How to Use the Companion Spark Emergency Fire Starter

Quick answer

The Companion Spark Emergency knife has a ferro rod built into the handle. To start a fire, scrape the striker along the rod to create hot sparks that ignite your tinder.

Steps to use the Companion Spark Emergency fire starter

1. Prepare your tinder nest: Gather dry, fine tinder such as dry grass, bark shavings, or a commercial fire-starting aid. Form it into a loose nest that will catch sparks. Wet or damp tinder will not ignite. Keep tinder dry in a sealed bag.
2. Extend the ferro rod from the handle: Locate the ferro rod at the end of the knife handle. Pull or slide it out so it is fully exposed. The rod is the cylindrical metal piece. Do not pull on the reflective cord — that is for visibility, not for extending the rod.
3. Position the striker against the rod: Hold the knife handle in your non-dominant hand with the ferro rod pointing away from you. In your dominant hand, hold the striker (the small metal piece attached to the handle) at a 45-degree angle against the rod. Common mistake: holding the striker too flat. A steep angle produces fewer sparks.
4. Scrape the striker firmly down the rod: Pull the striker toward you in a quick, firm scraping motion along the length of the rod. Aim the sparks into your tinder nest. Repeat as needed. A slow or hesitant scrape will not produce hot sparks. Commit to a fast, confident motion.
5. Gently blow on the ember: Once a spark catches in the tinder nest, cup the nest in your hands and blow gently to feed oxygen to the ember until it flames. Blowing too hard can extinguish the ember. Use short, controlled puffs.
6. Add kindling and build your fire: Transfer the flaming tinder to your prepared fire lay with small kindling sticks. Gradually add larger fuel as the fire grows. Place the fire in a cleared area away from dry grass or overhanging branches.

Product details

• Companion Spark Emergency (S) Hi-Vis Red/Burnt Orange: The Companion Spark Emergency (S) has an integrated fire starter with reflective cord in the handle. You don't need a separate fire starter — the knife itself provides the sparks needed to ignite tinder in an emergency.