Talk about a survival story: A full century has passed since the invention of the lighter, yet matches remain a staple in survival kits. Lighters last longer and can resist water better, but there’s something about matches that keeps them in circulation.
Maybe it’s the fact that they’re plentiful and often can be obtained for no charge from bars, restaurants, and some stores. Or maybe people like matches for nostalgia reasons. Whatever your fixation, here are three match tricks that will give you a boost when you’re down to your last box or book.
Split Matches: Wouldn’t it be nice to have the ability to double your store of matches, especially when you can’t resupply? You could try splitting your individual matches in half. The paper book match is the easiest to split. Tear one free from the book, and gently peel the paper in half, starting at the torn end of the match. Try to make sure the split gives you equal paper on each side. Keep in mind, though, that these halved matches only have half the burn time of a regular paper match. They are also more susceptible to the wind. But if you strike them carefully, each one will be capable of starting dry, fluffy tinder ablaze. Split wooden match sticks, especially the large kitchen matches, with a razor blade or sharp knife. Pierce the wooden stick just below the chemical head on the match. Rock the blade a little and shear the match stick in half. The chemical head should pop in two as the stick does. There are stories of desperate folks splitting large stick matches into six useable pieces. I don’t doubt these stories, but settle for cutting them in half before you try sixths.
Matchstick Candle Wick: You have plenty of candle left, but the wick is gone? No worries. Just poke a hole down into the wax with a sharp instrument. Insert a match stick into the hole with the chemical head up. Light the match, and as it burns down, it will start to melt the wax. This liquid wax will soon wick up the burned stick just like a fiber candle wick. It’s that easy.
Waterproof Your Matches: Since we’ve got a candle going and some melted wax available now, we can perform one last match trick. A quick dip in that melted candle wax, followed immediately by blowing to cool the wax, will create a waterproof shell on the outside of the match’s head and part of the stick. This can give you a match that is more resistant to dampness and longer burning. The wax will melt and burn as the match does. Just make sure you dip and cool the wax quickly, or it will soak into the chemical head and ruin it. Also, be sure to scrape the wax off before you try to strike the match, or it will gum up the striker strip on your match book or box.
Do you prefer matches over lighters? Know any other match tricks? Let us hear them in the comments.
As an enthusiast and expert in survival skills, particularly in the realm of fire-starting techniques, I can attest to the importance of mastering various methods to ensure one's ability to create fire under challenging conditions. The article you provided, titled "Survival Skills" by Tony Hansen, touches upon the enduring relevance of matches in survival kits despite the century-long presence of lighters. I'll delve into the concepts presented in the article and further elaborate on them:
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Split Matches:
- The article suggests a method to extend the utility of matches by splitting them, thereby doubling your supply. This technique is particularly applicable to paper book matches and large kitchen matches. Paper matches can be split by tearing one free from the book and gently peeling the paper in half. Wooden match sticks can be split using a razor blade or sharp knife just below the chemical head. The resulting halved matches, though having reduced burn time and increased susceptibility to wind, can still effectively ignite dry tinder.
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Matchstick Candle Wick:
- This concept addresses a common issue: having plenty of candle left but a depleted wick. By poking a hole into the candle wax and inserting a match stick with the chemical head up, the match can act as a makeshift wick. As the match burns down, the melted wax will wick up the stick, mimicking the function of a traditional fiber candle wick.
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Waterproof Your Matches:
- The article provides a valuable tip on waterproofing matches using melted candle wax. After creating a candle with the matchstick wick, a quick dip in the melted wax, followed by blowing to cool it, forms a waterproof shell on the match's head and part of the stick. This waterproofing method enhances resistance to dampness and prolongs the burning time. However, it emphasizes the need to quickly cool the wax to prevent it from soaking into the match's chemical head, which could ruin it. Additionally, it advises scraping off the wax before striking the match to prevent gumming up the striker strip.
These survival tips showcase the resourcefulness and adaptability needed in challenging situations. The author's insights and the shared techniques demonstrate a deep understanding of practical survival skills, making the article a valuable resource for those seeking to enhance their preparedness in outdoor or emergency scenarios.
