Matches

Matches are mainly used in everyday life to light candles, fireplaces, and grills, but they tend to fail quickly outdoors. If you are out in nature, you should instead take so-called storm matches with you. Unlike ordinary matches, the flame of these matches reliably ignites even in windy and wet conditions.

In the online shop of Meister Messer, you will find a wide selection of storm matches and other ignition aids that will allow you to easily and quickly light a fire even in bad weather or heat up your camping stove. In addition, on Meister Messer, you will learn about the detailed features that distinguish the matches designed for outdoor use.

How do matches work?

A match – also known as a matchstick – is a stick with a igniting head, used to start a fire. The shaft is usually made of wood, but sometimes of cardboard or paper. The match head typically contains sulfur as fuel, potassium chlorate as a fire-promoting oxidizer, and a binder such as glue.

Until the beginning of the 20th century, match manufacturers primarily used white phosphorus, which allows for a simple chemical ignition but is highly toxic and considered unreliable and prone to explosions. Since 1906, white phosphorus may no longer be used for the production of matches.

These days, safety matches are almost exclusively used. These were 1844 invented by the Swedish chemist Gustaf Erik Pasch. Safety matches are characterized by the fact that they can only be ignited on a special striking surface, which is coated with glass powder and red phosphorus.

In trade, so-called all-purpose matches are also offered, which ignite on any rough surface. This may be practical in certain situations, but also causes the corresponding matches to ignite unintentionally. Therefore, all-purpose matches are hardly used today.

What sets storm matches apart from ordinary matches?

Outdoor enthusiasts primarily rely on storm matches because they are wind and waterproof, unlike conventional matches. This is due to a higher proportion of gas-producing fuels and the addition of a small amount of tetraphosphorus trisulfide (also used in everywhere matches). The additive also ensures that the match re-ignites if the flame goes out due to a strong gust of wind or immersion in water.

Storm matches also differ visually from normal matches. Matches designed for outdoor use feature an extra-long match head that takes up to two-thirds of the match length. They are also equipped with a waterproof protective layer – usually made of wax.

In addition, storm matches score with a burn time of up to 25 seconds. As a rule of thumb: The longer the matches, the longer they burn. In the online shop of Meister Messer GmbH, you can also get igniters that look similar to regular firelighters and burn for up to seven minutes. Information on burn time is usually found in the product description.

How should outdoor matches be stored?

Even though storm matches are waterproof, they should still be stored or carried protected from moisture. After all, the protective layer usually only covers the ignition head. On outdoor tours, you should store the matches in a waterproof box. Many models come with one included in the delivery.

Order outdoor equipment for making fire cheaply online

To buy outdoor matches, Meister Messer is the right contact. In our online shop you can get storm matches and igniting aids in numerous designs. But we also offer outdoor lighters, fire steels, and tinder – So discover the range now and buy high-quality outdoor equipment online.