Strike anywhere matches?

[bulrush]

All summer I have been looking for "strike anywhere" matches but cannot find any. Have these been outlawed in Michigan for some reason? I can only find the "safety" matches.

[crashdive123]

In my area you can buy them at the local grocery store. Seems that some states have outlawed them.

From a review that I found "These matches cannot be legally sold in some states such as Michigan and Minnesota."

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Cook%20Gear/Fire%20Starters/Diamond%20Strike%20Anywhere%20matches/Owner%20Review%20by%20steven%20miller/

[bulrush]

Thanks, that's what I wanted to know.

[Bigdog57]

I get a chuckle everytime I visit the gunshow (got one this coming weekend!), where a vendor sells the Diamond Brand Strike-Anywhere matches - for three times the price of the exact same thing available in the Publix supermarket a mile down the road..... :rolleyes:

I read once there was a concern they can combust in the box if jostled too hard - I guess that's why some places ban them. I'm more carefull with my matches. ;)

[Rick]

You are exactly correct. I posted this in another thread on strike anywhere matches. I spoke with the VP Sales for Diamond Brand and that's exactly what he said. He told me Wal-Mart averaged 3 (if I remember correctly) incidents a year in which someone would drop the box and some of the matches would ignite. So Wal-Mart stopped carrying them. He also told me the box was designed so that if they DID ignite the box would snuff out the flames.

[pgvoutdoors]

The days of the good Ohio Blue Tip matches are gone. The diamond Brand work O.K. but not as good as the Blue Tips. Here in Ohio it's sometimes hard to find the strike anywhere matches but I seem to find them most often in the hardware stores.

[Rick]

I sent the company an email. When I talked to the VP several months ago he indicated they were discussing adding a store front to their web site but that hasn't happened. I asked about that and if they have a list of companies that sell their matches. We'll see what they say.

[bulrush]

He also told me the box was designed so that if they DID ignite the box would snuff out the flames.
A cardboard box is designed to put out fires, huh?

If we have individually wrapped prunes, why can't we have individually wrapped matches?

[Tony uk]

A cardboard box is designed to put out fires, huh?

If we have individually wrapped prunes, why can't we have individually wrapped matches?

Because there looking to maximise profit while minimiseing costs, That and could you really be bothered unwraping every match before you use it ?

[Gray Wolf]

Many places have individually wrapped toothpicks! I don't mind them, I know that nobody else's hands have been on them.

[Rick]

Well, after they left the factory anyway.

This one works...passed....this one works....passed....

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/118/256387298_9ae7fb0828.jpg?v=0

[tacmedic]

Try ebay, I was recently able to purchase a case of 12 boxes of strike anywhere matches on Ebay for about $6. I hope they last me for a while, they aren't sold in Iowa anymore either.

[crashdive123]

3,000 matches should last you a while........if not, you need to go back and re-read the threads on fire making.:D

[Sourdough]

It is said that rats chewing on strike anywhere matches have burnt down buildings.

Zen Master, "Aaa Grasshopper see rat has achieved enlightenment".

Grasshopper, "Master look like rat has achieved TOAST".

:):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):) :)

[tacmedic]

I figure if I can't find any firewood, I can just keep throwing matches on the fire.

[mattco]

It might be cheapest if there's a neighboring state that carries them and if you have an excuse to head that way pick up a few boxes while you're there. When/if you can order them online, there are shipping restrictions/costs because they are deemed hazardous. On a related note, the airlines/TSA will smack you around if they find you flying with them in either your carry-on or checked baggage.

When you get them, it'll be best to waterproof them, with shellac, clear nail polish, or wax. Do the entire stick, not just the head, because the stick will still wick up atmospheric moisture. If not sealed, depending on your storage environment, they can start breaking down in a year or two. If nothing else, at least get them packed in 100% air-tight storage container(s) and keep in a moderate/controlled atmosphere. And yes, it's been reported that little mice or rats will nibble on the things, so keep them critter-proof too just in case.

[Last Mohican]

I have finally found S. A. Matches here in Pennsylvania. Of all places at a produce market. I think I have 36 boxes ( 9,000 matches ) now. I have a good system set up for waterproofing them. I have an old baking tray ( cookie sheet ) w/ an elevated ( 1/2" or so ) wire rack set on top. I use MINWAX fast drying polyurethane. An 8oz can will coat about 8 - 10 boxes. The can also makes a great match container when empty.

Just pop the lid off the polturethane, mix thoroughly, drop half a handful of matches in the can. I use a pair of fine needlenose pliers to make sure they go completely under.

Pull the matches out one at a time using the pliers, place on the wire rack, then let dry for several hours.

I store the matches, box and all inside of old military ammo boxes. That way if they do happen to ignite, nothing else will catch fire. I also use old Jancy mag drill containers and the "child-proof" medicine containers you get @ the pharmacy. I put them in match head up, then put enough cotton balls in the top to keep them from rattling around.

The reason I have so many matches is not only for my own use, but also because I know there will be a lot of friends and family members that will not be pepared if TSHTF. Also, I have my Boy Scouts and church members putting together 72hr or longer emergency kits.

[RaymondPeter]

Here in Ohio it's sometimes hard to find the strike anywhere matches but I seem to find them most often in the hardware stores.

I work at a hardware store and we have TONS of the (Diamond) strike anywhere matches. Barely anyone buys them except me and the occasional "Oh my God, you still sell these?!?!" sales.

I think they are like $1.99 after tax or something like that for a box still (before my discount of course)...

[Icemancometh]

They are hard to find in KY. Dicks use to carry them, but no more.

[Sourdough]

They are hard to find in KY. Dicks use to carry them, but no more.

What did women use.....Lighters:)

[crashdive123]

Now that there's funny, I don't care who you are.

[Rick]

Technically, any match is a strike anywhere. It's just that so few of them are ignite anywhere.:rolleyes:

[BruceZed]

Red Bird Strike Anywhere Matches are still sold in Canada, but are harder to find due to stores like Safeway that have stopped selling them.

[prybry]

In my area you can buy them at the local grocery store. Seems that some states have outlawed them.

From a review that I found "These matches cannot be legally sold in some states such as Michigan and Minnesota."

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Cook%20Gear/Fire%20Starters/Diamond%20Strike%20Anywhere%20matches/Owner%20Review%20by%20steven%20miller/

This must be a pretty recent change in MN... I just bought a brick of 3 large boxes at the local grocery store a month ago. Maybe they don't know they shouldn't be selling them...! I have also ordered "life boat matches" online and shipped into MN and never had problems.

One other thought... I have bought coleman labeled camping matches, I believe those are also strike anywhere type. Check the camping section at Walmart.

[wudshapr]

I was looking up strike anywheres since it sounded like they were not available here in MN, then I saw one of the three pack boxes my better half picked up at a local supermarket less than a year ago. sho' nuff they were the coveted diamond strike anywhere. Incidentally, this box was left out in a heavy rain which all but destroyed the box a couple months ago. A few don't light, but most have been lit when stricken even after saturation.