And finally...

Customer service reports they will re-send shipment today, this time UPS Second Day Air.

I hope this one arrives. At least, I should be able to track it!

Mine didn't arrive broken. I broke it myself so I didn't make a claim. I'll find other uses for it.

Regards, Vince

Wayne:

I can't believe the UK allows packages from the National Rifle Association of America to enter England!

Next thing you know, they will quit arresting people for wearing gun lapel pins.

Bountyhunter <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Looks like someone is trying to make a profit from these on Ebay. $25.00

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...29&rd=1

you beat me to it pete, i saw those a few days ago but for some reason couldnt post here (pos computer).

btw when i called the NRA store to complain about the missing blastmatch from my kit i only expected a new blastmatch, they actually sent me a whole new kit.

now thats a nice bonus.

ok but even if you did break it yourself, doesnt the blastmatch come with some kind of warranty on it incase of breaking?

it would make sense since it may be used in a "survival situation" people might not be using it as gently as they should because of panic and what not.

That's scant comfort if you're stranded and you just broke your last method of making a fire.

yes but it may be more comforting to someone whos trying to get one replaced in a non-emergency situation, which was the point of bringing it up here.

I bought a kit very much like this one - it was from the Ultimate Survival line, but included a really nice Saber Cut Saw. It cost me $50 a year and a half ago. I modified the contents: if you take out the foam you can fit all kinds of additional stuff in the case. I fit a Potable Aqua bottle, fishing kit, survival instructions, beta light, sewing kit, matches, and more.

It is a bit heavy for a girl like me, but fairly complete, so I gave it to my fiance. Hopefully he'll use it like I did!

In fairness, it would be almost impossible to break a Blastmatch to the extent that you couldn't use it to start a fire. You might need to use two hands, but this is true of most methods of starting a fire anyway (from the bowdrill to the mag-flint). And in an emergency, I'll bet I could use it one-handed even if the striker piece had broken off.

I agree that, for a piece of survival gear, the option to return it to the store for a replacement is not as attractive as it would be for a piece of stereo equipment; but it's important to remember that "broken" does not necessarily equate to "useless" <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />