Way back in the day, when I was a tyke in the Girl Scouts, we did our own waterproof matches. They were good for about a year so it was a annual endeavor to make up a batch for every camper. Today I put those same self made ones in a modern container that seals like a gem. We also made fire starters from egg cartons and candle wax. Ah, the good 'ol days.

@hoss5852

4 ай бұрын

Indeed. The good ol days

@copcuffs9973

4 ай бұрын

Friend from the Philippines jokingly said, "these are not high quality USA matches, (80's strike anywhere match you could use a 👖 Zipper to strike it) you have to carefully push start them (low angle) or they'll break every time."🔥 Boy Scouts made strike anywhere matches waterproof by adding wax to them, before getting out in the wild.

Just a suggestion from the Pacific North West where we get rain in one form or another 9-months of the year. Take the striker off the side of those UCO matches and stick it inside and only take it out to strike the match then stick it back in the match safe.

@copcuffs9973

4 ай бұрын

80's strike anywhere match you could use a 👖 Zipper to strike it🔥 PNW Boy Scouts made those strike anywhere matches waterproof by adding wax to them, before getting out in the wet wilderness.

@clarencesmith2305

4 ай бұрын

Ya but have you found any strike anywhere matches in say the last 20 years? All the ones I can find are strike on box only. @@copcuffs9973

I originally put this as a response, but put a bit more generally... Some things that not every body knows about matches, especially if you didn't grow up with them: Safety matches, matchbooks, the strike on box and other modern matches don't actually rely directly on friction to light. The striker is impregnated with a separate chemical from that in the match head. This is why they never work again once they get wet, and why they 'wear out'. By scraping the match across the striker the chemicals mix, and that reaction is actually what sets the match alight. If you notice on the strike anywhere types, there is a red and a white part on the head; those are the two chemical parts that mix when scraped together, and simple friction is all you need to do that. Safety matches separate the parts and put the strike pad on the back of the matchbook, or outside of the box, so they can't light 'accidentally.' Matches aren't friction fire. You don't need a death grip and a lot of pressure, just enough to get the party started.

@copcuffs9973

4 ай бұрын

Friend from the Philippines jokingly said these are not high quality USA matches, (80's strike anywhere match you could use a 👖 Zipper to strike it🔥) you have to carefully push start them (low angle) or they'll break every time. 🔥

@HuntCreekBushcraft

4 ай бұрын

@tahoemike5828…. I had no idea what the chemical difference was between Strike Anywhere and Safety Matches, though I’ve used both for many years. So, I’ve leaned something new today. Thank you!

I must say Dan, you are an amazing instructor. I love the way you present your videos. The presentation is so appealing really really hard to look away motivates me to watch the whole video nicely done brother I wish I lived close enough to take one of your classes.

I dip the wooden part of the match in wax , then wrap it with cotton cooking string and dip again , not only the string for a Firestarter also unwrap, now have a candle of sorts in a pinch , also add few small squares ( 3"x3" ) of wax paper inside the container , wax paper helps the tinder to flare up nicely

Always a pleasure learning tips, tricks, and hacks that work. Long livr the woods.

Another very well done video. Keep up the great work Dan.

Thanks, Dan. Seems obvious but its easily overlooked. Good advice.

Got some uco ones and some zippo ones. Need to practice with them more and test them more, but it’s worth noting that the zippo ones are larger- they have more of the flammable chemicals on them. Another tip for striking matches in general, you can choke up like you did but you can also push with it like you were trying to fire plough for a friction fire. You can put a lot more force behind it that way since the force is in the direction of the wood rather than perpendicular to it.

@copcuffs9973

4 ай бұрын

Friend from the Philippines jokingly said these are not high quality USA matches, you have to carefully push start them (low angle) or they'll break every time. 🔥

Hey Dan I've found that strike anywhere matches are begging to get hard to find. I now make my own strike anywhere matches and wrap a small piece of duct tape around the wood below the match head. Then dip the match head and down to the end of the duct tape on the wood in paraffin wax to waterproof the match. The duct tape acts as a flame extender and lasts longer than just a wooden match.

