Strike Anywhere?

[OzarksJohn]

Matches that is...

Seems as though the old tipped kitchen matches are scarce. I did score 3 boxes in a small store in west Texas a few weeks back though, and also scored several boxes of the "penny" size strike anywhere type locally at a warehouse salvage grocery. I think that the freaky HAZMAT thing is making them more costly for retailers, so the safety match is replacing it on most store shelves. I'd hate to see the complete demise of the old reliable strike anywhere. It can be waterproofed with paraffin easily and will light even in sub zero temps unlike the butane lighter. Absolutely DO NOT depend on butane lighters for survival fires if sub zero temps are possible.OzarksJohn

[rivahmom]

I love strike anywhere matches. *I have noticed that they are hard to find. *A small gas station by my Grandmother's house still sells them so I stock up when I visit. *I did not know that butane lighters didn't work in sub zero but I don't like carrying them on hikes and trips anyway. *My source of fire away from home comes from a Strikeforce and a little dry tinder.

[sethwyo]

The story is that strike anywhere matches have been made illegal and the few existing stores are not going to be replaced when sold out.

A fella bought several tables at a gun show and was selling them with the banner of 'Get them while you can'.

I feel it is because strike anywhere matches can be disisimbled and used to recharge primers and also reload cartridges.

[flatwater]

Some good char cloth and flint & steel are not hard to find. The tempreture does not make a difference either , but ya knew that already Huh.
flatwater

[Mad_Professor]

Some good char cloth and flint & steel are not hard to find. The tempreture does not make a difference either , but ya knew that already Huh.
flatwater

I've made/know how to make a bow drill set up. Don't need to carry anything at all (assuming I'm shoed and string with the laces).

Flint and steel is a good option though, if the sun is shining, a lens.

[sethwyo]

It is 20 below zero here now. If the butane lighter is that cold it wont work, But if you have it close to your body it will of course be warmer and will work, I cary tiroxane fuel bars, and even several flairs to start fires. I have seen people burn canvas and carry it for a fire starter, I dont understand this when there are better things available for this like fuel gel and tiroxane and sterno.

[kawalekm]

I think today's "strike anywhere" matches are overrated. I can remember as a kid I used them and they did indeed strike anywhere, a rock, an board, even a dry tooth. Today's matches seem to have been downgraded (lawyers again?) and I have several boxes of them that don't light anywhere except on the side of the box. Even stored airtight and dry (California)!

Now I just buy regular book matches by the box full.
Michael

[otterbob]

The story is that strike anywhere matches have been made illegal and the few existing stores are not going to be replaced when sold out. *


Diamond still advertises producing them !
http://www.diamondbrands.com/pages/wooden/29.php

The problem I find is that SOME localities and states have outlawed them, again SOME, not all.
They are now classed as dangerous materials.
This means that they cannot be shipped by some means and to some areas. This makes them difficult to get in areas that still allow them.
They are still produced and available.

Here is an excellent web page on the subject :
http://www.bushwhacker.ca/match.html


Otter Bob

[johnjmw]

I found a 3 pack of the strike anywhere matches at a local Army Navy type store for $5. Don't know if it is a great price but it has been so long since I've even seen them I grabbed them. They say they carry them all the time.
John

[trjones]

Publix Grocery stores have them (with the charcoal, etc.). Got a 3 boxes (750 matches total) for $3.75.

[pcrowder]

The strike anywhere-s I've gotten in recent years don't seem to stike as easily as the ones in the past. YOu must strike them repeatedly to get a light, and oftentimes the heads just snap off or they just spark, fizzle and go out. I'm just sticking to "book" matches - they fit in your pocket or purse, and you can strike them on an old emery board if the sandpaper strip on the matchbook is worn out.

[swedishfish]

I picked some up in a real military surplus store. Great article otterbob

[snake]

Some good char cloth and flint & steel are not hard to find. The tempreture does not make a difference either , but ya knew that already Huh.
flatwater
I second the flint & steel route, or as they have now, steel & magnesium. Still have a load of matches though.

