Fire steels in the US.

[OregonDave]

http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=421639

I just received a 3 pack - $22.00 including shipping. Shipped same day as ordered. Although they're new in their blister packs, they're listed in their military surplus section, so they may or may not have any later on. From my past experience, Sportsmans Guide is a good company to deal with - just have to act fast if you find something you want.

The packaging doesn't say where they were made. The rod is about 9 mm diameter. Heffty little things. Seem to spark just fine.

Since I've never used one before, I figure to learn with one and have two left over for edc and pack.
OD

[OregonDave]

Just tried these out on Saturday. They certainly touch off cotton balls. Have to play around with them over the next couple of months to see what else I can do with them.
OD

[airpower93]

For a really good fire starter to use with your new fire steels, try cotton balls dipped in petroleum jelly. They start easily and burn for quite a long time considering their size. Super cheap
too.

[OregonDave]

I ended up with a small zip lock of cotton dryer lint and a ChapStick encased in some bicycle innertube.

If found, I'll be the one with fuzzy, but unchapped lips, sitting by a crackling fire.

Funny you should bring up this old post - I gave away my two spare fire steels and, after a long back order wait, three more should be delivered tomorrow.
OD

[dill]

I just ordered 2 of these.

http://www.explorationproducts.com/4in_Flint.html

The size was IMO worth the extra expence.

I have used up several (11 in the last 5 years)of the thinner rods and hope the 1/2 in thick rods last me a good long time.

Don