Let me preface this by saying that I am in no way “judging” what anyone chooses to carry. What you elect to keep in your pockets or bag is absolutely none of my business.
But…
Why do so many people carry ferro rods?
If I’m going to carry something with me every day it has to either serve multiple functions (Swiss Army Knife, safety pins, paracord) or perform a single, essential function better than anything else (flashlight, firearm).
A ferro rod does exactly one thing, and it doesn’t perform that function particularly well. I’ve started many fires under a variety of conditions. 99% of the time the tool I used was a disposable Bic lighter, and it has always done the job. Once or twice (particularly in windy conditions) I might have wished I could swap it for a Zippo, but not once in my 50+ years of life have I said, “If I only had a ferrocerium rod…”
I can see where such a thing would be nice to put in a survival kit that might sit unused for several years (in a boat or airplane, or in a zombie apocalypse bugout cabin)…but for everyday carry? I don’t get it. I understand the need for a backup to critical items, which is why I keep additional Bic lighters in my vehicles, desk drawer, etc. I don’t see the need for a second, *different* fire making device.
Can somebody enlighten this poor, ignorant soul?