K&M Matchsafe: Extra Security (easy!)

Don Rearic

Don Rearic

Joined
Oct 8, 1998
Messages
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There have been some concerns about the K&M Matchsafe spilling its contents into pockets or packs in the past. I have not had a problem because with critical stuff like this, even if the item is part of my system of redundant gear, it tends to go into a place where it is more secure and not thrown into the larger areas of a backpack, etc.

However, I thought that there would be a very simple fix that would increase the security/integrity of the K&M. Just a little bit of elastic shock cord and this turned out very, very well.

The shock cord pulls the stopper into the body snugly and will allow the double O-ring seal to work very well. When the shock cord wears out, replace it! I just took a little bit from a Bail Out Bag, works like a charm!

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Very cool Idea Don!

Ive heard of people having problems with that, but Its never been an issue with mine.

PS- KM matchsafes kick ass. I love mine. :)
 
Looks good Don! I too carry several feet of shock-cord in my bag...that stuff really comes in handy; I even made a quick belt for my son's swimming shorts on our last trip (used a cord lock for a buckle:thumbup:)

ROCK6
 
Just a 1/4 twist of the plug and it cinches up tight with the cord. I have never lost anything.

That being said, your idea is a pretty novel one.
 
Thanks guys.

I've never had a problem with mine either, I just kept thinking about the other guy's spilling out and wanted a way to prevent that even if the thing did get treated more badly than I usually treat it. :)
 
I just got one of these K&Ms last Thursday, very nice peice of kit. I am kind of concerned about the "locking" method...I'll have to keep an eye out for shock cord..thanks for the tip.
 
When you consider that half the price of the K&M Matchsafe is the Suunto compass in the top of it, which appears to be quite similar to the Suunto Clipper Compass which usually goes for $9.00 - $12.95, it's a great deal!

Double O-Ring seal and good machining of the aluminum...and knurled. It's really a steal at about $25.00 and they make the extra length size like mine for REI Brand Storm Matches - also excellent gear!

Even if you don't like the REI matches, get the extra length case anyway because you can put a suitable amount of tinder on top of the (shorter) matches as well. :)
 
The ideal one I wanted to get was the longer brass one, but the standard black aluminum one popped up for sale on another forum for $15 shipped...I coulden't pass it up! I've not got three matchsafes...a army issue plastic one, this one, and an absolutely crappy made in china Marbles reproduction:barf:

I feel more comfortable with GI safe and the fact that I can really tighten the cap to the max, but the K&M has the compass and you can strike the matches right on the knurled side..

The compass is perfect for it's size; I'd like to get one for my RAT Firesteel although it looks a few mms too small to fit snugly.
 
If you go on their site and read the story about how the product was developed, you will see they are very down to earth folk.

BTW, I have left my K&M matchsafe in the bottom of my kayak in 2" of water more than once, on the picnic table car camping almost every night and rolling around in the back of my pickup on several occaisions. It has to be 15 years old at this point and has NEVER leaked. Original o-rings.

Carl-
 
I've got a couple K&M's (long and regular)--they are outstanding. Never had an issue, but it does seem like a good idea to add a little 'security' when using these. Cool.
 
I love my k&m never had a problem with it riding in a pocket, but again, my matches never end up in a random place, I want to be able to find them NOW if needed. I have a repro army style one, but the treads are rough, and with cold hands, it's not gonna happen, so its at the bottom of the stuff box. IMHO very few things beat a dry wood match when you need fire.
 
When I discovered British Lifeboat (NATO) Matches in the 1980s from Brigade Quartermasters, they were always the emergency fall-back. They really work but they are just a tad tempermental until you get used to the downward-pop-strike-sideways motion to light them. I still have one old USGI Matchsafe that still has the same 1980s striker glued to the top of it, that striker being from a bottle of Brit Lifeboat Matches I ordered from BQ a LONG time ago. :D

If the British Lifeboat Matches are 100% better than the Brand Name Hurricane Match, and they are, then the REI Stormproof Match is 100% better than the Brit Lifeboat Match with no tempermental lighting strike procedure, either. I don't think you can make a better "survival match" than those from REI without making a micro-road flare. :)
 
Don Rearic said:
If the British Lifeboat Matches are 100% better than the Brand Name Hurricane Match, and they are, then the REI Stormproof Match is 100% better than the Brit Lifeboat Match with no tempermental lighting strike procedure, either. I don't think you can make a better "survival match" than those from REI without making a micro-road flare. :)
Click to expand...

Indeed, those REI Stormproof matches are beasts :thumbup:
 
Here is what I have done. Any time I have a match case where the cap does not press fit in hard enough - I take some pin striping (cheap at Wal-Mart) and put a layer or two UNDER the o-ring. That adds some meat that when you put the o-ring back on - it fits tighter. Do this until it is so tight you have to ram it on there - THEN use the string method - It will be more water tight and NEVER come off unless you want it to.

TF
 
problem is getting those REI ones in canada, but I think I've got some british ones coming in via my local surplus store.
 
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