Using the Überleben Fire Starter is a breeze. First, take out the ferrocerium rod and the multi - tool scraper from the package. Hold the rod firmly in one hand and use the scraper on the other hand to strike it at a quick pace. You'll see those amazing molten showers that can easily start a fire. When it comes to securing the fire starter, you can use the 3mm shock cord lanyard in different ways according to your needs. As for the length, choose the 5' (13cm) one if you want something more portable, or the 8' (20cm) one for a longer - lasting use. Be careful when striking the rod as the molten showers are very hot. Store it in a dry place to prevent the ferrocerium rod from getting rusty. And if the multi - tool scraper gets dull over time, you can use a simple file to sharpen it a bit.