Paper Matches

brandonc

brandonc

Gold Member
Joined
Mar 16, 2008
Messages
557
Why are paper matches considered poor fire starting devices? I have seen people call them unreliable or flimsy, and no consideration for an emergency fire starter. I carry a book of them in my wallet, and another in my survival kit, as an almost weightless backup.

In my opinion they are some of the best, even better than some wooden matches. They are also the smallest/lightest fire sources I have ever seen. They are very easy to use and light, and the paper covers can be shredded for tinder. They are not waterproof, but I carry mine in a small zip lock bag. Best of all they are almost free, and can be picked up at many bars and hotels.

Sure, lighters and firesteels are great, but don't overlook the humble paper match!
 
brandonc said:
I have seen people call them unreliable.....................................................................................................................They are not waterproof
Click to expand...

You just answered your own question :D
That why I like my Aurora firestarter, always works.
 
I can't remember the last time I even saw a book of paper matches. Maybe you have to be a smoker to come in contact with them.
 
I'll grant you, they are cheap. Certainly not waterproof and highly susceptible to moisture are reasons for their unreliability. The only redeeming quality is that they can be easily split in half to yield two matches, a second chance at fire when conservation of your resources is imperative.
 
*shrugs*

They make fine EDC firestarters...and i have one or two books of them buried in my woods kit, because they are so small and light.

But yeh, not inherently waterproof or very durable so I wouldn't consider them backup gear.
They're front line; easy to use and what you reach for in normal conditions, but when/if they fail you pull out the reliable 'emergency' stuff.
 
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