Making and using sulfur matches
Hi all, been a while since I posted. Really enjoy using flint and steel for making fires and became curious how candles and oil lamps used to be lit using flint and steel. Sure I could just put a stick in a fire that was going and light the lantern that way but what if I wanted to skip the fire and get the lantern or candle going first. That's where the sulfur matches come in. They let one go from an ember direct to a small flame. Making them is really quite simple, just need to heat up some sulfur dust and melt it then coat the tip of a soft wood.
https://i.postimg.cc/8Jh9cv8w/IMGP0131resize.jpg
Some completed matches made from splinting down a 2x4 (soft pine)
https://i.postimg.cc/LYdGmTWn/IMGP0132resize.jpg
Two small steel cans, bottom has slots in it and I place a charcoal or two in it.
https://i.postimg.cc/CZnWytm3/IMGP0133resize.jpg
Found some 90 percent sulfur dust at the local hardware store. Does not make a pretty yellow match but burns fine.
https://i.postimg.cc/p5R7FdRv/IMGP0134resize.jpg
Here are some ready for coating made from splinting down a paint mix stick. Soft wood but not sure species.
A few notes, the sharp tip is very important, if you start one in low light it become clear why. A tiny blue flame starts at the tip when you touch it to an ember and grows until it sets the wood on fire.
They are a lot of fun to work with.
