Blast match, worth the extra scratch?

Triton

Triton

Gold Member
Joined
Aug 8, 2000
Messages
35,962
I think the title pretty much says it all. I was thinking of picking up a flint and steel and then I run across this blast match thing. Do any of you own one? How does it compare to regular flint and steel? Would it be reasonable to put it on a keychain?
 
It's cool, but it's relatively big and heavy, if that matters.

It does create quite a shower of sparks, tho.

.
 
I have a Blast Match. I don't think it is practical for a keychain - too big. I keep one in a bail out bag along with a Strike Force (even bigger), an aviation survival spark-lite (just like a cigarette lighter but no fuel reservoir - comes in a neat little plastic pack with some tinder that looks like it might be Tinder Quik), and a couple of the generic simple flint 'n steel contraptions. My favorite generic is the one with the magnesium bar with the flint imbedded along one side that comes with what looks like a couple of inches of hacksaw blade. Stow that little blade in your bail out bag and carry the flint/magnesium bar on your keychain - you can strike the flint with any piece of steel and shave magnesium off the bar with the dullest butter knife in the back of your drawer. Just stay away from those flaming rum jello shots while carrying that magnesium next to your tender parts! ;)

Oh - I also keep a handful of WetFire packets in there too. That's the white soap-like tinder. I think it's a petroleum product but I'm not sure. It lights under any conditions, even better when it's wet, and will ignite your magnesium shavings in a hurricane, if you can keep it all in a pile.
 
Last edited:
I use a blast match to light my MSR whisperlite International running kerosene. My other ferro rods won't do it. but there are several possible failure points on it.... I like it YMMV
 
I bought one and don't like it at all. Big, heavy, difficult to use. Swedish Firesteel is much better IMO.
 
Thanks for the responses gentlemen, sounds like for my keychain I would be better of with a simple flint and steel, but that the blastmatch might be an option for my 72 hour kit. Thanks!
 
Even though the BlastMatch is too big for a keychain I wouldn't be without one out in the woods or in a survival situation. I've had one for years and it has never failed to put out a shower of sparks each and every time. As far as it being big and heavy, no way! Pus, it's a one-handed operation whereas fire steels take two hands.
Watch this video and you'll forget all about the flint and steels.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYRKzdSXH34
 
Last edited:
I have used one of the strike force firesteels for years. The blastmatch is a further development of the same theme. The advantage of the blastmatch is it's ability to be used with one hand which is of great importance in a survival situation when one may be injured. I plan to pick on up fairly soon.
 
kenk said:
For a keychain head to your local Boy Scout Store/Office and buy a BSA Hot Spark.

http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply...S&c2=CAMPING&C3=CAMPEQUIP&C4=&LV=3&item=01167

Tiny, but provides a nice spark.
.
Click to expand...

If you can get a fire started using a hot spark and only naturally found tinder then I salute you:thumbup: The hot spark is the most bare bones Flint I have seen unless you count the small ones they sometimes have on those orange plastic match cases. I like using mine to practice with but I would never rely on it. When it gets tiring I pull out the big flint and use magnesium shavings:D

The fact that the Blast Match can be used one handed is a big plus in my book and you could very well be injured. In that case you may not also have the best tinder available and you may need the fire up in a hurry. I plan to pick one up soon. But I still having the magnesium shavings availible to get a fire going in a hurry.
 
The best thing about both the strike force and the blast match is the trmrndous amount of sparks produced. They will lite up most tinders without problems. They also store a wetfire tinder tab in the handle, or severay pjcb"s if ya pack it yourself. The wetfire can be reduced to powder as well as ignited whole and works well.
 
wildmike said:
The best thing about both the strike force and the blast match is the trmrndous amount of sparks produced. They will lite up most tinders without problems. They also store a wetfire tinder tab in the handle, or severay pjcb"s if ya pack it yourself. The wetfire can be reduced to powder as well as ignited whole and works well.
Click to expand...

It's a cool design and i hope they improve it. I would like a some magnesium material in the design somewhere. Maybe replace the plastic handle with solid Magnesium?:D Rat Cutlery is looking to develope there own Flint fire starter.
 
44Magpie said:
Pus, it's a one-handed operation whereas fire steels take two hands.
Click to expand...

Best reason to at least carry one, whether it is your primary or not....

IMHO

Try making fire with your weakhand ONLY using your current device of choice....

An eye opening experience...
 
The two best features of the Blastmatch are the fact that it can be used one handed and provides a massive shower of sparks. One critique I have heard about them is the plastic breaking in extreme cold weather. I imagine most plastics are fragile in below zero degree weather. I carry one in my pack, it is way to big to put on a keychain. I like the orange one pictured below. Easy to find when you put it down in a hurry to add tinder and branches to your fire.

Blastmatch
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top