters of 2025

Arlen Smith Avatar
Arlen Smith
Last Updated: Jan 6, 2025

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Metal fire starters are an essential tool for any outdoor enthusiast. These compact devices are made from durable materials, such as magnesium or ferrocerium, and are designed to create sparks that can ignite a fire in even the most challenging conditions. Metal fire starters are lightweight and easy to use, making them an ideal choice for hikers, campers, and survivalists. They are also a great addition to any emergency kit, as they can be used to start a fire even in wet or windy conditions. With their reliability and portability, metal fire starters are a must-have for anyone who enjoys spending time in the great outdoors.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

PSKOOK Fire Piston Survival Kit Cover #TOP 1
PSKOOK Fire Piston Survival Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.8
3 Pieces A.I.FORCE Magnesium Fire Starter Rods Cover #TOP 2
3 Pieces A.I.FORCE Magnesium Fire Starter Rods
ftb score rating icon 9.7
West Lake Tactical Pack of 8 Ferrocerium Rods Cover #TOP 3
West Lake Tactical Pack of 8 Ferrocerium Rods
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Metal Fire Starters

#TOP 1

PSKOOK Fire Piston Survival Kit

PSKOOK1
PSKOOK Fire Piston Survival Kit Cover
PSKOOK Metal Fire Piston Educational Campers/Survival/Preppers Scientific Lesson

The PSKOOK Fire Piston Survival Kit is a classic, durable fire starter that uses air energy change from physics experiments to cause instantaneous combustions. This compression ignition fire starter is equipped with 2 dual O-rings on the plunger for added compression, making it one of the top-performing fire pistons on the market. Additionally, it can serve as an educational tool for high-school students to demonstrate fire principles and skills. However, adult supervision is necessary to ensure safety.

What We Like
Durable and reliable fire starter
Uses air energy change to cause instantaneous combustion
Equipped with 2 dual O-rings for added compression
#TOP 2

3 Pieces A.I.FORCE Magnesium Fire Starter Rods

Mg Bar
3 Pieces A.I.FORCE Magnesium Fire Starter Rods Cover
3 Pieces Magnesium Fire Starter Rods, 99% High Purity Magnesium Metal Rod, 3.5" x 0.63" – Ideal Mg Fire Starter for Survival, Emergency Sparks, Outdoor Camping Hiking (900mm x 16mm)

The A.I.FORCE Magnesium Fire Starters are a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts. You receive three high-purity magnesium rods that are easy to handle, thanks to their smooth, rounded ends. Their compact size means you can take them anywhere, making them perfect for camping and hiking. These rods are designed to create bright sparks even in wet conditions, ensuring you can start a fire whenever needed. Plus, they are versatile enough for various applications, from outdoor adventures to DIY projects, providing you with reliable fire-starting capabilities.

What We Like
High purity for efficient ignition
Compact and lightweight design
Versatile for outdoor and industrial use
Easy to maintain and use
#TOP 3

West Lake Tactical Pack of 8 Ferrocerium Rods

Black
West Lake Tactical Pack of 8 Ferrocerium Rods Cover
West Lake Tactical Pack of Eight (8) 5/16" DIY Ferrocerium (Ferro) Rods Flint Fire Starter Magnesium Tool Kit AKA Firesteel, an Essential Part of Any Survival Kit

The West Lake Tactical Pack of Eight (8) 5/16" DIY Ferrocerium Rods Flint Fire Starter Magnesium Tool Kit is an essential part of any survival kit. This pack of eight rods is lightweight, easy to use, and reliable, making it the perfect emergency fire starter for bushcraft, hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, EDC, emergency, BBQ, gas camp stoves, and more. The composition of West Lake Tactical Ferrocerium rods makes them highly effective, waterproof, weatherproof, and works in any weather condition.

What We Like
Comes with 8 rods
Compact and lightweight
Instant fire starter even in wet conditions
#TOP 4

Yuauy Fire Starter Flint Lighter

HCH-001x10
Silver
Yuauy Fire Starter Flint Lighter Cover
Yuauy 10 Pcs Emergency Hiking Survival Camping Fire Starter Flint Metal Match Lighter Matchbox Fire Starter for Camping Outdoor

The Yuauy Fire Starter is an essential tool for outdoor enthusiasts. Before using it, you only need to add a small amount of fuel, making it easy to prepare. Weighing just 17 grams and compact in size, it’s perfect for carrying on hikes or camping trips. Made from durable stainless steel and tough metal, this fire starter performs well even in wet or cold conditions. With a remarkable capability of at least 15,000 strikes, it ensures you’ll have a reliable source of fire, whether for campfires, stoves, or barbecues.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel construction
Compact and lightweight design
Reliable in wet or cold conditions
Long-lasting with 15,000 strikes
#TOP 5

Yuauy 5 Pcs Fire Starter Kit

HCH-001
Yuauy 5 Pcs Fire Starter Kit Cover
Yuauy 5 Pcs Emergency Hiking Survival Camping Fire Starter Flint Metal Match Lighter Matchbox Fire Starter for Camping Outdoor

The Yuauy Fire Starter is an essential tool for outdoor enthusiasts. Before using it, adding a small amount of fuel ensures optimal performance. Weighing only 17 grams, it’s compact and easy to carry on your hiking or camping trips. Made from durable stainless steel and tough metal, this fire starter functions perfectly in wet or cold conditions, making it reliable in any weather. With a premium magnesium core, it can provide at least 15,000 strikes, offering you peace of mind during emergencies or when you need to ignite campfires and stoves.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Durable in any weather
Long-lasting strikes
Easy to ignite fires
#TOP 6

BIASTNR Permanent Match Lighter

Black
BIASTNR Permanent Match Lighter Cover
BIASTNR Permanent Match Emergency Lighter, Metal Matchstick Fire Starter Keychain, Reusable Survival Fire Starter Lighter Striker Stick Kit for Camping Hiking, black

The BIASTNR Match Lighter is a versatile tool that combines a permanent flint lighter, a beer bottle opener, and a keychain all in one compact design. This makes it an essential companion for camping, hiking, or any outdoor adventure. You’ll appreciate its reliable performance, even in wet or cold conditions. Its high-quality construction ensures durability, so you can confidently carry it on your travels. Just remember to add a small amount of fuel before first use, allowing it to soak for a couple of minutes. This handy tool is perfect for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors.

