Moderator's note: this post was split off from the following thread:
https://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/threads/ferrocerium-firestarter-rods-as-antenna-cores.159443/

Seriously risking to derail this thread, I admit: the OP reminded me a not yet solved doubt: could I implement a Yagi antenna with arc carbon rods used in cinema projection?

I mean those apparently covered with something like a thin film of copper. One piece of these, coming from my kid times, recurrently shows up on my bench.

 

Yes, anything conductive can be made into an antenna.

Question is what are your requirements -

1) Gain
2) Frequency rang of interest
3) Desired propagation focus, ground wave, sky wave, lobe response pattern
4) Impedance
5) Size and weight constraints
6) Power capability
7) Altitude/height off ground
8) Ground conditions

To name a few.....

Regards, Dana.