...is in all likelihood a ferrocerium rod, and is most assuredly *not* designed for use as a match striker. Safety matches are dependant upon a chemical reaction between the match head and striker strip, which is precisely why they are 'safety' matches - the vast majority of surfaces (no matter how abrasive) will not affect them, beyond perhaps wearing the match head down to bare wood.

The striking rod is designed for use with a steel edge of some sort (a knife blade, the side if a hacksaw blade, etc.) to create sparks.