Blast Match Vs Fire Piston

Steel-Junky

Steel-Junky

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Jan 15, 2009
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Hi all. I adding some items to my survival pack that I keep in my truck. I was wondering what the opinion was as to the blast match vs the fire piston? I've just order both as up till now I was rocking one of the little magnesium bars with striker on it and spare lighters and waterproof matches. But the blast match attracts me because they seem to spray out a shower of sparks and the company warrantees it for life... and the fire piston I find interesting because it can make fire from thin air litterally. Just curious as to the opinion of these two... pros and cons... comparisons. Anyone used both? What did you like or dislike about either? Thanks.
 
Niether!

The fire piston is a novelty item that works but requires great care and optimum materials. A fire piston doesn't make fire out of thin air. It requires char cloth and tinder. If it is made out of natural materials, the wood can shrink or expand and the compression chamber will not function properly. The blastmatch is "fragile" and I've seen more than one have the metal striker break off from the plastic arm that holds it. The ferro rod is nice if you want to buy one and break it off from the rest of the plastic body.

If you want a great firestarter for winter use, get the standard Strikeforce. It can carry tinder, is easy to use with gloves and is very simple to use one handed. It is bulky but for truck carry, it is perfect. That's why I keep one in my vehicle kit.
 
There is no comparison between the magnesium firestarter and a 1/2" ferro rod. It (Magnesium's ferro rod) simply cannot send the same amount of sparks down on tinder as a larger diameter rod like the Swedish Army fire steel or the Strike Force. If you guys like the doans, try out a 3/8" rod and some natural tinder. You'll be hooked.

kev
 
k_estela said:
Niether!

The fire piston is a novelty item that works but requires great care and optimum materials.
Click to expand...

Are they really picky about tender materials?

A fire piston doesn't make fire out of thin air. It requires char cloth and tinder.
Click to expand...

I know... I was just saying that it doesn't need a spark or fire to get it going... just the compressed air from what I understand. In other words the idea I have in my head is that it doesn't have a full or material source that can run out as long as you have tender around you. A striker or blast match or anything like that can eventually wear out right?



If it is made out of natural materials, the wood can shrink or expand and the compression chamber will not function properly.
Click to expand...

I got one of the aluminum ones made by a BF member here. I hope it lasts longer than bone or wood or plastic.


The blastmatch is "fragile" and I've seen more than one have the metal striker break off from the plastic arm that holds it. The ferro rod is nice if you want to buy one and break it off from the rest of the plastic body.
Click to expand...

That's a bummer. I bought two so if one happens to break... I'll just make them replace it and I'll use the other one until the replacement arrives. Hate to hear that they break easy though... it looks like a neat idea... someone should make a solid gadget like that. LOL.

If you want a great firestarter for winter use, get the standard Strikeforce. It can carry tinder, is easy to use with gloves and is very simple to use one handed. It is bulky but for truck carry, it is perfect. That's why I keep one in my vehicle kit.
Click to expand...


I'll look into that. Thanks.
 
Steel-Junky said:
Hi all. I adding some items to my survival pack that I keep in my truck. I was wondering what the opinion was as to the blast match vs the fire piston? I've just order both as up till now I was rocking one of the little magnesium bars with striker on it and spare lighters and waterproof matches. But the blast match attracts me because they seem to spray out a shower of sparks and the company warrantees it for life... and the fire piston I find interesting because it can make fire from thin air litterally. Just curious as to the opinion of these two... pros and cons... comparisons. Anyone used both? What did you like or dislike about either? Thanks.
Click to expand...

The fire piston is is fun toy, but I'd never carry one for survival purposes. I have a nice one, it works although I can't say that I'm happy with the size of the spark chamber or ember that results.

A fire steel produces a lot more spark, and if you've prepared your tinder properly, you'll have a much better ember to begin your fire. All that being said and done, I still prefer to use my flint and steel. Yes, a good fire steel produces more sparks (although my better flint strikers make a good 4th of July spark shower!) when using a well made striker and good black flint, and of course, well prepared tinder, a single strike should get you going.

