Many avid survivalists have many ways to create a spark to start a fire. Feather sticks are made from dry wood that is curled into thin strips. These are able to take a flame very easily and luckily there are lots of ways to get it started. If you are one to carry a lighter out with you, then this is by far the easiest way to get the process started. Once your feather stick curls have caught the flame and are ablaze, feel free to light different sides of your fire and then put the feather stick in the middle. If your curls are fine enough you can easily get the fire started with your ferro rod. This method might be easier if you push the curls off the feather stick and have them arranged in a neat pile in the middle of your fire pit. Simply place your ferro rod inside the bundle of shavings you made, and pull it back against the striker. This will send a shower of sparks onto the pile without you disturbing it by accidentally hitting it with the striker.