Blastmatch

Discussion in 'Functional Gear & Equipment' started by Maxflax, Dec 24, 2010.


  1. Maxflax

    Maxflax Lightning in a bottle

    I have several of these and they are excellent little firestarters.. very hot spark output and can be operated with one hand. Think~ how you will use the two part systems with one arm/hand injured. They were developed to replace the USAF magnesium firestarter chunks for the pilot's E & E kits and IMO are far superior. Easy to operate and effective

    YouTube - Firesteel Comparison - LMF, Blank, Blastmatch

    YouTube - Blast Match Fire Starter
     
  2. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    I have one in my kit and I wouldn't do without one if I could manage. I love the Blastmatch.
     
  3. Siskiyoumom

    Siskiyoumom Monkey+

    Sweet.....I also like the wet fire biscuit as well. Thanks for the vids.
     
  4. hedger

    hedger Monkey+

    On My List

    Blastmatch is definitely on my list of BOB supplies I need to get. I do have some fire steels and other ways of making fire but the Blastmatch definitely has to be part of my BOB.
     
  5. Robryan

    Robryan Monkey+

    Blastmatch and cotton ball with petroleum jelly on them is the best fire starting combination I have found. The Blastmatch actually works better after it's been used awhile an the rod get a flat spot. The strike force is a close second.
     
  6. melbo

    melbo Hunter Gatherer Administrator Founding Member

    I really like the Blastmatch although I've found that after repeated use, that little striking steel breaks off. I carry a small Benchmade axis in my pack that I use to 'spark' the Blastmatch.

    This is after 30+ uses in the field but it will happen so make sure you have an alternate piece of steel to strike with.
     
  7. Tferg27

    Tferg27 Monkey+

    Blastmatch is pretty cool. The sparkie is cheaper and works great too. Has anyone tried the aurora firestarter? I like that thing quite a bit. They are designing a flare launcher for it too believe it or not.
     
  8. Huntinbull

    Huntinbull Monkey+

    I would think the all in one quality of having the striker and ferro rod in one unit to use one handed would be the seller. If the striker breaks off after some use (30 uses in Melbo's case) then what is the point? It seems a more expensive and fallible unit than a simple ferro rod and knife or dedicated striker. Cool but doesn't seem worth the extra cost to me.
     
  9. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    That only happened to Melbo. He's a rugged mountainman. I have never had mine break on me...but, do what you like --just don't write the product off as soon as you hear about one bad case. ;)
     
  10. Huntinbull

    Huntinbull Monkey+

    Not writing it off. Just looking at possible scenarios. My budget cannot support fragile items that my life or even comfort may depend on. I know that the ferro rod would still work, but for the price I can have several ferro rods for different parts of my kit. I was wondering about durability when i saw the flip and slide design of the plastic cover. If the striker is on a flexible plastic panel or similar, plastic can get fragile in cold weather (when a fire is most needed).
     
  11. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    The Blastmatch is proven to work as an emergency tool. But, it is your life, if you want to "bet it" on something else, go right ahead! :) It's great for what it is intended to do: stowed away for emergency to be utilized with one handed operation, creating a massive shower of sparks like no other tool ever devised.

    As a daily use item...? Yeah, that's another story. But, "betting a life" on it is a sure thing from where I stand. Everything has its role --when taken out of that role, it no longer performs as intended, and problems may result. From the sounds of it, I think you may be better off with a daily use item like a firesteel or a fire piston; each of these are great tools to have.
     
  12. Huntinbull

    Huntinbull Monkey+

    Gotcha. We were coming at the thing from differing perspectives. I am looking more at sustainable resources for daily living in less than ideal conditions.
     
    Brokor likes this.
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