Blastmatch or a Light My Fire Army Firesteel

I've seen far too many blastmatches break. The metal striker comes off and they simply don't last. Cool concept but not the best design and kind of bulky. I like the Strike-Force better for larger pieces more easily used with gloves. I've never seen a Strike Force break in the same way a Blastmatch does. The only thing I've seen break on one of those is the plastic housing chipping or cracking. Both are a bit large for year round use when a better alternative is available.

The Swedish Fire Steel is great and simple. No fancy moving parts and capable of being used with one hand (and a foot!) Much more compact than the Blastmatch or Strike Force. I keep at least one on me at all times and there is always one riding with me on my Fox River sheath. Learn to use it and you'll never want to turn back to matches.
 
I carry a firesteel because it is the simplest, least-to-go-wrong fire starting device I can find. Because of the Blastmatch's complexity it isn't tops on my list. It is also quite large compared to the firesteel.
 
If you like the larger size ferro rod (1/2"Dia.) of the Blast Match & Strike Force Fire starters with out the bulky plastic cases & the simplicity of the Light my Fire ferro rods Exploration products has the 1/2"x4" long ferro rod which throws a massive shower of sparks and the rod is still small enough to be attached to a knife sheath with Ranger bands or parra cord:thumbup:


http://epcamps.com/Firecraft.html
 
Firesteel. Buy the rods online and make your own. This one less than a couple of bucks to make. This way you can have one on each blade or kit.

fire_steel.jpg
 
The Army model is one of those little 'must haves', that I think should be part of that initial kit list for every new camper/outdoors-person. (Ex- Good 4" blade, paracord, canteen/cup, firesteel, etc...)

They're too reliable and effective to bother trying something else.
 
I have both. The Blastmatch has the advantage that it can be used one handed and if it did break could dismantled and used with two hands. The disadvantage is to use it you have to be able to press down on what you're trying to ignite where as a normal fire steel and striker you can flick sparks on to things. I need to do this to light my multifuel stove for example and couldn't do it (at least easily) with the Blastmatch design.

I keep the Blastmatch in my car kit but it's the LMF firesteel that I use while camping.
 
blastmatch is a piece of shite. Hokey gizmo that CANNOT be counted on.
The Strikeforce, on the other hand, is pretty good.
Brunton's spark thrower is really nice, and the Kershaw unit is ok too but cheaper, both in price and in quality, but dependable at least.
Did I mention how much of a piece of crap I think that Blastmatch is?
 
I have both the Blastmatch and the Firesteel. I prefer the Firesteel. I also have the ferro rod from Exploration Products, as linked, above. I prefer that to both the Blastmatch and the Light My Fire Army model Firesteel.
 
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