I would caution against using a SIGG bottle for boiling. SIGG bottles along with most of the popular bottles are lined, some with spray in liners like the SIGG or ceramic inserts. When heated these will deteriorate and could contaminate your water not to mention the damage done to the bottle. I have been using Klean Kanteens for a good while now and love them. Even after extensive use on fires, stoves, grills, charcoal, etc and they look good as new with a quick scrub. Interior is unlined and looks just like it did new.

Here is a blog write up I did on them with some pics of them getting boiled: http://austereprovisions.blogspot.com/2010/01/aqua-est-vita.html

If I still worked in a machine shop, or had access to the equipment I'd make one of those strikers because of the cool factor.

They're definitely cool looking, and something can be said for protecting the firesteel, but I don't think I'd pay for one.

They've sold out, so that's a good for the manufacturer.

Survival bling. Just like the K&M Matchcase and the TADGear Life Capsule or their all metal fire sparker. Or well designed knives, like anything from Chris Reeve. Or some of the really slick flashlights from an outfit like Fenix. Or a seriously tuned and tricked out HiPower or 1911.

AKA, expensive, but extremely well thought out. Everything I've heard about them is that the fit and finish are impeccable. Yes, it out of my price range for what it is, and that sucks. Doesn't mean I dont' want one.

I also EDC a (Swedish) firesteel on my keyring. My steel is worn from its actual intended use. Unless I am really missing something here, why the need to protect the steel and from what?

Corrosion from Salt air,Salt water,Bleach from washed clothing,Acid rain,to name a few.Ferro=Iron

Fire steels oxidise very quickly.This is even more so in a marine environment.Fire steels contain ferrous metal and will break down in moist climates.Imagine swamps,jungles,rain forrests and the like.I was on a beach operation once and a DOANS magnesium block had its stricker rot out in less than two weeks.I like the concept of the Nano Striker but think it is too small.The small parts may be hard to handle with cold and numb fingers.I also do not like that it screws together as the threading could seize up.If it just pushed in like the cap on a K&M Matchsafe then it would be ideal...

BOATMAN
John

I have a small fire steel on my keychain for probably a year now and it gets wet all the time from sweat, condensation etc. no sign of corrosion.

You are kidding, right?

I have never seen this problem and live in a rain forest environment.

As I said before, my steel (3+ yrs old) is actually worn from use and shows no sign of corrosion or breakdown by any environmental means.




I suppose if I left the steel outside on the ground, in the raw elements for months at a time, then there may be some corrosion or breakdown...

I have a Magfire Pro that I've been carrying around on my EDC keychain for about 3 years now and it has a thin layer of corrosion/oxidation that has to be scraped off before it will spark well. This is not the Firesteel that I use on camping, hiking and skills trips though it always goes. It's my backup so it doesn't get used.

You might use yours enough and on a regular enough basis so that there's no noticeable corrosion/oxidation buildup.

There's not a lot of buildup on my regular use steel.