Does anybody know why the prices at Firesteel.com went way up? They priced themselves out of the market. At least for me they did.

Try Lake Samish trading post on ebay,I've been buying from them for a Long time,much cheaper-same product,Xlnt service!Standard disclaimer-No Affiliation though a Happy customer,I am!

How do I get there? I searched Ebay without success.

I sure did notice that, almost double on some items and over double on some others. Can't understand why but I'm afraid I am done at these prices. I am set on ferrocium firesteels for awhile. I did want one of the huge ones as a gift, but there is no way at the present price. Bummer!

Only an email to firesteel.com may tell you why their prices have gone up unless someone here has inside info.

In the past I have purchased firesteel rod blanks from Goinggear.com and a cursory check of some of their comparable product and prices are a bit, but not much lower then firesteel.com.

Look up the chemical composition of these rods.

Then, Google "rare earth" and "China" :-0

Ouch! That's quite a bump. I'm set pretty well but I still planned on getting a few more. Guess I might pass now.

I bought a handful of these a few years ago and they work perfectly. As good as any other I have tried. They have gone up too but still very affordable and free shipping worldwide.

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/wilderness-survival-fire-sparkle-blade-cutter-tool-large-32760

Good post Doug. Found this interesting info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rare_earth_element

The firesteel ranger is the same size as the swedish firesteel and yet still 1/3 the price. still affordable to me. Most retail firesteels in my local stores are priced higher at 10-15$ and usually are the same size or smaller.