Frequently Asked Questions

The Ferro Rod

What comes in the box?

Three things, and they all earn their spot. A 5-inch ferrocerium rod, a half-inch thick. A 4-inch hardened steel striker with a real working edge. And a paracord lanyard with a survival whistle built in. The whole kit weighs 140 grams.

Does it really work when it's wet?

Yes. Ferrocerium doesn't care about water. Wipe the rod, give it a hard scrape, and it throws the same shower of sparks soaked as it does bone dry. That's the whole point of carrying one over a lighter.

How long does one rod last?

It's rated for 15,000 strikes and up. For most people that's years of regular fires. Use it weekly and you'll hand it down before you wear it out.

What's the striker like?

Hardened steel with a sharp 90 degree spine that bites the rod and peels off a fat shower of sparks. It doubles as a scraper, so it earns its place on your kit.

What's the difference between Black and OD Green?

Just the handle color. Same rod, same striker, same performance. Pick the one that disappears into your kit or the one you'll find fast in the dark.

How do I use it?

Build your tinder first, dry grass, fine shavings, or a cotton ball with petroleum jelly. Hold the rod close to the tinder, lock your rod hand, and pull the striker back toward you along the rod with a firm, fast scrape. Once it catches, feed it small and build up. Don't smother it.

Shipping

Where do you ship and how fast?

We ship to all 50 US states, including Alaska and Hawaii, plus APO and FPO addresses. Orders go out within 1 to 2 business days, mostly through USPS Ground Advantage, which usually lands in 2 to 5 business days. You'll get tracking by email when it ships.

How much is shipping?

Free on all US orders. No minimums, no codes, no catches.

Do you ship internationally?

Not yet. US only for now.

Returns and Guarantee

What's your return policy?

You've got 30 days from delivery to return an unused rod in its original packaging. If it's been used or struck, it's not eligible unless it arrived defective. Email us and we'll send return instructions.

Who pays return shipping?

If the return is on us, a defect, damage in transit, or our mistake, we cover it and send a prepaid label. Otherwise return shipping is on you.

What if it shows up damaged?

Send us a photo and your order number within 7 days of delivery and we'll replace it or refund it, your call.

Free Survival Guides

How do I get the 25 free guides?

Drop your email on the site and we'll send the whole library. Foraging, first aid, shelter, food preservation, fire, water. No charge, no catch.

Do I have to buy anything?

No. The guides are free whether you ever buy a rod or not.

Store & Ordering

Do you have retail store locations?

No. We're an online-only store, US owned and operated out of Wrentham, Massachusetts. We ship straight to your door.

Do you offer bulk or wholesale orders?

Yes. Email info@americansurvivalist.us with "Wholesale" in the subject line and tell us what you need. We respond within 72 hours.

Do you have any discounts or promotions?

Our standing offer is 25 free survival guides when you join our email list, no purchase required. Subscribers are the first to hear about any sale or new gear drop.

Do you offer express shipping?

Right now we ship USPS Ground Advantage, which lands in 2 to 5 business days after a 1 to 2 business day processing window. There's no separate express tier yet. If you're in a hurry, email us and we'll do what we can.

What payment methods do you accept?

All major credit and debit cards through Shopify Payments, plus Shop Pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay at checkout. Your card details are encrypted and we never see or store your full card number.

Is American Survivalist US owned?

Yes. US owned and operated, based in Wrentham, Massachusetts. We stand behind every piece of gear that carries our name.

Contact

How do I reach a human?

Email info@americansurvivalist.us. We answer within 72 hours, Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm EST. For an existing order, include your order number so we can help faster.