What We Like
Multi-functional tool
Durable construction
Reliable in harsh conditions
Compact and lightweight
#TOP 7

DLHONORV Flint Match Keychain Lighter

Silver
Black and Silver
DLHONORV Flint Match Keychain Lighter Cover
DLHONORV Flint Match, Fire Starter Metal Bottle Opener Key Ring Kerosene Fillable Lighter Gift Outdoor Emergency Lifesaving Equipment(Kerosene not Include)(Silver)

The DLHONORV Flint Match Lighter is a versatile tool designed for outdoor enthusiasts. It combines a reliable flint lighter, a convenient bottle opener, and a keychain, making it perfect for camping, hiking, or other adventures. You can count on its durability, as it can ignite over 10,000 times, even in wet or chilly conditions. To use it, simply fill it with kerosene and allow the cotton core to absorb the fuel for a few minutes. This practical tool ensures you have a fire starter handy whenever you need it, enhancing your outdoor experience.

What We Like
Multifunctional design
Durable ignition
Convenient for outdoor use
Compact and portable
#TOP 8

BIASTNR Permanent Match Lighter

Brown
BIASTNR Permanent Match Lighter Cover
BIASTNR Permanent Match Lighter, Flint Fire Starter Keychain Metal Matchstick Fire Starter Emergency Survival Gear for Camping Hiking Hunting

The BIASTNR Match Lighter is a versatile and essential tool for your outdoor adventures. Its compact design allows you to easily carry it on your keychain, ensuring you always have a reliable fire starter at hand. This durable lighter features a premium magnesium core that can withstand over 10,000 strikes, making it perfect for camping, hiking, or hunting. Additionally, it works effectively even in wet or cold conditions, providing peace of mind when you're in the great outdoors. Just remember to add a small amount of fuel before use for optimal performance.

What We Like
Compact and portable
Durable design
Works in wet conditions
High strike endurance
#TOP 9

BOLLAER Metal Matchstick Fire Starter

1352-9
BOLLAER Metal Matchstick Fire Starter Cover
BOLLAER New Match Metal Matchstick Gift Outdoor Fire Starter Waterpoof Survival Gear Hiking Match Lighter Fire Starter Keychain

The BOLLAER Matchstick Lighter is an essential tool for outdoor enthusiasts. Its unique design makes it perfect for camping, hiking, or any emergency situation, providing you with reliable fire-starting capability. You’ll appreciate its versatility, as it works effectively even in wet or cold conditions. Built to last, this durable lighter can withstand thousands of ignitions, ensuring you won’t run out of use anytime soon. Plus, it’s easy to operate—just add fuel and let it soak for a couple of minutes. This makes it a valuable addition to your outdoor gear.

What We Like
Unique outdoor design
Works in wet conditions
Durable and long-lasting
Easy to use
#TOP 10

Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter

3208
Black
Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter Cover
Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter [31-000699]

The Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter is a compact and portable tool designed for outdoor enthusiasts. It includes a ferrocerium rod and metal striker, allowing you to easily start a fire even in tough conditions. The product also features a lanyard cord with an emergency whistle integrated, which can be used to call for help in case of emergency. Additionally, the fire starter comes with a waterproof storage compartment for tinder, ensuring that you have dry kindling at all times. Lastly, the tool includes land to air rescue instructions and SOS, making it an essential item for any outdoor adventure.

What We Like
Compact and portable
Emergency whistle integrated with lanyard cord
Waterproof storage compartment for tinder
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a metal fire starter called?

Adding to this confusion, ferrocerium rods, or “ferro rods,” are referred to by and associated with a myriad of other terms: fire steel, metal match, magnesium rod, mischmetal, Auermetall, flint or artificial/man-made flint.

2. What metals can start a fire?

Alkali metals: highly combustible metals that react with water to generate hydrogen, and are easily ignited; examples include sodium, potassium, lithium, rubidium and cesium. Combustible metals: any metal, composed of distinct particles or pieces, regardless of size, shape or chemical composition, that will burn.

3. How long does a magnesium fire starter last?

Common flint and steel or magnesium fire starters are normally good for around 3,000 strikes, but that can vary based on the size and quality of the brand. Large quality models can last for 10,000 strikes or more. Fire pistons can last virtually forever as long as you replace the char cloth.

4. Is a ferro rod better than magnesium?

Ferro rods create more sparks than flint-and-steel strikers, but they wear down quicker and they're more prone to snapping and breaking. Magnesium blocks are handy because the magnesium acts as tinder, but they take longer to light since you have to make a pile of shavings first.

Editor's Notes

During our metal fire starter research, we found 24 metal fire starter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 39,907 customer reviews through our big data system to write the metal fire starters list. We found that most customers choose metal fire starters with an average price of $16.04.

The metal fire starters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of metal fire starters, including PSKOOK, A.I.FORCE, West Lake, Yuauy, BIASTNR. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 112 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Arlen Smith Avatar

Arlen Smith is a writer and a surfer who lives in Los Angeles, he runs a popular blog that focuses on surfing skills and popular surf spots around the world. He enjoys the sun, the beach and the feeling of surfing. His expertise ranges from categories such as climbing, swimming, boating and outdoor sports.