Oh, I like the looks of the HG55 too. I just don't foresee any use for it in my pack. If it were on the anorexic side, however, I would buy one to use as a hunting knife.

I too was hoping for a lower price on the SAR4, and my first thought was $357 or $367. However, when I found out that it's the same overall length as the HG55 and just 1.25 inches shorter (overall) than the ASH-1, I understood the price a little better. INFI is INFI, and it's the same steel under the slabs.

I truly think there will be a lot more of these in coated combat grade. I'm hoping for a touch thinner, but it's hard to tell with Jerry.

Like some have said, a squared-off choil would be nicer for firesteels, but the thumb jumping might work pretty well in that regard. Honestly, I carry a striker anyway, and the only reason I'm going to use my firesteel is if my Bic won't flick and my waterproof matches won't strike.