Stitchawl
 
Even if the fire pistons did perform reliably and without upkeep, I wouldn't carry one just due to the crappy weight/benefit ratio. Too big compared to a firesteel/etc.
 
Like Kev (and Marty) point out the BlastMatch is a bit fragile, but the half inch diameter fire steel used in it is a very functional piece of hardware.
 
Another reccomendation for the Strike Force, I have one and they work fantastic. They throw the same shower of sparks as the blastmatch plus carry tinder as well.

If you can look into the fireskit from RAT cutlery as well.
 
k_estela said:
The blastmatch is "fragile" and I've seen more than one have the metal striker break off from the plastic arm that holds it. The ferro rod is nice if you want to buy one and break it off from the rest of the plastic body.
Click to expand...

I have a blastmatch and like the way it works. If the striker breaks off then I end up with the same firesteel you would carry. The only drawback is it is heavier.
 
On a side note... I find that the file on my Leatherman makes a wonderful striker blade. Even with the magnesium bar striker... I get a good stream of sparks with the leatherman file.
 
It seems to me that a Blastmatch requires a hard surface to brace the rod against in order to create the sparks. Is this the case?
 
Remember, the Blastmatch has a lifetime warranty and can work even if broken. As far as needing a hard surface to strike against, you can also use your index finger to plunge the rod in so a hard surface is not needed.

Having a variety of firesteels, sparkers, etc, the Balstmatch advantage is that you can stick it right on the tinder to spark. Firesteels all require that you either pull the firesteel away from the striker or be careful that you don't disturb the tinder.

Bottom line is that they all work well and it's our duty as forumites to buy all the gear out there to play with and report back on and argue about. ;)
 
I would go with the Blastmatch as well. I've had the striker piece come off (its just friction fit in there I believe). I managed to get it back into place though, but it took a lot of careful prodding around. At least if the striker comes out you can still use the ferro rod with another striker.
 
k_estela said:
Niether!

The fire piston is a novelty item that works but requires great care and optimum materials. A fire piston doesn't make fire out of thin air. It requires char cloth and tinder. If it is made out of natural materials, the wood can shrink or expand and the compression chamber will not function properly. The blastmatch is "fragile" and I've seen more than one have the metal striker break off from the plastic arm that holds it. The ferro rod is nice if you want to buy one and break it off from the rest of the plastic body.

If you want a great firestarter for winter use, get the standard Strikeforce. It can carry tinder, is easy to use with gloves and is very simple to use one handed. It is bulky but for truck carry, it is perfect. That's why I keep one in my vehicle kit.
Click to expand...



Definately! I was between the two a friend has the blast match and it does give a great spark shower but it is flimsy compared to the strikeforce.The rod and striker are fixed solidly the rod is thick.In the bottom you get a piece of wet fire tinder and i have managed to jam a cotton wool ball in there also and a small tampon in the lid with the rod.I also got the orange one incase i dropped it.Give it a try i think you will like it, i have it as my pocket carry when out in the woods.
 
k_estela said:
The blastmatch is "fragile" and I've seen more than one have the metal striker break off from the plastic arm that holds it.

If you want a great firestarter for winter use, get the standard Strikeforce. It can carry tinder, is easy to use with gloves and is very simple to use one handed. It is bulky but for truck carry, it is perfect. That's why I keep one in my vehicle kit.
Click to expand...

Between the two I would definitely go with the Blastmatch, but I really concur with Kevin on how fragile they are. I have about 5 or 6 of them and two have broken. The concept is genius as my two kids and wife find the operation a lot easier than striking a firesteel by hand. I wish they would design it to be a little more robust.

Outside of just a firesteel rod, the Strikeforce gets two :thumbup::thumbup: from me. I like the orange colored one and yes it's big and cumbersome, but it fits in the day pack or butt pack or any other should bag just fine. Plus, I've squeezed about 4 of 5 Vaseline soaked cotton balls.

Goinggear.com's Firesteel with Firecap is a very good "flame-thrower" that I keep with my belt knife...it too has as cap to store a couple of cotton balls with Vaseline for emergency tinder. This rod has much more magnesium in it and it throws some massive, long lasting sparks!

Stick with the more robust and simple devices.

ROCK6
 
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