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Knives & Tools

Fire Starters
& Fire-Lighting Aids

Fire starters and fire-lighting aids from BCB International, Hammarö, Optimus and Gerber – ferro rods, waterproof matches, tinder paper and bio fuel.

BCB International

British military supplier – 8 products for reliable fire making

Ferro rod & fire steel

Spark generation in any weather – even in rain, wind and snow

Waterproof matches

Individually coated matches that ignite even after immersion

11 products

From CHF 1.80 to CHF 28 – reliable fire on a small budget

Fire starters at Swiss-Sale.ch
  • BCB waterproof matches (6 and 25 pcs) – ignite after immersion in water
  • BCB fire steel with magnesium block – up to 3,000 strikes
  • BCB fire starter 8 cm and 11 cm – with integrated compass
  • BCB Matchless Fire Set – complete fire kit without matches
  • BCB FireDragon bio solid fuel – non-toxic gel fuel
  • Hammarö tinder paper – water-repellent paper as tinder substitute
  • Optimus Sparky piezo igniter – gas stove igniter at the push of a button
  • Gerber Fire Starter – robust ferro rod with signal whistle
  • Multiple methods – the right solution for every weather condition
  • Free shipping from CHF 100 in the Swiss online shop

Making fire – the most important survival skill

Fire provides warmth, purifies water, cooks food and signals rescue teams your location. The ability to start a fire reliably in all conditions is arguably the most important skill in outdoor and survival situations.

Our range offers 11 products for every approach: ferro rods for thousands of strikes, waterproof matches as reliable backup, tinder paper as lightweight tinder substitute, bio fuel for guaranteed flame, and piezo igniters for gas stoves. BCB International as the main brand delivers military-proven quality.

Buying guide – which fire-starting method for which purpose?

Ferro rod / fire steel

The most reliable method: it produces sparks over 3,000 °C regardless of weather, altitude and temperature. The BCB fire steel with magnesium block delivers up to 3,000 strikes. The 8 cm and 11 cm fire starters also feature an integrated compass.

Waterproof matches

For those who prefer a familiar, instantly ready method. BCB matches are individually waterproof coated and ignite reliably after immersion. Available in packs of 6 or 25.

Tinder paper

Hammarö tinder paper is water-repellent, ultralight and ignites easily with a spark. It replaces natural tinder and weighs virtually nothing in the backpack.

Bio fuel & piezo

BCB FireDragon is a non-toxic solid gel fuel that also serves as a hand warmer. The Optimus Sparky is a piezo igniter for gas stoves – reliable flame at the push of a button.

The three pillars of fire making

Successful fire making relies on three elements: ignition source (spark or flame), tinder (fine, easily combustible material) and fuel (thin sticks, bark, wood). Always pack at least two different ignition sources – redundancy saves lives. Our recommendation: a ferro rod as the primary tool and waterproof matches as backup.

Tip: The BCB Matchless Fire Set combines ferro rod, magnesium block and tinder in one compact kit – everything you need to make fire in any weather. Ideal as a complement to the BCB Military Survival Tin.
ProductBrandMethodStrikesFrom
Fire steel with magnesiumBCB InternationalFerro rodapprox. 3,000CHF 14
Waterproof matches (25)BCB InternationalMatches25CHF 6
Fire Starter 11 cmBCB InternationalFerro rodapprox. 5,000CHF 12
Tinder paperHammaröTinder8 sheetsCHF 6
Fire StarterGerberFerro rodapprox. 3,000CHF 28

Why fire starters from Swiss-Sale.ch?

BCB International supplies armed forces worldwide – if a product works in military operations, it works for you. Every fire starter is tested for reliability in extreme conditions.

  • ✓ BCB International – military-proven quality
  • ✓ Multiple fire-starting methods – prepared for any weather
  • ✓ 11 products from CHF 1.80 – reliable fire on a small budget
  • ✓ Free shipping in Switzerland from CHF 100

Frequently Asked Questions – Fire Starters

What is a ferro rod and how does it work?

A ferro rod (fire steel) is a bar of ferrocerium. Striking it with a scraper or knife spine produces sparks over 3,000 °C. These reliably ignite dry tinder, tinder paper or magnesium shavings – even in rain, wind and snow.

Are the waterproof matches really waterproof?

Yes, BCB matches are individually coated with a waterproof layer. They ignite reliably even after immersion in water. Each pack includes a striker strip.

What is FireDragon bio fuel?

FireDragon is a non-toxic solid gel fuel based on ethanol by BCB International. It burns cleanly, can be used as cooking fuel or hand warmer, and is biodegradable. Ideal as a reliable heat source in emergencies.

How many strikes does a ferro rod provide?

Depending on size, between 3,000 and 5,000 strikes. The BCB fire steel with magnesium block provides approx. 3,000, the 11 cm fire starter approx. 5,000 strikes – enough for years of use.

Which fire-starting method is most reliable?

The ferro rod is the most reliable as it works regardless of weather, altitude and temperature. As backup we recommend waterproof matches. Always combine at least two methods for maximum safety.

Order fire starters now

BCB ferro rods, matches & fire-lighting aids – free shipping from CHF 100.

BCB fire starter 11cm with compass
BCB fire starter 11cm with compass
14.90 CHF *
Old price: 16.90 CHF
Available immediately
Deliverydate:
26.03.2026 - 31.03.2026
BCB Fire starter 8cm with compass
BCB Fire starter 8cm with compass
12.90 CHF *
Old price: 14.90 CHF
Available immediately
Deliverydate:
26.03.2026 - 31.03.2026
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