[Nickathome]

I don't get the strike anywhere match fascination. I really don't. Who cares that I can light one with my thumbnail, or against a rock. For the cost as compared with regular matches, and the fact that they're pretty scarce now, its a waste of time to look for them. *I can buy a brick of regular matches for probably 1/4 the cost of SA matches, and they're sold everywhere. Plus you'll have enough matches to last *for years. *

[bee_man]

Hi all,
The strike anywhere match is a great thing. Even better is the fire piston. The fire piston will work over and over again, even in pouring rain or snow. They are very easy to use and last forever.
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr322/topbarhive/110_0019.jpg
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr322/topbarhive/110_0012.jpg

[otterbob]

Hi all,
The strike anywhere match is a great thing. Even better is the fire piston. The fire piston will work over and over again, even in pouring rain or snow. They are very easy to use and last forever. *
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr322/topbarhive/110_0012.jpg

Yea, been wanting one for a long time !

Otter Bob

[Jezcruzen]

Not all wooden matches are "strike anywhere" matches. We have some here at the house that only ignite if you strike them on the side of the box they came in.

OTOH, I did recently find true strike anywhere matches at a local True Value hardware store. These ignite from being racked across most anything able to provide friction.

[Wyobuckaroo]

Howdy

Found something a little unique the other day. At the grocery where my son works part time when he is home from college. It is kind of an upscale neighborhood store.

Found a couple boxes (40pcs each) of "Birthday Candle Matches"

They seem to be extra long, strike on the box, kitchen matches.

Plan on sealing one box with the "seal a meal" machine.

Have not tested any of them yet.

Wyo

[seriessearcher]

I found them at my Army Surplus store at at REI. They say they are more expensive due to packaging, but both were under $2 for 250.

I picked up a few boxes. I think the usual suspects stopped carrying them but not the sporting good places.

[gun_nut]

I picked up a couple of boxes the other day from Rural King

[cry_freedom]

Still available from your local ace hardware. I don't think their demise has to do with primers or use as cartridge propellant. You can make cartridge propellant out of safety matches as well.

I think it is more to do with insurance, shipping and safety/environmental issue.

[DavidOH]

The advantages of Strike Anywhere Matches:

You can light it with one hand
You can drop it and it stays lit
It does not need a striker, box, or any second component
It takes no effort to get it to light
Small and lightweight
It works in all temps

Disadvantages:
Does not work when wet.
They can "self ignite" when rubbed together
( hence the hazard in shipping )

I'm sure that there are many others to list.

....and now a shameless plug for my favorite brand *;D :
( too bad they don't make them anymore )
http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkwZohioQ20blueQ20tipQ20matchesQQ_armrsZ1QQ_ fromZQQ_mdoZQQ_sopZ12

[springbrook]

I just found some at a local ACE True Value store. That were 2.00 FOR A 250 count of large kitchen types. They also had the smaller versions too. I got 7 boxes for my emergency supplies. I keep some in my truck, wife's car, and my pantry. I agree with the less than the older matches as well, but I still prefer them.
*Best Regards,
*John

[otterbob]

These strike anywhere are on the shelf at the local super market .

3 boxes of 250 count is $3.07
10 boxes of 32 count is $1.09

Otter Bob

sorry for the bad pictures , had to use the cell phone.

http://www.coloradojingjing.com/bob/office/bobspictures/strike-anywhere-3bxs-250ctx350.jpg

http://www.coloradojingjing.com/bob/office/bobspictures/strike-anywhere-10bxs-32ctx350.jpg

[TheUnboundOne]

Dear Forum Members,

To paraphrase a Murphy's Law: "'Strike-Anywhere' Matches, don't."

I just use regular matches and a plastic-covered striker surface covered in parrafin wax. That, and I also keep a Bic lighter, a magnesium fire-starter block, a welder's torch starter, and a lantern striker. All are super at making fires.

[Kelleysvt]

... and you can strike them on an old emery board if the sandpaper strip on the matchbook is worn out.
This is good to know as I always wear out the strike strip on matchboxes before I run out of matches. I'm assuming this will work for wooden matches too? (Question not statement).

I've emailed Diamond to see if they are going to stop producing them ( waiting for a response but will post the answer when I get it)