I was browsing the net when I came across this. Is it the new design for the swedish Firesteel? or is it just a rip off? I've never seen one of these before. Is it the firesteel?

No thats not the firesteel.

It may be the same material as the firesteel; Ferrocerium?

BTW Ray Mears sells the firesteel for the best price I've seen in the UK, £8.50 which includes VAT and P&P. You don't often hear Ray Mears and best price in the same sentence <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Recently I've noticed a lot of outdoor shops selling the Scout model firesteel.

Justin

Did you notice how much shorter ray mears fire steel is to everyone elses?

Mark

The best source for quality firesteels in europe is through 'Bagheera' in the Netherlands. He is a forum member, though often absent on adventures. I would send him an email. He has an excellent reputation for service.

I've found one type of starter that works quite well, though it is considerably larger than the one posted. It's called the "StrikeForce" by Gerber USA. It is 5x1.25x1 inch. Not exactly a keychain model but small enough for backpack use. The element is about a half inch in diameter contained in a PVC case that has the striker in the cap and a hollow handle for tinder storage. throws a mean,hot spark shower that gives a positive ignition to the right tinder. My choice is shredded cedar bark that has been sundried. I've had this model for years and am not sure of current availability.

Oh, I don't know about that. He sells the Mora training knife for £10.

I've already got a couple of real firesteels. I just thought that it might have been a new design. Thanks for the replies.

I've bought a few from diferent sources and they're all the same size although some come with the Maya wood for tinder which you don't get from Ray Mears. I suspect he bought a big delivery of them ages ago before the company upgraded them.

Justin

Justin