thanks for kind comments. the firesteel comes out easy enought to pull by hand; but won't come out of you tip upside down and shake it (no matter how hard). there is a little loop acting like a cap too. you can take the "cap" off, then push from the bottom to get an inch exposed, then pull. I leave 1.5" inside and just use as a handle, striking the rest. as for the quick release, I've certainly heard it before and appreciate the comment. I'm just not worried about it. I'm more likely to die in lots of ways in the bush than hanging myself.