As usual Dan, great advice!

Thanks for the tip Dan (no pun intended). I’ve been holding the match wrong almost forever. 🇺🇸👍👍😁

@copcuffs9973

4 ай бұрын

Friend from the Philippines jokingly said these are not high quality USA matches, (80's strike anywhere match you could use a 👖 Zipper to strike it🔥) you have to carefully push start them (low angle) or they'll break every time. 🔥

Great video as usual Dan , you always add value to my knowledge and a tool for the ol' Toolbox ! and your videos are K.I.S.S. And to the point , with no fluff ! Thank you

Striking matches is a lost art lol. Another tip, intuitively people generally strike horizontally or upwards and hold matchbtip up, when in actuality a match should be struck downwards an match tip should be held pointing downward at an angle so the flame has a chance to catch the match "stick". So many matches are wasted after initial flame is blown out before said match stick has a chance to heat and ignite...

@copcuffs9973

4 ай бұрын

Friend from the Philippines jokingly said these are not high quality USA matches, you have to carefully push start them (low angle) or they'll break every time. 🔥

Dan showed something very important in the video but failed to mention (or maybe I missed it... notice when he removes a match from the container he immediately puts the lid back on. DON'T FORGET THAT, not only do you NOT want rain drops/water getting inside... when you strike a match, you don't want a stray spark to ape shyte spiraling into the container with the other flammable stuff!!!! Good video nevertheless Dan!

Excellent info! I learned a couple of things I didn't know!

Good stuff man as always thanks for the videos

Outstanding information brother

I use a pair of kitchen shears, and I cut just below the orange section and then I put the matches back into the container upside down with the tip facing towards the bottom, it saves from breaking the match and then in a separate little waxed/mink oiled bag I put The other parts the lower part I cut off on the match and then I had that all together I have the cutoff bomb of the matches plus the orange container and the Stryker I leave the striker on The orange container which is in there with the cut off bottom parts of the match the wood and all that is in the waxed/ mink oiled bag. 😎

Simple but basic instruction delivered very succinctly... well done sir. 👍❤️👍

The weak point for UCO is the exposed striker on the outside of the case. Zippo Typhoon matches have the striker on the bottom of the container protected by a rubber cap. The matches are huge. Instafire Hurricane-Proof matches combine the size of the UCO with a bottom mounted striker protected by a screw-on cap.

@ShadeSlayer1911

4 ай бұрын

You can remove the striker and store it inside the case. I believe they usually come with a spare also. Still, I get your point, I'd be nice to not have to do that.

I always have these, ferro rod and lighter(s), ability to have a fire is that important. Always a good refresher course.😊

While all the people espousing having a lighter (or several) with you are frequently correct, there are situations where lighters are more likely to fail you, especially when the weather is cold. This is especially true with the longer BBQ or candle lighters because they often have trouble getting the liquid fuel to the ignition source in really cold weather (which I see a lot of here in western Canada). So, when my lighter has failed me, I like having matches (usually two types for me) as a backup to ensure I can get that much needed flame going. In the case of lighting any kind of stove, I'd feel far more comfortable with a match backup than trying to use a rod, though I have seen it done multiple times, it's just not my thing.

@evanf1443

4 ай бұрын

Very good point. It’s always good to have backups or options that work in different conditions. The cold weather you mentioned is why I personally prefer liquid fuel lighters like zippos over butane lighters. They work in colder environments.

Taking a narrow, fine grit emery board and cutting it to fit the container will give you a striker that will be as dry as the matches inside.

@tahoemike5828

4 ай бұрын

That will work for the strike anywhere type of matches. Safety, and as far as I know the strike on box and other modern matches don't actually rely directly on friction to light. The striker is impregnated with a separate chemical from that in the match head. By scraping the match across the striker the chemicals mix, and that reaction is actually what sets the match alight. If you notice on the strike anywhere types, there is a red and a white part on the head; those are the two chemical parts that mix when scraped together, and simple friction is all you need to do that. Safety matches separate the parts and put the strike pad on the back of the matchbook, or outside of the box, so they can't light 'accidentally.'

