$15 should buy about 1500 strike-anywhere matches. The Firesteel's 12000 strike lifetime is about equal to that, perhaps a little longer, without the bulk but also without the builtin kindling of the matchstick. It's easy enough to waterproof matchheads in candlewax. With that said, the Firesteel, striker, and a dozen cottonballs soaked in Vaseline fits in an old McCormick spice jar. 6 boxes of 250 matches each is significantly bulkier.

The firesteel comes with a protective paint coating on the stick. This needs to be scraped off before use. This is undoubtedly the reason for the complaints of difficulties. It strikes easily and consistently once the paint has been scraped off.

There's something primally satisfying about striking a fire without benefit of pre-packaged combustibles, but the Firesteel's magnesium body and chromed steel striker is anything but primitive. Nonetheless, the modernity doesn't dampen my satisfaction the slightest. I'm averaging about 3 to 5 strikes to light well prepared tinder in ideal, still air conditions. The small size and easy packability makes it a winner here.

I like how rugid and thick the firesteel is, the striker could be thicker but other than that its a great combo.

This product is in no way neutral like Sweden because it is hott. It does work well in the cold and even when completely soaked in any liquid and I do mean any. This thing may be the greatest tool in your bag right after a good knife. So simple a noob could use it. Rats off to Ya' !!!

great product, lights tender when damp or very windy, a must have for the serious outdoors person . very easy to use , even in the dark . i will be buying more of these . . .

Very happy with my purchase of FireSteel Army model. I was actually able to make fire with cotton buds in just a few strikes. And considering I have never experienced making fire with anything like this before, that's pretty amazing. With some practice I should be successful with just 1 or 2 strikes.

It's too big for my pocket though so I plan to buy the scout model for that purpose. And I'll put the army model in my preparedness pack.