That's a common problem with stuff nowadays. I don't want to start another "back in my day..." rant but things seem to be shoddier across the board. Some things are still very high quality (HK handguns come to mind), but quality seems less common.

I still really like UCO Stormproof matches. And I'm anxious to try out the NOS Diamond ones I bought.

You can also still buy Scepter military style gas cans.

(and Tim Horton's, though there's a few in the US)


Grrrr .... other than the frigid weather, you guys have it pretty good up there!

Strike anywhere matches are still sold in the UK, but are much less used than in years gone by.
Certainly useful, but large stashes of matches, especialy strike anwhere ones make me a little nervous.

I read somwhere, but can not substantiate, that strike anywhere matches were prohibited on board ship on account of the fire risk. One could certainly see the risk in rough weather of a box of matches being struck by some heavy article and igniting.

A well known brand of safety matches in the UK is the "ship" brand, and it is alleged that at one time this brand was the only brand allowed on board ships.