@JAD1DAD

4 ай бұрын

@@tahoemike5828 , col! I didn't know that. I will add that when I was a Cub Scout back in the 1970s before wokeness took over, we waterproofed matches with hot wax by dipping the whole match into the wax a couple of times letting them cool between dips. We kept the matches in a pill bottle.

@limitby9

4 ай бұрын

Red Phosphorus is the red chemical on the strike on box match box.

These matches can flare up and burn your finger at a time when you least need a burnt finger. I would maybe still carry them as a back-up but unless I'm facing death, I'd use Coughlin's waterproof / windproof matches. You can also carry the water-resistant pack of matches from an MRE in a ZipLoc bag.

Again, some very insightful advice. Thanks. I will add my two cents with what I did to my match case. I actually use one of those small waterproof sports cases (available on Amazon) and I place the matches striker down - with a striker sticker (also purchased on Amazon) stuck to the inside of the lid where it too stays protected from moisture. I then keep some cotton tinder between the matches and the striker to 1) I always have dry tinder and 2) it keeps the matches from moving around inside the case.

Oh, we know you like UCOs, Dan: I remember when you use to host THEIR channel! But I’ve got mine, courtesy of REI….just minus the safe. For that, I ordered one of those Exotac Matchcap XLs from Duluth Trading: the best of all worlds.😎

A morale buster

Good advice. I myself carry a lighter AS WELL as fero rod and emergency matches as well as different tinder sources that way I make sure I can start a fire.

Good info, ty

I would suggest for the rubber O rings on those cases to get some O ring lube, its a specific lube for O rings that will lubricate and keep them in good condition for a long time without it soaking into the rubber and expanding it.

Good afternoon from Syracuse NY brother

Issued lifeboat matches used to be good. I think some folk called them hurricane matches. The current issue one's (UK) are absolutely rubbish.

Paul Kirtley teaches the dead standing method which is your hold the match vertical is 10 times stronger that way supported with your3 fingers cup your hand And you’re back to the wind two knock any and then you pull your ring finger away once it lights. The reason is called dead standing is because it’s vertical and it’s a reminder You should be looking for dead standing trees to burn. Or make feather sticks out of. Also always open the box with the handle showing not the Tips to prevent water intrusion. You just practice that way so when you’re in a pinch you do it automatically.

BCB-Lifeboat NATO issue are not junk- if you ask how to properly use them. This USCG vet who mispronounces bowlen and marlinspike will share how. Strike the match INTO the striker. Imagine flipping a fried egg. This does not put as much stress on the stick and chips off the heavy lacquer. They are called lifeboats, because signal flares used on shops and their boats needed a reliable, weatherproof means of Ignition.

to make any match 'strike anywhere' all you have to do is crush some match heads, scrape off some of the crystals from a couple of strike pads and mix them 50-50. dissolve the mix in warm water and boil off excess water till you are left with a thick goo. then just dip tip of your matches and let them dry.

I actually have one of those Uco match safes in my pocket. Just nice to have.

I buy the DIAMOND strike anywhere matches and never have any trouble with them. I only use them when there's no wind though.

One thing in specific to add. With a ferro rod, don’t use for example a knife and swipe the blade towards your fuel, thereby keeping the ferro rod steady. That can lead to hitting your fuel bundle and disrupting your neat little collection, along with any of the ferro filings that you also worked to get set on top of the bundle. Do the reverse. Get your knife close to your bundle, take your ferro rod and swiftly pull it straight back with some upward pressure on the knife. The sparks will be created all the same, and you won’t waste potentially precious time starting all over again.

Something that I'll have to add in my fire kit

I took life boat matches camping. They work fine. Just light them with a Bic lighter and they work great.

@richarddaugherty8583

4 ай бұрын

Thanks for the chuckle!

I know that people practice with their gear or should be practicing with it. When you practice on fire making you should be like the Boy Scouts and learn to make a fire with only two (2) matches it makes you think and get all of the stuff ready for you to get the fire going 😊

Friend from the Philippines jokingly said "you're doing it wrong, these are not high quality USA matches, (80's strike anywhere match you could use a 👖 Zipper to strike it) you have to carefully push start them (low angle) or they'll break every time." 🔥 Boy Scouts made strike anywhere matches waterproof by adding wax to them, before getting out in the wild.

thanks

I like to keep both strikers on the inside till it's Go Time....

