A metal match. Any good? Are they still available? If they are, where can I get a couple?

Metal matches are the most foolproof tool for fire ( you ll should carry redundant methods for this critical need) There are several sources; Exploration Products , Chris Janowski's WSI website, Bagheera ( forum member). Just look through the retail and school lists.

Never used them, but if you'e UK based you can get them from Penrith survival and other Miltary surplus type websites. I guess they would send them overseas too.<br><br>Justin

Thanks for the response. I absolutely agree on carrying redundant methods of fire both in my kits and on my person at all times. Same with tinder and knives.

Longbow,<br><br>Also try your local Boy Scouts Supplier. Their "Hot Spark" is small and inexpensive. I got a handful to spread througout my gear. Each was $2. They have a small diameter "flint" about 1" long with a good plastic finger-grip handle. BSA Hot Spark <br><br>Slip one on your key chain covered with some nylon tubing from Home Depot, add one to each PSK and you are set. These do not produce the mass of sparks you get from the larger WSI, BlastMatch types but more than adequate if you practice and also carry some tinder (cotton/vaseline). My key chain fire kit consists of one BSA Hot Spark and a Bison capsule with tinder.