ESEE RAT Match Ferrocerium Magnesium Fire Starter

The ESEE RAT Match is a dual-material fire starter that combines ferrocerium and magnesium on a single 3-inch rod, giving campers, overlanders, and survival-kit builders a compact, lanyard-ready ignition source rated to start thousands of fires.

Two Materials, One Rod

The RAT Match pairs ferrocerium with magnesium on the same rod rather than requiring two separate tools. Ferrocerium throws a high-temperature spark when struck, while magnesium shavings catch and sustain a flame even in damp or windy conditions. Having both materials in one piece means fewer items to track in a kit and a more reliable ignition sequence when conditions are poor.

Built to Carry Every Day

At 9/32 inch in diameter and 3 inches long, the RAT Match fits easily in a shirt pocket, a fire-starting pouch, or on a lanyard alongside other kit essentials. Its compact profile means it adds negligible bulk to a bug-out bag, a vehicle emergency kit, or a backpacking loadout without sacrificing the capacity to start thousands of fires over its service life.

Features

• Dual-material rod: ferrocerium and magnesium combined on a single striker
• High ignition count: designed to start thousands of fires
• Compact form factor: 9/32" diameter and 3" long, sized to fit a pocket or lanyard
• Lanyard-ready: sized and shaped for attachment to a kit or neck carry

Specifications

Who This Is For and Isn't

The RAT Match suits overlanders, backpackers, and emergency-preparedness builders who want a single compact tool that handles both spark generation and sustained ignition without carrying separate ferrocerium and magnesium pieces.

The RAT Match does not include a striker, tinder, or any additional fire-starting accessories. It is a rod only, not a complete fire-starting kit.

Common Questions

What is the difference between ferrocerium and magnesium, and why does the RAT Match use both?

Ferrocerium produces an intense spark when struck with a hard edge, while magnesium shavings ignite at a lower threshold and burn hot enough to catch damp tinder. The RAT Match combines both materials on one rod so the user can scrape magnesium shavings first, then strike a spark into them, improving ignition reliability in wet or windy conditions without carrying two separate tools.

Does the RAT Match come with a striker?

The RAT Match is sold as a rod only and does not include a striker. A knife spine, a dedicated ferro striker, or any hard, sharp edge will work to produce sparks from the ferrocerium portion of the rod.

How should the RAT Match be carried in a kit?

At 3 inches long and 9/32 inch in diameter, the RAT Match is sized to fit in a fire-starting pouch, a small Altoids-style tin, or on a lanyard. Its compact dimensions make it a practical addition to a vehicle emergency kit, a bug-out bag, or a backpacking fire kit without adding meaningful weight or bulk.