I don't have a container of UCO matches, I have 5 containers of UCO matches, multiple refills boxes, waterproof UCO matches, strike anywhere UCO matches, long burn UCO matches. Let's just say that I have a ton of UCO products as they are top quality gear.

You can even keep your empty bic lighters, they still can create a good spark. Thank-you. 🙋‍♂️🇺🇲🇨🇱🙏

The rubber ring has died - try using a much folded rubber band. Stay safe. ATB. Nigel

Definitely depends on brand

I always have normal and these in the case. So I can keep these in case if it's to wet.

Good tips. But tell me when are we likely to see you actually out there in the bush or on the trail using your gear and ideas in practice.

Now you need to learn this skill of building a fire

🙏❤️🌲

Worse comes to worse, break out the Pit Flare. Always carry man made tinder. (Vaseline and cotton balls or store bought Fire Plugs, etc...)

I have these but rarely use them as they are last ditch items. I have 3 boxes of Diamond strike anywhere in the original style that work well. Coat them halfway down with cheap clear nail polish and you will get a longer burn time. There are would matches that are close to useless. Diamonds Green matches will break the heads or break in half. Even when paired with another match they are almost useless. I have a box in the garage in case I forget my lighter to start the wood fire. I have had that box for probably 10 years because I at times will go back in the house for my lighter rather than use them. Ue is how you find out what works.

@copcuffs9973

4 ай бұрын

Friend from the Philippines jokingly said these are not high quality USA matches, (80's strike anywhere match you could use a 👖 Zipper to strike it🔥) you have to carefully push start them (low angle) or they'll break every time. 🔥

a tip: I added some nails inside the matches box. it's come in handy a couple of times.

Get a proper sized O-ring, to keep the case watertight...

If you place the direction of pressure vertically not horizontal, the match will be less likely to break.

Matches have saved my bacon (literally) when it was so cold none of my lighters like my Zippo or butane would work.

Ignition, not heat. You can superheat hydrogen gas and it will not burn till it is IGNITED. So the triangle is Fuel, Oxygen and Ignition. Not Fuel, Oxygen and Heat.

For all of you COD gamers, fun fact, the original friction matches were made with white phosphorus

I would have expected you to actually light at least one to demonstrate.....

I remember a survival instructor saying that fire starting skills are useless as anyone who knows how to make fire never forgets their matches.

I have recently noticed a lot of camping, bushcrafting channels using small box matches here lately. I guess because it looks cooler than flicking a Bic. Every time I see one I cringe. Living in Louisiana I can tell you they are damned unreliable for the reasons you have given. Even the strike anywhere matches, which are now illegal, were unreliable. Extremely high humidity disables the red phosphorus striking surface, which used to be in the tip. In an emergency situation you almost always will be in a wet environment. It is certainly smart to carry the UCO's in your kit but I would never rely on them as my source unless there were no other option.

Butane lighter. There. Fixed it. It's smaller, light weight. Can light maybe 100 fires. This other stuff is like making a buggy whip for your EV. Cosplay is fun, but?

Do not like or want this problem in my fire kit

Or you can get a Bic…

So you made a video about how to light a match without actually showing you won't burn yourself when holding it at that point? But you were okay breaking one, so it was not about conserving them? I'm a bit disappointed.

I can appreciate the history of man developing fire, but do many people die each year for want of making fire? I mean in my context, trees over here will explode and start fires as a mechanism they do, fire is more of a danger than a life-saver. Is this more of a historical respect for the tool or is it truly a life-saving skill.. speaking of the primitivism of like friction fires and such.. There's this obsession outdoorsmen have with it, is it like varying a workout so you don't get bored, attacking a muscle from a different angle?

Nice job on video and talking and showing off tips about matches. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🪓🔪👍👍

Taking a narrow, fine grit emery board and cutting it to fit the container will give you a striker that will be as dry as the matches inside.