SAK Awl and Ferro Rod Question

S

Scott Free

Joined
Sep 15, 1999
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I know enough to know that you should NOT use the edge of your knife blade to scape a ferro rod because you will dull it. Why is it okay, though, to use the awl on a SAK? (I have a Vic Farmer.) And what could a hot sparking ferro rod do to the temper of the awl? I've tried it once and it throws amazing sparks, but I like a sharp awl. Others recommend the awl/ferro combo. What am I missing?
 
I seriously doubt that the heat of a ferro rod will do anything to the temper of the awl.

This is one of the reasons (along with the saw) that a Vic' Farmer is a favorite outdoors folder to me, the awl works so well as a striker!

Sure it will dull the sopt where you scrape, but an awl only really needs to be sharp near the tip.
 
I dont think, I allways just used the saw on a sak for a fire striker. The awl would work fine though.
 
The Last Confederate said:
I seriously doubt that the heat of a ferro rod will do anything to the temper of the awl.

This is one of the reasons (along with the saw) that a Vic' Farmer is a favorite outdoors folder to me, the awl works so well as a striker!

Sure it will dull the sopt where you scrape, but an awl only really needs to be sharp near the tip.
Click to expand...

The edge part of the awl / reamer, on the Vic Soldier and Farmer, really aids in making holes in leather and plastics. It cuts away the material in which you are a making a hole as the awl rotates.
 
I always use the spine of the saw on my Rucksack. It has a pretty sharp corner and throws lots of sparks.
 
I've used the saw and awl on ferro rods,and other than eventualy dulling them no proplems.The sparks are hot but I think they are way to short lived to afect the temper of the blade.

Also the awl on the farmer is easy to sharpen if you ever need to,I say use it.:)
 
what else could be used to make sparks? i've seen alot of people talking about old hacksaw blades. why hacksaw blades in particular? whats a good addition to use instead of a knife or awl or saw?
 
Hacksaw blades work pretty well. You can gently grind the teeth down so they don't eat up too much of your firesteel too quickly. Anything hard and sharp will work though. A piece of rock with a sharp edge will make sparks off a firesteel.
 
By far the best ferro striker I have ever used is the notched thumb rest on the back of a regular Spyderco Native blade. So if you are already carrying a Native, you can throw terrific sparks. You don't have to open the blade to strike it, either.

When I don't have the Native with me, I often use the edge of the small file on my Leatherman Squirt.

My Bark River North Star has a notched area on the spine that is specifically designed for this purpose, but mine does not work as well as the two mentioned above.
 
To avoid damaging a good knife, I use and older heavily filed carbon steel pocket knife that cost $2 at a gunshow. Right now, it's Russell Trapper. I've got a busted Case Stockman to use too.
 
Use the awl if it works, i doubt it would damage the temper at all. And i don't think you'd be using the awl so often that it would really be an issue anyway.

I have a Vic Farmer too, and i love it. I usually use the file on my Leatherman Wave though. Put a bit of tissue paper over the rod when you strike, you only need a tiny spark and the tissue should go right up in flame.
 
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