Does it work? If so, that is all that is really important. You can get the real Army model firesteel at The Mossineer in SLC, Ut for about $17. Definately the real thing. The scout model is also sold as the Kershaw firesteel and is available for under $8 in the US, I got one at Knives Plus on the web.
One thing to know about the steels, once you scrape off some of the protective coating when using it, they corrode rapidly to disappear into dust after time. Once you use the steel, coat it with laquer or nail polish, clear. That keeps it safe and ready to go and it won't corrode away. I have an original "Metal Match" from 30 years ago, never used and I gave it an extra coating. Still in perfect shape. I had bought another at the same time and used it, mostly to light a white gas backpack stove. It corroded away in a year or so without a protective coating. Lighter flints do the same thing after the coating is scraped off. The little sparkers in the PSK will also eventually corrode away if used once. Not sure how long they last after use. I like the CountyComm firesteel, compact and a good price too. They are great guys. Hope some of this babble I am making helps <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />