Metal match question

A

alex

Joined
Oct 12, 1998
Messages
1,005
Are the typical flint metal matches like the Gerber Strike force, Blastmatch, or the one Greg Davenport sells solid flint material or is the sparking material a coating of some sort which will eventually wear out? Thanks.



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Alex Penton
 
When I purchased Ron’s videos he included one of these little sticks of ferrocerium. I, of course couldn’t wait to try it. I had read here on the forum of using cotton balls for tinder, so I got one from the bathroom.

Remembering my teenaged attempts with flint and steel many years ago, I carefully fluffed the cotton and placed it on my leg, so it would be ready to accept the tiny spark and I could gently blow it into flame. Then I rubbed the back of my knife across the ferrocerium.

A giant shower of sparks came out and the cotton ignited as if it had been soaked in gasoline. A deft flick of my hand sent the flaming cotton sailing off my leg and into the air, where it separated into three flaming pieces of cotton, which settled back down on various pieces of my anatomy. With skillful survivalist-style swatting I was able to extinguish myself before anyone saw me.
wink.gif

 
Thank you for the prompt reply Doc Ron. Being solid flint I can certainly now understand why the one Greg sells would tend to last forever.

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Alex Penton
 
I have been using one for over 10 years. I figure I'll lose it before it runs out
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Greg Davenport
http://www.ssurvival.com
Are You Ready For The Challenge?
Are You Ready To Learn The Art Of Wilderness Survival?

 
Greg,
I really love the metal match i bought from you. I learned quick that i have to get really really fine tinder. SHOuld i have to strike it more than once to get a fire going? Sometimes i have to strike it alot to get it to go. How far worn is yours?
Thanks
Luke
 
Hi Lukers,

There are a lot of variables that impact the effectiveness of a metal match.

Problem #1. How well the tinder is prepared. Recall that ideally a tinder will meet three characteristics (unless a petrolium based or similar item). It must be dry, have edges to catch a spark, and allow oxygen to circulate within it.

Problem #2. Technique used when striking the metal match. A lot of people strike the MM by stroking straight down and into the tinder. This puts out any flame that may occur. I teach my students to hold the MM a certain way and to roll the wrist in a manner that allows the blade to stroke the MM without contacting the tinder. The goal being to put the spark into the tinder not the blade. Another problem is people hold the MM above the tinder. When this is done it is hard to control where the spark goes. I prefer to place it directly into the tinder and against the platform the tinder is on.... finally, practice, practice, practice. BTW it is not uncommon to take several strikes to light a tinder... Certain ones are easier than others.

Hope this helps.


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Greg Davenport
http://www.ssurvival.com
Are You Ready For The Challenge?
Are You Ready To Learn The Art Of Wilderness Survival?

 
Lukers,

Try holding the knife, or whatever you're striking the metal match against, steady, and ripping the metal match backwards along the knife.

In other words, move the metal match and hold the striking piece still.

You will be surpised how well this works and it keeps you from hitting your tinder with the striker. - Jeff

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Randall's Adventure & Training
jeff@jungletraining.com

 
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