The RAT Match is a fire starting tool that combines Ferrocerium with Magnesium on the same rod. Simple to carry in a kit or on a lanyard, the RAT Match is designed to start thousands of fires.
Fire building is a step-by-step process with preparation being the key to success. Sources for reliable tinder that will catch readily from the spark of a Ferrocerium rod are bird and mouse nests, various tree barks, dead grasses, pocket lint, and dry leaves. Once you have a good tinder bundle, gather progressively larger wood and have this ready before you light the tinder. You can also scrape off a small pile of shavings from the Magnesium end of the RAT Match. Magnesium will burn very hot and very quick, so make sure the shavings are well placed in sustainable tinder before lighting.
For an initial flame, hold your knife edge/scraper just above the tinder and rip the Ferrocerium half of the RAT Match backwards (away from the tinder) along the striking edge. This will throw sparks downward towards your tinder bundle. As soon as your tinder begins to blaze place very small pieces of dry wood on the tinder bundle. Slowly and progressively build your fire bigger.
In certain environments, the Ferrocerium end of the Rat Match may oxidize. You can coat the Ferrocerium with clear fingernail polish to minimize oxidation.
