matches-alt striking surfaces that work?

[OwenM]

Didn't see it mentioned, but if nothing else is available or working, you can always light strike anywhere matches off each other.

 

[go2ndAmend]

It has been my unfortunate experience that it really wouldn't matter what type of matches are stored in the OP match case. I had the exact same case and one time with cold hands my manual dexterity was diminished to the point I could not unscrew the container. Luckily all turned out well, but I've never carried that type of match container since. I really like my K&M. You can put the string in your teeth and pop the end off to get to the matches if need be. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Switchblade61]

Compromise to Brian's post. Wrap the striker in a couple layers of saran wrap plastic or tin foil and place in matchbox. Also if you try to keep enough matches packed in their case, you won't get shifting and friction so much. In Canada it is extremely difficult to find strike anywhere matches.

Edit - the concept of safety matches is that they only work on a designated striker. It is a chemical reaction specific to both the match and striking surface that starts the reaction, hence, unless strike-anywhere matches are specifically procurred, you have to use the striker surface.

I can get the "Red Bird" brand strike anywhere matches easy enough (in Canada), but they pretty much work as safety matches (strike on box) and therefore useless as strike anywhere type. Unless one takes and uses the box anywhere for striking...

 

[never too sharp]

The strike anywhere matches are available in my local grocery(diamond brand). I'll use a pill bottle or a $1 match case from walmart and use 3M double sided tape to stick a piece of 100 grit sandpaper to the top. Lights first time, every time.

 

[Loosearrow]

My dad showed me 2 different ways of lighting strike anywhere matches.
If your wearing jeans, bend your knee and bring your leg up so that your jeans
are tight. Strike match by drawing match from your thigh towards your knee.
Do it quickly and smooth.
The other method...you can ruin the match though, is to hold it in your right fist
and stick your thumb nail into the head and flick your thumb nail down.
You usually only get 2 tries max before the tip is ruined, but the match is still good.
When I practice them, I have a pretty high success rate.

I was going to mention the corner of the thumbnail trick, but I see you mentioned it. My grandfather would do that. Give it a little pop with the nail and it bursts into flame. Only if you use the strike anywhere matches. Teeth, jeans, zippers and and any rough surface will work. The matches are getting harder to find here in Kansas. I have found them at gun shows and buy a few boxes. Someone told me they were used in illegal drug manufacturing. I don't know for sure. On Marbles knives the "thumb rest" on the blade was intended for match striking. I think Marbles also came up with the match safe with the match striker on the outside. They were an inventive company at one time.

 

[tholiver]

Cool, my thread got resurrected while i wasn't looking,lol.
I finally did find some supposed "strike-anywheres", i'll have to try some of the new methods/striking surfaces listed here.